Has Flax Seed Been Replaced By a Mayan Favorite?
Chia is the Mayan word for strength. It was originally used by the Aztecs, Mayans, and other Native Americans as an energy source, and as a nutritional supplement. Their running messengers carried a little pouch of the seeds to give them energy to complete the trip. It is referred to as the “Indian running food.” It also fueled the Chia pet craze and responsible for the “As seen on TV Chia Obama” . Chia seed is steadily taking market share from traditional flax seed users for a few key reasons.
- Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids - Both Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds are good plant based sources of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, or EFAs.
- 2 tablespoons of Chia Seeds 5,000+ mg Omega-3
(highest combined Alpha-Linolenic (ALA) and Linoleic Fatty Acid % of all crops)
- 2 tablespoons of Flax Seeds contain only 2,700 mg Omega-3
- Phytoestrogens - Chia does not have Phytoestrogen chemicals contained in Flax, which has raised concerns concerning estrogen-related cancers and estrogen dominance.
- Chia’s softer seed allows it to be added to products and eaten without additional processing. Flax seed must be ground or purified to be consumed.
- Other Nutrients and Antioxidants - Chia Seeds are also higher in antioxidants…much higher than Flax Seeds. In fact, Chia Seeds have more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. In addition, both Chia and Flax are gluten free. Chia Seeds help control blood sugar levels and are recommended by doctors, coaches and personal trainers.
Both Chia and Flax can be purchased as oil, meal, flour and processed in thousands of products.
Chia is believed to be a wiser choice than Flax. Armed with this information, you will be able to make an informed choice of which is best for you.
Has Flax Seed Been Replaced By a Mayan Favorite?
Chia is the Mayan word for strength. It was originally used by the Aztecs, Mayans, and other Native Americans as an energy source, and as a nutritional supplement. Their running messengers carried a little pouch of the seeds to give them energy to complete the trip. It is referred to as the “Indian running food.” It also fueled the Chia pet craze and responsible for the “As seen on TV Chia Obama” . Chia seed is steadily taking market share from traditional flax seed users for a few key reasons.
- Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids - Both Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds are good plant based sources of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, or EFAs.
- 2 tablespoons of Chia Seeds 5,000+ mg Omega-3
(highest combined Alpha-Linolenic (ALA) and Linoleic Fatty Acid % of all crops)
- 2 tablespoons of Flax Seeds contain only 2,700 mg Omega-3
- Phytoestrogens - Chia does not have Phytoestrogen chemicals contained in Flax, which has raised concerns concerning estrogen-related cancers and estrogen dominance.
- Chia’s softer seed allows it to be added to products and eaten without additional processing. Flax seed must be ground or purified to be consumed.
- Other Nutrients and Antioxidants - Chia Seeds are also higher in antioxidants…much higher than Flax Seeds. In fact, Chia Seeds have more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. In addition, both Chia and Flax are gluten free. Chia Seeds help control blood sugar levels and are recommended by doctors, coaches and personal trainers.
Both Chia and Flax can be purchased as oil, meal, flour and processed in thousands of products.
Chia is believed to be a wiser choice than Flax. Armed with this information, you will be able to make an informed choice of which is best for you.