Small yet mighty, chia seeds could well be considered a tiny superfood. Once mostly famous for putting the green on Chia Pets, it’s the health benefits of chia seeds that are really catching attention today.
Easy to add to your diet, these little black seeds are filled with nutrients that are good for your digestion, heart, bones, and skin. They have the potential to aid weight loss and lower inflammation in your body due to their powerful antioxidants and other plant compounds.
Here’s more about chia seeds, their outstanding nutritional content, and what research has to say about how they can boost your health.
What Are Chia Seeds?
The familiar black chia seeds you can buy in almost any store come from the chia plant- also known as Salvia hispanica. A related plant, Salvia columbariae, produces golden chia seeds. They have similar properties to the black ones but are less commonly available.
Chia plants and seeds hail from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. They are cultivated today in many areas of North and South America.
Grown in the wild or in cultivation, chia plants are not like the tiny sprouts you see on Chia Pets. They grow 3-6′ tall and bloom with purple or blue flowers. Once the flowers have faded, the seeds are harvested and dried fully before being sold.
If you’ve ever eaten chia seeds, you know they have interesting properties.
Sprinkled on top of foods, they add a nice crunch and mild flavor. However, if you soak them in liquid, they become very thick and gel-like. You can use them as a natural thickener and even as an egg replacement in recipes.
History of Chia Seeds & Use in Traditional Medicine
Chia seeds were once an important food source for the Aztecs and Mayans who used to live where chia plants were native. They valued them as a highly nutritional food and even used them as currency and for trade.
The word “chia” actually comes from the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” This is because chia seeds were often consumed for the energy and endurance they gave. They were especially prized by runners and warriors who would consume the seeds before battles and long-distance races.
Besides being valued as food, the health benefits of chia seeds were well-known in traditional medicinal practices. They were also thought to endow warriors with stamina and were even used in religious rituals.
Ayurvedic medicine values chia for health as well. The seeds are considered to be nourishing for the blood and able to support digestion and lower inflammation.
With such a rich history, it’s no wonder chia seeds have stuck around as one of the healthiest foods you can eat!
Outstanding Nutritional Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Much of the goodness of chia comes from the nutrients packed into the tiny seeds. These are the top nutritional benefits you can get by consuming these seeds regularly.
High in Several Important Minerals
Chia seeds are one of the best sources of several important nutrients. They don’t have a noticeable amount of many vitamins but are packed full of certain minerals.
Just a one ounce serving (about two tablespoons) contains a high amount of calcium (18% DV), magnesium (23% DV), manganese (30% DV), phosphorus (27% DV), and zinc (7% DV). They also have smaller amounts of potassium, copper, and some B vitamins.
Magnesium is one of the most common minerals lacking in the Western diet. It’s important for sleep, metabolism, muscle health, heart health, and much more, but many people are deficient.
Calcium is another essential nutrient and the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is incredibly important for bone health and plays a large role in keeping you healthy as you age. The most common source of calcium is dairy products, but chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources and even rival milk for calcium content.
Manganese and phosphorus are less familiar minerals but still essential for overall health. Manganese plays many roles in the body and is involved in metabolism, blood clotting, and immune response. Phosphorus is important for bone health and energy storage.
Finally, though one ounce of chia seeds contains only about 3% DV of copper, it’s important for many of us to get more of this antioxidant mineral that is needed for heart health.
High in Dietary Fiber
Chia seeds are made up of about 46% carbohydrates by weight. More than 80% of those carbohydrates are in the form of fiber, making chia a very healthy high-carb food.
Just two tablespoons of chia seeds gives you almost 11 grams of fiber, which is about 42% of the recommended daily value! If you ate that amount everyday, you’d be almost halfway to the recommended fiber intake on chia alone.
There are even more health benefits to the fiber in chia seeds because most of it is insoluble. Insoluble fiber is the type that doesn’t break down in your body. It pulls in water as it goes through your digestion, promoting colon and bowel health.
Some research even indicates that insoluble fiber can improve insulin sensitivity and may reduce your diabetes risk.
