Chia seeds

VfM4meplse

Anyone tried them? Would you recommend them? Any beneficial effects experienced?

I'd like to give them a go, but at £12.05 for 400g, I consider it to be a bit of an investment! http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=3637&prodid=4136&cid=84&sid=0&afid=70&safid=AG&scid=14581&cm_mmc=Aggregates-_-Comparisons-_-GoogleProducts-_-HBMVPCGP&of_tid=IRlagqZ1eeJ_Fj43icN1zifz8E0D6ga2zlZLAI6sgqRh5LKPpb2eFYSdEw5c5MM_ (struggling with highlighting text on the iPad)

santer_2

Got mine here

http://www.healthysupplies.co.uk/chia-seeds-infinity-foods.html

after reading this

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2119770/Chia-seeds-Latest-superfood-craze-taken-US-storm-heading-Britain.html

Delivery is £4:99 maximum

You can add them to virtually everything, which is just as well, as they do not taste of anything on their own.

Soak for 20 minutes before adding to bread dough

Lugh_Chronain

Here are some facts I just looked into to about Chia seeds that might interest you.

In a one-ounce (28 g) sample, dried chia seeds contain 9% of the Daily Value for protein (4g), 13% fat (9g) (57% of which is ALA) and 42% dietary fiber (11g), based on a daily intake of 2000 calories. The seeds also contain the essential minerals phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium in amounts comparable to other edible seeds, such as flax or sesame.

Although some research indicates potential for dietary health benefits in certain disease conditions, this work remains sparse and inconclusive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chia_seeds#Nutrient_content_and_potential_health_benefits

Now just because something is deemed "natural" doesn't mean they are without risks. I'm sure however that Chia seeds aren't necessarily risky as they appear to be no more risky than consuming flax or sesame seeds as mentioned above, though do take note of the following example, especially if you are taking supplements and/or any conventional drugs:

Getting too much calcium can cause constipation. It might also interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron and zinc, but this effect is not well established. In adults, too much calcium (from dietary supplements but not food) might increase the risk of kidney stones.

The safe upper limits for calcium are listed below. Most people do not get amounts above the upper limits from food alone; excess intakes usually come from the use of calcium supplements. Surveys (in the United States) show that some older women probably get amounts somewhat above the upper limit since the use of calcium supplements is common among these women.

Calcium is also found in many multivitamin-mineral supplements, though the amount varies by product.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-QuickFacts/

That said, there doesn't appear to be potential risks with consuming Chia seeds, so nothing to worry about, that I'm fairly certain of. I'm only making this point as some people assume because something is "natural" it is safe. It isn't necessarily always the case.

Unfortunately, I've not managed to find any more information, plus I want to hit the hay at this point and have really no intention of looking any further.

born_blonde

I read this a couple of weeks ago
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/the-seeds-set-to-be-the-next-superfood-craze-7584130.html?origin=internalSearch

Lugh_Chronain

With regard to diabetics it's interesting to see the article in the Independent where it says:

Chia seeds help cut blood sugar levels

Don't forget, diabetics can become hypo (Occurs when the level of glucose becomes too low, usually under 4 mmol/L. Also know as hypoglycaemia.) as well as hyper (when excessive amounts of glucose circulate in the blood. Also known as hyperglycaemia. Reference ranges for blood tests are 11.1 mmol/l). So do be careful. Though I understand that most, though not all, diabetics know how to control their diabetes.

Also, be a bit weary of the term "nutritionist". The title "nutritionist" is not subject to professional regulation; any person may call themselves a nutrition expert even if they are wholly self-taught. Don't confuse this with dietitian which is not subject to professional regulation. Nutritionist is not a protected term in the UK, unlike dietitians, who must be registered with the Health Professions Council.

http://www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/protectedtitles/

Fully trained nutritionists however are qualified to provide information about food and healthy eating, but not about special diets for medical conditions.

The Association for Nutrition is the professional body that regulates nutritionists. Association for Nutrition website has a register of nutritionists who have received an approved level of training including:

•registered nutritionists (RNutr)
•registered public health nutritionists (RPHNutr)

If you decide to get advice from a nutritionist, make sure you consult one who is qualified and registered. They should have the letters shown above after their name.

http://www.associationfornutrition.org/Default.aspx?tabid=92

Also, interesting to see what Dr Wayne Coates of the University of Arizona says:

You can add it [Chai berries] to anything. My wife sprinkles it on our salad. It lowers cholesterol, it reduces joint pain.

