Chia Seeds

David,

Interesting, I came across a small mention of chia seeds somewhere just two days ago, and I've been thinking about trying it, but hadn't really decided on it. Now, after reading this, I think I probably will, as soon as I get some money! Thanks.

Hi David,

Have you heard of the Salba (chia variety) research that was done in diabetes patients?

They found that Salba lowered inflammation, blood pressure and blood clotting. Salba has so many health effects..

Hi!

Given that I'm a walking rave for these great little seeds I'm surprizingly slow at chiming in here. Busy!

I'm so glad you've posted this David!

As I indicated at your 'Dawn Phenomenon' post, I swear by chia seeds. I eat a lot more than you do and love them. I eat a TBSP before morning walk and breakfast, about another 4 TBSPs thru the day and 1 more at bedtime. Yes, a total of 6 TBSP but its worth it!

They:

- help stabilize my blood sugars all day and night, (details in my other post) and improved A1c of 5.8.

- give me a tremendous energy boost.

- curb my appetite and cravings.

- are a great digestive aid and keep me from having acid stomach.

- keep things 'moving along' more enjoyably than metamucil and such. 

They are helping friends and family in those and other ways including better sleep pattern, helping with mood, make smoking less desirable.  

I love their 'tapioca like' texture in liquids or puddings but they can be used in tons of ways. I also get them 6 bags at a time from www.ArizonaChia.com .

I am one of the grateful recipients of the immediately preceding poster's evangelizing! I eat approx. 1 TBS at breakfast, 1-2 TBS at lunch, and maybe 1TBS for an afternoon or evening snack.  I find the chia nonpalatable when in gel form, so always eat unsoaked, uncooked.

I can attest to the smoking-suppression effects of chia.  For approx. 1 hr. immediately after ingestion I have no desire for a cigarette.  When I am finally ready to quit for good I plan to incorporate chia into my planned accupuncture and herb quitting regime.  I also notice digestive and appetite suppressant benefits of chia.

What else is there to say?  Chia Rocks!  So, BTW, does Arizona Chia, for their great product at reasonable price and prompt professional service!

Thanks for the great article, David! 

I read about chia seeds on a Yahoo list I belong to that discusses kombucha tea, kefir, and other probiotic producing foods, and decided to give them a try.

The best price I found is at http://www.getchia.com/  AND they have free shipping.

After ordering, I realized I should have researched what you thought first, luckily, you like them!  Whew!

Thanks for all you do for me and others with diabetes.

Best regards,

Dee

Mr. Mendosa,

I read on line, because of its high fiber content, don't take chia within 2 hours of any medication, as it can interfere with the  absorbtion.  Do you know anything about this?  I have just recently started taking chia.  So far, I like it much better than flax.

I just have to ask. Chia, as in "Chia Pets"? I have visions of bald diabetics sprouting green hair ;>

Yep, THANKS!

Just ordered from the GetChia.com site and can't wait to try!

Beware of purchasing from Arizona Chia.  They have a practice of double billing your credit card and then not responding when you raise the issue.

Robert K. Baker

RKB@andso.com

I have been buying GG bran crackers to have something crunchy. They come from Norway and are getting very expensive. I decided to try making some myself but used ground chia seeds instead of the small amount of rye flour on the ingredient list.

My crackers turned out great! I used two cups of wheat bran and one cup of ground(by me) chia seeds. I mixed them well dry and added water till it looked like I could press it out. I had to put it back in the bowl because it was still too dry. I kept adding water untill it was softer and then pressed it out as thin as I could over a foil lined jelly roll pan(cookie sheet). I shaped it into a large rectangle,rolled it thinner and baked it for 15 min. before scoring it into squares. I baked it (350 degrees, sorry) for about 30 min. more. I then turned the oven off and let it sit overnight. I have a great oven that does pure convection, convection bake, and regular bake. I used convection bake which blows hot air and heats from the bottom so I did not have to turn anything over, it was toooo big. I will try ground flax seeds next, the ground chia tasted less wonderful than I expected, I thought a little fishy. I may also try it with a small measured ammount of rye flour which is on the GiGi package or just less chia. I did not figure the carbs but I cant eat more than two at a time because I think they swell to the size of baseballs!
I had two for lunch covered with a mix of Trader Joe's canned red salmon, a spoon of TJ's Aoli mustard and some chopped green onions. Sardines are also good this way. I have plenty of salmon for another lunch and enough crackers for quite a while. I got about a dozen nicely shaped ones an quite a few edge bits which might make few servings of cereal if I break them up add some hot water to soften and then some cream. I have done that with two GiGi crackers.

Hello,

There IS a HUGE difference in soaking/sprouting chia.

We have perfected a sprouting technique for chia, and see an ORAC rating with the sprouted chia as 2.5X higher than non-sprouted.

To say there is NO difference in sprouting is simply not true.

Thanks,

Zane Baranowski, CN

sprouts@frontier.net

Thanks David, for the enlightening interview with Dr. Coates about chia seeds.  As a nurse and an editor for antiaginghacks.com, I decided to try the Salba brand.  But since I also happen to be from Missouri, I tend to be skeptical of wild claims, especially when the brand Salba is so much more expensive than generic chia seeds.