High in Health-Boosting Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Like other seeds, chia is high in omega-3 fatty acids. About 34% of their makeup by weight is fat, and around 75% of that fat is omega-3. Another 20% of the fat content is omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been much researched for their health-promoting properties. Studies link them to heart health, brain health, eye health, and the prevention of several age-related diseases.
It’s important to note that the main type of omega-3 found in chia seeds is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA needs to be converted into the active forms of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) before it can be used by your body.
The conversion process of ALA into EPA and DHA is very inefficient. For this reason, ALA is often considered inferior to the other two.
However, recent studies indicate that ALA has its own benefits, particularly for heart health and for potentially lowering the risk of a stroke. And chia seeds remain the best plant-based source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids.
Research also shows that consuming chia seeds increases EPA levels in your body. If you follow a plant-based diet and consume chia regularly, you would only need to add something like an algae supplement to get the missing DHA.
Good Amount of Plant-Based Protein
Chia seeds have a high amount of protein compared to many other plant foods. They are around 20% protein by weight, which puts them above all cereals and most grains.
Like other seeds, chia is gluten-free. This makes them a great plant-based option for protein if you are allergic or sensitive to gluten.
Even better, chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a high-quality protein.
Full of Antioxidants + Other Key Plant Compounds
There may be several anti-aging health benefits of chia seeds due to their high antioxidant content. In fact, a 2014 report found that the seeds had almost twice as much antioxidant concentration as previously thought.
Antioxidants are known to benefit your body in many ways. Most notably, they protect against free radical damage that can cause age-related health problems and chronic diseases.
Specifically, chia seeds contain antioxidants like kaempferol and quercetin. Both have been shown in numerous studies to possess anticancer properties. Both also display heart-protective effects, and kaempferol has demonstrated neuroprotective benefits as well.
Caffeic acid, which has known anti-inflammatory properties, is another key compound in chia.
Overall, chia seeds are a great anti-aging food that can boost your daily antioxidant intake.
Other Notable Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Great for Digestion & A Healthy Gut
The high fiber content of chia seeds makes them very beneficial for your digestive health. They contain both insoluble and soluble fiber, which each have their own benefits.
The large amount of fiber in the seeds pulls in water as they pass through your digestive tract. This results in a softer stool and promotes regularity. It also helps prevent constipation by speeding up the time it takes food to get through your digestive system.
Dietary fiber also acts as a prebiotic, which means it feeds friendly bacteria in your gut. Because certain fibers are not digested by your body, they make it all the way through your intestines to feed the bacteria living there.
Besides aiding your digestion, having healthy gut flora is linked to many other aspects of health, including a good immune system.
Boosts Stamina and Energy
The carbohydrate content of chia seeds make them a good source of energy, especially before exercising. They give your body an easily digestible source of fuel.
One study compared the effects of a chia drink and Gatorade on sports performance. Drinking the chia and drinking Gatorade both enhanced performance in an almost identical way. However, the group that drank half chia and half Gatorade consumed significantly less sugar than the all-Gatorade group.
As a bonus, the protein in chia seeds can help your muscles recover after a workout.
Supports Happy, Healthy Bones
Chia seeds contain several important nutrients for bone health.
Calcium is the most notable one. It’s especially essential for the prevention of osteoporosis, particularly when combined with vitamin D and exercise. While it’s a vital nutrient for everyone, studies indicate that up to 90% of women need more of it in their diet.
Manganese, another nutrient in chia seeds, is also involved in bone health. It may help to reduce bone loss and increase the effects of calcium. One study documented that a manganese, copper, zinc, and calcium supplement was better than calcium alone at preventing spinal bone loss.
Protective of Heart Health
There are a few health benefits of chia seeds for your heart. To start with, both antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. They also lower inflammation in your body that can be a contributing factor to heart disease.
Animal studies show that chia seeds may reduce other risk factors for heart disease as well. One study indicated that they can lower triglycerides and raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Another documented an improvement in insulin resistance.
Still more studies show that chia seeds can significantly reduce high blood pressure.