Flax seeds also lower cholesterol levels, especially in women. Dr Coates appears to be pointing this fact out as if Chai berries are some kind of new miracle cure to lowering cholesterol. This isn't necessarily true.

Dr Coates became a supplier himself, and his Chia Bia brand supplies Holland and Barrett.

Very dubious indeed.

On board with Dr Coates' message is Patrick Holford, but he warned that the category of Omega-3 oils found in chia seeds is less "potent" than those in a portion of salmon.

This point is also very interesting, though, and as it's pointed out in the article from the Independent, whatever the FSA decides, it is unlikely to deter ardent health fanatics from their purchase.

I was also wondering last night if this was some sort of a scam after reading the above article from the Daily Mail, and whether Chai seeds are really as healthy as they are claimed. Interestingly sesame seeds, for example, can be purchased for as little as 59p/100g were as Chia seeds appear to be something in the region of £1.14/100g. That alone does make it appear a bit of a scam. Though sesame seeds do appear to be slightly higher in protein (20.45g dried), fat (61.21g dried), and dietary fiber (11.6g dried). Calories appear as follows 2640 kJ (630 kcal). This information is based on the nutritional value of per 100g, and also based on dried seeds.

Sesame seeds are also a good source of calcium and are therefore suitable for sufferers of osteoporosis apparently. I also know that sesame oil is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, though lacks Omega 3 fatty acids, though I'm also guessing that the seeds hold the same compounds as well.

Chia seeds, from the information I have, appear to be slightly lower in protein 15.6g, and fat 30.8g, and dietary fiber appears to be more or less twice that of sesame seeds which is 37.7g per 100g. Calories are 2052 kJ (490 kcal).

Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Seeds, chia seeds, dried

Now let's look at flax seeds again (also known as common flax or linseed) as these appear to have more or less the same nutritional compounds.

Calories 2234 kJ (534 kcal), protein 18.29g, fat 42.16g, dietary fiber 27.3g. Also contain Thiamine (vit. B1), Riboflavin (vit. B2), Niacin (vit. B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Folate (vit. B9), Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc. Flax seeds are also rich in omega 3-fatty acids and fiber-related compounds known as lignans.

Lignans are capable of binding to estrogen receptors and interfering with the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen on breast tissue. Lignans such as podophyllotoxin are therefore being studied for their possible effects on breast, prostate and colon cancer. Lignans are also good antioxidants scavenging free radicals that may play a role in some diseases. Does this mean flax seeds are better than consuming Chai seeds? To be honest, I really don't know.

There does however appear to be differences, and understandable why people appear to consider Chia seeds as a healthier option.

And let's not pretend we all know about vitamins and minerals. I don't, though I have taken the time to look this up. For example, just because something has Omega 3 fatty acids in it, it doesn't necessarily make it OK.

Allow me to give you an example:

From Patient.co.uk.

Before taking omega-3 fatty acid compounds make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

•If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding (There is no information available on the safety of this during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is just a precaution)
•If you take warfarin tablets.
•If you have any bleeding problems.
•If you have recently had surgery.
•If you have liver problems.
•If you have asthma.
•If you have diabetes.
•If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
•If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

Some interesting information on Wikipedia as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid#Risks

Sorry if I'm appearing skeptical, and I don't mean to preach, though isn't it wise to be a bit cautious, with a little hint of skepticism thrown in as well? And especially when considering parting with your money. After all, how do we decide personal, business, health matters, recognise scams and misleading claims, finance, etc?

VfM4meplse

Lugh_Chronain wrote: »

Sorry if I appear skeptical, and I don't mean to preach, though isn't it wise to be a bit cautious, with a little hint of skepticism thrown in as well? And especially when considering parting with your money. After all, how do we decide personal, business, health matters, recognise scams and misleading claims, finance, etc?

I appreciate your concern, but my q was about sourcing these.

I have a great deal of scorn myself for non evidence-based theories, and people that jump on the latest "superfood" bandwagon or dietary revelation when employing a bit of common sense would bemore beneficial. I don't believe chia seeds to have any mystical qualities - hence not wanting to pay a high price for them - but just wanted to see if they are palatable, that's all.

Btw the vast majority of type II diabetics do not know how to manage their condition effectively, or rather refuse to make the lifestyle changes necessary despite repeated attempts at education, until such time that they are prescribed insulin. Incredibly many that attend educational sessions from a NHS dietician in deproved areas of London don't even realise that they have done so, such is the impact of this intervention.