I've been taking chia as part of my morning breakfast with plain yogurt and a little applesauce for flavoring.  Even though I only take a teaspoon full, I can tell the difference when I don't take it. 

I'm delighted to see an old grain being brought back to commerce.  Especially one with so many benefits.

Respectfully,

Rod Newbound, RN

Wayne Coates and all of his websites are no longer selling chia seeds. I went there a few times in the past couple weeks and he has shut down all of his selling operations on chiaseedandoil.com, arizonachia.com, getchia.com, etc. I called the number to his business and they referred me to a site called TheChiaSeed.com because they offer the same seeds that Wayne used to. Hopefully this helps some other readers find quality chia seeds on the net, and another great article david!!

I noticed at the end of the article that you mention that you will continue to take the fish oil (albeit) in lower doses.  Why is it necessary to continue to take the fish oil; I thought that the chia seed provided the same if not better benefit than fish oil.  I am a registered nurse and I have never been able to tolerate "conventional" medicine, thus always researching natural products (I have arthritis, neuropathy-not diabetic, and am a cancer survivor).  Thank you.

I was surprised to receive an e-mail from Dr. Coats touting his new line of Chia, $60 for 12 oz.  I could not find any information on the new website explaining how this was superior to ordinary chia at $7/lb, it was only compared to flax seed.  Are you still in touch with Dr. Coates and able to find out this information?

I have recently read some good articles on Chia seeds. My question is can you take these seeds if you have diverticulits??

Thank you in advance for your answers.

Marv

Dear David

The company for which I work is a potential commercial user of chia, as an ingredient in bread. Its nutritional properties are attractive as is its unique character. I have seen references on other websites responding to questions about whether or not chia isa source of cyanogens. As you know, many plants contain hydrogen cyanide precursors, called cyanogens. Flax is one example. Apparently the human body has enzyme(s) which negate the effect of cyanogens when consumed in moderate amounts. The fact that I see the same question asked on different websites makes me wonder if there is anything to this. My company exports food products to Japan which contain small amounts of flax. The Japanese customs agency frequently quarantines our products while they perform total cyanide assay. I don't want to use chia if it will trigger the same reaction from the Japanese.

What information can you share about this?

Thank you

Hi, brand new member here.

I make a pudding with chia using 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup sugar free syrup (for  flavoring mostly) & 1/4 cup chia seeds. Just mix & put in the fridge. For me this makes 2 yummy servings.

Thanks for this site, a real blessing.

Gracie

I know about chia, but am very hapy to know that I don't have to choke down the gel! I can't wait to tell my family and friends aobut this.

Maggy

Can Chia seed be substituted for flax seed in the Budwig’s diet procedures.

Thank you

Bill

I read all that good info on Chia seeds. So now where do you buy them and what do they cost?(aprox.)

I've just discovered chia seeds, and find that  adding the gel to some foods,

like chicken salad,  is an easy way to get it into the diet.  You can add quite a lot

witout affecting the flavor of the food you've added it to.

So I guess I will keep the gel in the frig.

Thanks for the great post.  I recently started adding chia seed recipes on my blog - as well as mentioned you recently lol.  I've eaten chia most of my life and thought I already knew a lot about it, but I just learned a lot more from your post.  Thanks! 

Bjay

DiabeticMommy.com

BjaysBlog.Blogspot.com

I have a question about Green lip mussel. I am led to believe this mussel has more omega 3 than anything else. Does anyone know this for a fact or is it just another gimmick to sell something?

Bill

What a crock! The good doctor claims your body "conerts chia to fish oil." Well, I'm no doctor, but, even I know that is a myth! He's comparing apples and orangs! Chia is chia; fish oil is fish oil! Geez, Doc!

Forever Living Aloe Products makes a GinChia tablet

that I took when pregnant.

I had total energy and never stressed.

It is an amazing product.

K. Whitton

Belton, Texas

Hello from Canada.

I am most interested in this chia discussion. I have been interested in Chia for a long time and in the past year have had the opportunity to try both Salba and bulk seeds. The effects were astonishing and distressing (spent a lot of time on the phone with a woman at the Salba company!).

After eating the seeds my blood sugars began to climb and climb and climb.Each of the three times that I tried them, there developed significant pain in my liver and the blood sugars levels required  boluses of insulin to cover the increases in blood glucose for 12 hours after ingestion.

When I spoke with the people at Salba they were astonished, curious and very interested in sending me more Salba so that I could try again and share my results with them one more time. I declined, it had been such an uncomfortable experience the first three times.

Comments or similar experiences shared are welcome. If you found a solution to any of these problems I am most interested; I have been just a little shy about trying again. Any type 1s using chia, please talk to me. I have been diabetic for 53 years, ticking along quite well and always interested in new developments and supports.

Cheers everyone for another day well done.

Jane

I so look forward to your postings David. Many thanks.