Overall, chia can help with risk factors of both heart disease and diabetes. It’s certainly an easy dietary addition to help protect your heart, especially when combined with other lifestyle and dietary changes.
Potential Weight Loss Aid
There’s good indication that chia seeds are a food that can help with weight loss. Both fiber and protein have been shown to increase feelings of fullness, which helps you eat less at a meal.
The fiber of chia seeds does this by absorbing water and expanding in your stomach. Protein appears to work in part by reducing levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is what normally stimulates hunger. Adding more protein to your diet can decrease your appetite and promote weight loss.
There have been few specific studies done on chia seeds and weight loss, but one promising study showed a short-term increase in feelings of fullness and a corresponding decrease in food intake.
Are There Precautions with Chia Seeds?
There are no reported side effects associated with consuming chia seeds. The biggest potential problem you can run into is digestive upset from consuming too much fiber. However, this is only likely if you eat a very large amount all at once.
Because chia seeds absorb a lot of water in your digestive tract, it’s best to drink plenty of water when eating them. Some people find they digest chia better by pre-soaking the seeds before consuming them.
Tiny Seeds with Huge Potential
Don’t underestimate the health benefits of chia seeds just because they are small and ordinary-looking! You can get more nutrients and antioxidants from a small amount of chia than you can from large amounts of many other foods.
Regularly consuming chia seeds will only benefit your digestion and overall health. They can be a great aid for losing weight and provide a good, healthy source of energy.
Maybe the best part about chia seeds is that they have a mild flavor and are easy to add to your diet. You can use them to make plant-based puddings, blend them into smoothies, or sprinkle them on almost any meal.
Find a way to incorporate them into your own diet, and power up your body with chia!
Thanks. Chia seeds were not something I ever knew much about. Thanks so much for this article!
Thank you for the great tips! I have been using chia seeds,, since the Longevity class. I have altered & changed my diet up, tremendously. I really feel the difference.
great how do you use them? tks
Me too! I really appreciated this article!
You will love them! I stir 3 Tablespoons of chia into a glass of almond milk, 2 Tablespoons peanut butter, dash of stevia or your preferred sweetener, stir well, add 2-3 Tablespoons hemp seeds, add frozen berries, let sit overnight. You will have the yummiest berry, peanut butter chia seed pudding ever!! enjoy
Sounds yummy –thanksRachel
I became dizzy with all the positive properties that you mention. Won’t remember most of them, but will make it my purpose to consuming these seeds daily
Thanks for the great info!
Thanks, they could be bought, some years ago!
Thank You sooo much!
Thanks for the reminder.
I have been eating chia seeds as breakfast every morning jus bcause i love it,until i read all its purposes in the body,im Thankful though to find out how good it is for the body and health..So yeiiii…I been eating the right food for my health.I add fruits on top,sliced almond,pumpkin seeds and i chopped 3 pieces of dates with almond milk ..Sooooo yummmm.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your breakfast idea! 🙂
It sounds delicious!
Thank. I had purchased some but coildn’t remember why or how to use the. Back in the diet now.
I always add them ti the smoothie that I take to work. By the time I drink the smoothie, they’ve had time to soften.
Chia seeds is full of AWESOMENESS.
Thank you for bringing this awareness to others. 🙏. Enjoy !!
Thanks for the fantastic article! I learned so much about chia seeds and will now include them in my diet since the information you provided makes me realize how beneficial they are to my health.
That is such important information. Thank you. I am going to buy some in the morning.
I have been using them for 3-4 years. I used to use them whole but lately hav3 been grinding them up with flax seeds in a coffee grinder. Which is correct way to consume them?. Whole?
Hi Luann, unlike flax seeds, you can eat chia seeds whole… OR soaked… OR grind them… and they will still pack a wonderful nutritional punch 🙂
Yes I do the same and add them to my oatmeal for breakfast
I do the same! Also love Chia pudding…just a little plant milk and sweetener (ie; date syrup) and soak overnight for yummy pudding…add fruit for extra goodness! 🙂
I have them with berries and ice and a little natural honey and make a smoothie. If you leave it a few minutes, they soften and thicken up uour smoothie.