MandM90

Eek that is expensive. We eat flax seeds/linseeds every day but I was hoping to try chia soon for a bit of variety, plus I bed they would look fab sprinkled on porridge or certain desserts. £12.05 for 400g, though :eek:

MandM90

Lugh_Chronain wrote: »

From Patient.co.uk.

Before taking omega-3 fatty acid compounds make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

•If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding (There is no information available on the safety of this during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is just a precaution)
•If you take warfarin tablets.
•If you have any bleeding problems.
•If you have recently had surgery.
•If you have liver problems.
•If you have asthma.
•If you have diabetes.
•If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
•If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

Some interesting information on Wikipedia as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid#Risks

Sorry if I'm appearing skeptical, and I don't mean to preach, though isn't it wise to be a bit cautious, with a little hint of skepticism thrown in as well? And especially when considering parting with your money. After all, how do we decide personal, business, health matters, recognise scams and misleading claims, finance, etc?

Does that list of people who should avoid omega-3 not refer to taking extra supplements, rather than regular dietary consumption...because omega three is essential (i.e. not manufactured within our bodies) yet considered necessary to our diet.

The risks on that link refer to those consuming over 3 grams per day, when - though there is no official RDA - most health professionals recommend aiming for 1 gram. Many vitamins can be detrimental to health if the recommended allowance is far exceeded.

Lugh_Chronain

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I appreciate your concern, but my q was about sourcing these.

I have a great deal of scorn myself for non evidence-based theories, and people that jump on the latest "superfood" bandwagon or dietary revelation when employing a bit of common sense would bemore beneficial. I don't believe chia seeds to have any mystical qualities - hence not wanting to pay a high price for them - but just wanted to see if they are palatable, that's all.

Fair point, I appear to have jumped to conclusions. And not everyone believes in non evidence-based theories [thankfully].

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Btw the vast majority of type II diabetics do not know how to manage their condition effectively, or rather refuse to make the lifestyle changes necessary despite repeated attempts at education, until such time that they are prescribed insulin. Incredibly many that attend educational sessions from a NHS dietician in deproved areas of London don't even realise that they have done so, such is the impact of this intervention.

Very true, I also work with people involved with the care of diabetics and have experienced more or less the same.

MandM90 wrote: »

Does that list of people who should avoid omega-3 not refer to taking extra supplements, rather than regular dietary consumption...because omega three is essential (i.e. not manufactured within our bodies) yet considered necessary to our diet.

Yes, your right. My mistake and probably not the best example.

My point however was how some people appear to assume that there are no risks [at all] with taking supplements, though I also meant health foods as well as these could exasperate each other.

And also worth noting, when consumed in high enough amounts, for a long enough time, or in combination with certain other substances, all chemicals can be toxic, including nutrients, plant components, and other biologically active ingredients.

My concerns however were whether eating so called health foods could possibly exasperate the so called safe upper limits by going beyond these if certain foods contain vitamins (or other compounds) that could be deemed problematic. What I mean is, if health foods are consumed along with supplements. Do you see what I mean? The upper limits could be exceeded due to the fact that some foods may have a high level of vitamin content, for example.

Incidentally, I'm not anti supplements by the way, I thought I'd point this out, or even anti health foods as they both have their place and uses, I also take vitamin B on recommendation of my GP. And marmite for example could be classed as a health food as it's high in vitamin B. My GP recommended taking Marmite, I told him I hate the stuff so he recommended taking vitamin B supplements instead.

MandM90 wrote: »

The risks on that link refer to those consuming over 3 grams per day, when - though there is no official RDA - most health professionals recommend aiming for 1 gram. Many vitamins can be detrimental to health if the recommended allowance is far exceeded.

Yes, and I understand that many vitamins can be detrimental to health if the recommended allowance is far exceeded as I've tried to point out above. To be honest though, I didn't actually read thoroughly what it says on Wikipedia, I will do so in due course though.

That little known fact that you've pointed out has also got me thinking. If there are no official RDA, doesn't that kind of make things a bit more problematic, and especially when referring to what I've mentioned above? Or am I wrong?

VfM4meplse

Realistically, it's only the fat soluble vitamins (ADE) that may cause a problem as water soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine. Vit K is an exception in certain patients, because of it's effect on the thrombin pathway.

VfM4meplse

MandM90 wrote: »

We eat flax seeds/linseeds every day

I tend to use these as a substitute for egg when baking cakes, but they are a complete PITA to crush . Chia I have heard has similar thickening properties.