Hello from Canada.

I am most interested in this chia discussion. I have been interested in Chia for a long time and in the past year have had the opportunity to try both Salba and bulk seeds. The effects were astonishing and distressing (spent a lot of time on the phone with a woman at the Salba company!).

After eating the seeds my blood sugars began to climb and climb and climb.Each of the three times that I tried them, there developed significant pain in my liver and the blood sugars levels required  boluses of insulin to cover the increases in blood glucose for 12 hours after ingestion.

When I spoke with the people at Salba they were astonished, curious and very interested in sending me more Salba so that I could try again and share my results with them one more time. I declined, it had been such an uncomfortable experience the first three times.

Comments or similar experiences shared are welcome. If you found a solution to any of these problems I am most interested; I have been just a little shy about trying again. Any type 1s using chia, please talk to me. I have been diabetic for 53 years, ticking along quite well and always interested in new developments and supports.

Cheers everyone for another day well done.

Jane

I so look forward to your postings David. Many thanks.

I am a 72-year old woman, newly diagnosed as pre-diabetic.  My endocrinologist prescribed a statin drug for my bad cholesterol, which wasn't that bad yet, but it gave me such horrid stomach pain that I stopped it. 

Then I read about the chia seeds and decided to try them.  I have been able to stop taking my nightly acid reflux herbal pills and my energy level is so much better.  Last week, I had more bloodwork done and today got the results that my cholesterol levels, especially the LDL levels had dropped a bit and my endo says that my cholesterol panel is very good.  The only negative on my test reults is the blood glucose level which has risen a little.  I have not found that the seeds curb my appetite very much, but the positive effects I have been getting with the seeds way outweighs the negative.  I will continue to use them.  

I get mine from IHerb.com.  They are fast and less expensive than other places. 

I just saw this company mentioned on NaturalNews.com.

Very good prices and free shipping.

It's www.ChiaSeedsDirect.com

I ordered three days ago and just got my shipment today.

Hello, I read with interest all the comments and would like for you to let me know what health benefits you have found in using chia seeds.  I have read some of the advertisements and it is touted as a "wonder food."  Just what are the known health benefits  I checked my source of bulk foods where I buy my ascorbic acid (vit.c) and flax seeds.Chia seeds there range from $32.23 for 5 lbs to 25 lbs. for $155.00.  I haven't checked the other sources mentioned in the replys yet.  I am just interested in knowing from you what health benefits can be expected from using these seeds.  Thank you for your time and for your web site.

Jim Burnett, Mission, TX   (soon to be 80)

I'm interested in using chia seeds for my son, who is 9 years old. Are chia seeds appropraite for younger kids?  Also, is there a recommended or minimum/maximum amount a child should eat?  Thanks!

David,

Chia may be a good food although there are debates about whether it prevents nutrients from other sources from being fully absorbed in your intestine. What surprises me, though, is that you give so much credibility to Wayne Coates. When writing an article about Chia, why would you solicit information from somebody who has such an obvious conflict of interest? He denies the value of anything he's not selling even if it's essentially the same thing or better.

With many seeds their nutritional properties are enhanced by sprouting, and it also improves digestibility.  Has this been tested with chia seed?. 

i attended a health talk about chia seed (Salba) and its benefit. the company i am attached with is about to put this product as an item into our online sales. it seems to have lots of benefit but how after ... i was not sure till i came across this web site..

keen to have this delivered .. email me

Ding a quick search to buy chia on the internet, I've found prices ranging from $5 - $25 perppound. The Salba brand, being the most expensive - and others ranging from $5 -2 $20. Also there is white, black, chemical free and organic. In the article above, Coates says there is no organic chia, or need to use chemicals. What experience have people had with different brands? Is there any quality difference, or is all chia the same?

Also, what is a recommended daily quantity? It unds like some peole use more than an once or two a day, and some a few tablespoons.

There is virtually no..overdosing of fish oils.  That would be pretty hard to do.

The standard set by several medical groups is that two servings of Omega 3 rich

fish per week is more than sufficient and provides all one requres for a healthy diet.

One need not go out of their way to add to their diet other seeds or oils.

It is best to get these nutrients from the original source and not by using

supliments. 

Now the rage is Krill Oil or Chia seeds.  I would suggest it is better to allow the Krill to be consumed by whales and Chia seeds be made into Chia Pets.

What ever you do do it in moderation except for exercise and push it.  Exercise

evens out the playing field.

Try mixing chia seeds, wheat germ and agave syrop . Mix well and roll into balls. Yummy!

I am so grateful for chia seeds. I find myself feeling energy and nourishment for long periods of time even just having chia and water. Thank you for pointing out this amazing superfood. I make smoothies, pudding and even crackers with chia and I look forward to this easy to use in quick recipes. Its worth the highlight for all I believe. I love to blend other superfoods into chia recipes like hempseeds and goji berries. I get the best selection from www.OrganicBeautyFood.com

Thank you for sharing! Be well all.

I have  read a great deal abuot chia and I want to know the best place to buy it.