I have the same question. I now grind my chia, hemp and flax into one mix in a coffee grinder. I’ve read whole chia helps with the digestive tract but ground chia gets more of the nutrients into the body. I’ll experiment with a combo of whole and ground chia on my next time I “mill” my seeds.
Love you so much Brian so incredibly grateful for you & your wife and all you do ♥️
Hi Randi, and thank you for the kind words, means a LOT! (Will pass on to my wife, too!)
Thank you for this great info. I will now find more ways to use them in cooking.
Thank you
Should you grind the chia seeds first before you just eat them on food. Dr Brooke Goldner who teaches about getting rid of autoimmune diseases recommends both chia and or flax seeds. Says to grind them in your smoothie so they don’t oxidize in the air. I highly recommend her for all healing concerns. At Goodbyelupus.com. All free info. No money involved.
Hi Debbi, unlike flax seeds, you can eat chia seeds whole, or soaked, or grind them, for great nutritional value. (If you do grind, best to use right away OR store them in airtight container).
I highly recommend–after eating soaked chia seeds most mornings for most of a year now, that they should be included in the diet of all seniors for sure. Would be healthier than taking laxatives’!
Thank you, Brian, most wellcome!
I have Chia seeds in my freezer, and planned to research how to use them. Thanks for the help.
Very interesting chia seeds are a favorite of mine love them as topping for lots of things! Why my horses even get some!
Thank you so very much for the information on Chia Seeds. I will use them daily in my smoothies.
I’ve used them (2tbsp.) with breakfast, not realizing the fiber content. Now, I plan to start using it 3 times a day. Hopefully my health and weight will uptick.
Yes, chia seeds are a great addition to most people’s diets, however anyone who is on anticoagulants, mainly Coumadin or Warfarin, it can quickly alter one’s INR levels. Please monitor carefully when consuming chia in your diet.
Thank you for that precaution!
For some years now I’ve eaten soaked chia and flax seeds every morning. A teaspoon of each (when dry). 10 years ago I discovered that eaten this way my echema could be kept under control. I even take them on holiday with me as otherwise I’m in trouble!
Great article Thankyou!
Chia – perfect body energizer!….and more. Thank you very much for the details!
Thank you! I eat chia seeds often, but your article is so well written and easy to read that I will probably have them even more often!
I add a tablespoon to my post workout smoothie every day. Now maybe I’ll add 2 😀
I’m a newbie to your site and am just thrilled by the info on aloe vera and now chia seeds. Thank you so much. Wishing good health and happiness to all,
This summer, I have been consistently making chia pudding for breakfast, mixed with fruit, nuts & psyllium husks. I mix 3/4 cup chia seeds with 11/2 cups of organic soy milk + 1 cup of yoghurt (whatever you like) & a slurp of maple syrup. Mix everything together and refrigerate. Does 2 of us about 3 breakfasts worth. Great for digestion, energy and overall health.
Brian,
Because I am a Nurse Practitioner and health crusader, I have read and subscribed to many health and wellness sites. Yours is one of the BEST.
I like the “plain spoken” yet informative information offered on so many topics!
I use chia seeds and flax in smoothies, on toast, and wherever else it can blend in.
I knew it was great fiber and some protein, but didn’t know about all the other good nutritional benefits. Thanks.
P.S. I also love your jokes!
Hi Rebecca, and THANK YOU for the kind words regarding the articles… and my terribly good (or wonderfully bad?) dad jokes 🙂
Fascinating article – THANK YOU!!!
Are Chia-pets also nutrient-dense?
Not certain about the physical benefits of consuming chia pets, but they’re nutrient-dense in terms of lifting one’s spirits 😉
Thanks Brian love reading any of your blogs very interesting, feel much healthier already I add these little powerhouse seeds to all my recipes.
Thank you Brian for this wonderful information. I will be adding them to my diet.
I’m 81 years young. I take no pharma meds and have been blessed with good health. Chia, oats, psyllium husks, ground nuts and seeds and yes a bit of maple syrup makes a delicious breakfast.. I eat nourishing, tasty food and walk three times a week outside ..regulated by the temperature or inside on the stairs.. If your purpose is to be well… do it..no one can/will do it for you. If you don’t make the decision, someone else will. Go and keep going.
Thank you! I knew they were good, I just didn’t know how good. I’ll definitely be using them more.
Thank you Brian. This article was wonderful. I’m really feeling I can trust your information.
I frequently make chia pudding and add some collagen powder. I really enjoyed learning about all the benefits from your article! The pudding is also like a healthy dessert if I’m feeling tempted.
Appreciate you sharing this information. I purchased the anti aging summit and listen to it constantly in the car. I learn something new every time I listen!
Many thanks!
Very informative! I am now motivated to try some. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.
Wow!!! This is the most comprehensive report on chia seeds I have ever read. I literally loved it! Thank you Brian!
I’ll be on 2 tbsp a day of grinded chia from tomorrow. 🙂
Thank you for this article about the tiny surprise.
Thank you Brian! Love your work. You always explain so well. Am trusting the information you provide in this day and age of uncertainty. Have been using Chia seeds in my salads….will try other options now. You showed a picture of Kiwi and strawberries above….what was that for….are there Chia seeds in Kiwi/strawberries??? Thanks’ again for your dedication/work. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the extensive summary on one of my favorite seeds.
I am not sure that all of the whole chia seeds I eat are being broken down in my GI tract as I see remnants of them later on. Does anybody know if the chia seed is normally broken down during digestion? Could it be that what I often see being expelled is merely the fibrous seed skin (although it tends to look round)? If I don’t get an answer I might have to get beyond the yuck factor and take a sample to the microscope,…
I had no idea chia seeds were so good for you. Now they will be a daily habit. I do have 1 recipe using chia seeds, it’s a pudding but is made with coffee instead of a milk. Surpriseingly very good with a little jogurt on it. Thank you Brian for all the good info.
Thanks for the super chia write up. I love these little guys. I add them every day to my breakfast. Now I see how incredible they are I will work on increasing the amount. Cheers!
Great informative article. I’ve been using Chia seeds off and on (switch up with Flax seeds) for a few years. I love Flax seeds but I have a hand grinder and it’s so much quicker to just use Chia seeds.
I mix in a tablespoon with steelcut oatmeal for breakfast. If I start out the day eating healthy I have a better chance of continuing to eat healthy for the rest of the day.
Thank you for the reminders and new info. I’ve had chia seeds forever, but have forgotten about using them (duh…)
thank you for such useful information
Thanks for posting!
Your information packed articles are beyond the best, Brian. Appreciate your extensive work that goes into them to keep us informed and healtier as we grow older..
Great article! I knew of some benefits but not all that you outline here. Very grateful for the information.
I add to my mix of coconut water, Kefir, Holy Basil (for destress), & hydrolyzed collagen shake I take to work! I make it the night before, so by the time I sip it during the day, the seeds are softened! So good!! Really happy to hear all the health benefits! I’m nearly 65 and work in a physical job with people in their 20’s and 30’s, so need to keep up!! LOL!!
So glad to see an article that explains all the vitamins and minerals in chia seeds. I stopped eating them and and will begin again thanks to this article. Thank you for all you do for women’s health. We have been brain washed by big business and all this info is much needed.
I have a big jar of Chia seeds that I use sparingly. I love sprinkling them on salads.
Someone once told me that Chia seeds had no value unless they were cooked. Is this true?
Thanks for the great information!
So informative! Thanks, Brian for your great article about Chia! I will add some into my breakfast shake today!
I made plenty of notes. Thank you.
Love the article and the great explanations of the many benefits of chia seeds. I use in my daily smoothie and just lately have been making enough to have a small glass in the fridge overnite which soften the seeds and makes for a quick breakfast (I am not a breakfast eater, so feel this is my substitute. Thanks again Brian for all your concise articles, the recent Summit which is life changing and your Dad jokes. You are a true humanitarian.
I have read several articles about Chia seeds. This article is by far the best! It contained a lot of informatiion that I did not know regarding Chia seeds. Thank you Kathleen
Brian …many thanks for this well-explained and helpful contribution to my good health.
Wow! Thanks Brian for this valuable information on the tiny chia seeds. I knew they were good for me but I had no idea just how beneficial they are for my body! I will definitely be amping up my chia consumption, especially for my osteoporosis.
Good to know about Chia for Osteoporosiis. Will get some and start taking them as i have Osteoporosis. Wonderful information about Chia seeds i did not know will be taking them. Thank you for the information Margaret.
Great information I did not know all these benefits or where they come from
Thank you so much for the great article! I occasionally put them on my oats or add them to my homemade granola and I knew they were good for me, but I had no idea how good!
Every morning I have organic steel cut oatmeal with chia seed, flaxseed, hemp seed, kefir topped with fresh blueberries.
I made the overnight chia seed pudding years ago – but flavor very bland. Do you have some chia pudding recipes that actually taste good? ( I saw one recipe in comments so will try, but thinking that one may be a bit high in calories for my weight loss program?). PS: maple syrup is my go to. I really dislike all other “natural sweeteners” like stevia, monk fruit etc etc). I’ll risk the calories over the taste of those! 🙂
I love all the benefits of Chia seeds and mix them with flax every morning.
Thanks for an excellent article.
I love all the benefits of Chia seeds and mix them with flax every morning.
Thanks for an excellent article.
I’ve just started adding 1 tsp to my breakfast and definitely feel better. My bowels have been smoother and more consistent, not bothered by the chia seeds at all, I need to add more throughout my other meals!
Thanks! Knew they were healthy, but wasn’t clear on the details of why or amounts. Now I know!
My daughter bought me a bag of chia and told me to eat them at breakfast with natural Greek yoghurt. I followed her instructions and have never felt so well. It’s cured my acid reflux and I no longer spend hours sat on the loo. I am 100 percent better and at 75 that’s really something!!
Thank you for this informative article about the nutritional benefit of Chia seeds. I will definitely add them to my diet.
Who knew such a tiny seed would be so nutritious!! Thank you for this valuable information!
I will start putting them in my morning smoothie!
Great article on chia seeds! I add them to oatmeal- 1 Tb ground- in my oatmeal which my husband and I have frequently in the morning. (I read somewhere that grinding them make chia seeds more bioavailable) I knew it was healthy, but did not realize the extent of its healthiness! It’s like a magic seed! I was taking an ALA supplement, but now that I know that the omega 3 benefit is mostly ALA, I just rely on the natural source! Again, thank you.
Thank you Brian. I have never consumed chia seeds except on various rolls. I never knew about their value. I will get some and try them for myself. Maybe I can even get my husband to try them if I put them in something he likes. He has Parkinson’s disease and I have a lot of difficulty getting him to eat healthy foods.
Thank you for this very informative article. I’ve been meaning to add more chia seeds to my diet so this is a great reminder too.
I do love Chia seeds and do eat every now an then. Never new they had all them nutrients.
Thank you ever so kindly for this informative, comprehensive, and valuable article concerning the mini/mighty chia seed. It has given me a better understanding, as well as armed me with information while teaching others the benefits of a healthier lifestyle! All the best to you!!
For years I’ve been adding 1 tbsp chia seeds to my overnight oats (made with kefir). I knew they were good for me, but I didn’t know how good. Your article has persuaded me to double this amount from now own.
How much dry Chia seeds and Hemp seeds should I put in my smoothie? I also take 1tsp of Omega D 3 Fish oil .
Thank you
I have been taking 3.5Tbsp, and my mom 2.5Tbsp of chia seeds every morning for 2.5 years now. I didn’t realize it had this many benefits. I measure it out and then grind it and add it to a Greek yogurt, kefir, and organic pomegranate juice then add 1 cup of organic blueberries to each bowl. I am perfectly regular now. 🙂
Thank you for the reminder, of why I have several containers of chia, time to start eating it more often!
Thank you for all your articles.
Great information! I knew a few of these but not all of them! I’m definitely motivated to incorporate them more often now! Thank you!
Thanks Brian for such informative explanation. I’m glad because I have been using Chia and flax seeds for more than 4 Years now. Some of the benefits I had no knowledge of and I will continue using them.
Very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, for sharing all of the amazing benefits. They have been a part of my morning routine for over a year now. I make a no-oats breakfast using chia seeds, ground flax, hemp seeds and cinnamon. You can enjoy them warmed in a bit of water or made into a refrigerator pudding.
Brian please confirm that eating whole dry Chia seeds can be dangerous. I read an article which claimed that they can swell in the throat. They should be soaked in some form of liquid, juice, yogurt, kefir, milk, oatmeal, pudding etc.. would appreciate your advice. FRD
Hi Flavia, consuming large amounts of dry chia seeds is, indeed, not advised. People do not typically eat them “straight” that way, but it is wise to note that anyway, as you do, so thank you! The best and most common ways to eat them, as you also note, are mixed in with other foods like juices, smoothies, etc.
My wife & I have a fire shot with my own greens with a teaspoon of chai in every morning, I know & believe they are healthy, but can’t say at the moment I feel any difference, prop needs to be long term etc….
My wife & I have a fire shot with my own greens with a teaspoon of chai in every morning, I know & believe they are healthy, but can’t say at the moment I feel any difference, prop needs to be long term etc….
Brian, Thank you for all your informative articles. I love all Dream cream and all the other related products.
I am wondering about something I read. Two doctors on YouTube (very well-respected by comments I see) said that chia seeds could raise your C-reactive protein scores, and they said to stop eating them. I was surprised to see that and very disappointed because I eat them all the time. In fact, I grew up with a drink that is very popular with Central American people, and the main ingredient is Chia seeds.
Have you run across any information on this bad side effect? I would appreciate your comments.
Thank you Grace
Hi Grace, thank you for your wonderful feedback! I have not seen the doctors’ you are referring to but I have seen research showing the opposite, that chia may lower C-reactive protein, such as: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11658942/
Thank You for this comprehensive information on Chia. 🙏🏼
We’ve used them for years.
I look forward to sharing this information with my 11 year old granddaughter, as I feel it’s so important for our younger generations to understand the importance of good food.
They are a great binding agent for our banana pancakes, in place of eggs, for those with an allergy to eggs.
Great article! I have chia seeds and flax seeds every morning in my protein shake and love them. I knew chia seeds were good for me, but didn’t know all the benefits.
Thanx for super info about the magical Chia seeds. They are tiny with a healthy punch!
I am wondering where to buy chia seeds. Does Walmart carry them? I no longer drive, but have a friend drive us to Walmart once a month. Then I stock up on everything I can. I just had a friend go to the Smiths grocery store near me (in Utah) and pick up some milk and produce in between Walmart shopping. Brian I read your emails regularly. I copy you Dad jokes and share them with my friends on Facebook. They Love them too! I have tried to live a relatively healthy life. I call myself a “health food chocaholic.” Chocolate is my drug of choice!
Hello and thanks to Carol and EVERYONE for such kind words! Carol, these days you can find chia seeds in a lot of “typical” grocery stores, likely including Wal-Mart (as well as online and at natural / health food stores). And thx, Carol, re the dad jokes compliment 🙂
Brian huge gratitude for sharing this important and essential information regarding chia seeds!! They are tiny but very powerful health benefit ! Happily I started enjoying them over 20 years ago and like you I’m telling folks of their abundant nutrition.
Good article and comments. I have a different angle to offer advice on. Be careful when washing your dishes that have some chia seeds still in them. It’s best to try and avoid them going down the sink, as they can start building up on the pipes if they stick. I wipe my chia dishes with a paper towel before washing them.
Thank you for this article. I did not know so much nutrition was contained in these tiny seeds. Awesome! Someone recently told me that if chia seeds are combined with crushed flaxseeds and consumed, they help with joint pains. I have not tried it, but I am curious and now more eager to use them Thanks again for the information.
Brian, thanks for this info and the link you shared to on studies for chia seeds. I checked out link and found some great information. My takeaway is that I’m need to increase the amount I’m eating. Thanks.