To all our chia friends...............

Dr. Wayne Coates now has two blogs

One is here, the other can be found by clicking the link below.

For all updated information regarding Chia Products, Research and Recipes visit AZChia's Chia Blog.

Dr Oz and chia seeds

Chia lovers and those new to this seed.

Did you see Dr. Oz's show yesterday?

 He was talking about what he considers to be his 5 Miracle Solutions from around the Globe.  Chia seed was number 2! He talked about how chia can help with weight loss by controlling hunger pangs as it tends to give you the feeling of being full.  He had two women that he asked to try chia seeds and both of them said it worked very well for them as they had lessened hunger pangs, and actually wanted to eat less at dinner.

His recipe for success.  Take two tablespoons in the morning in water after breakfast and if you like, take two more later in the day.

One thing he stressed was to buy whole or raw (meaning non processed, milled, cooked, etc) seeds.

I agree totally with the whole seed use, however if you have problems with seeds, such as with diverticulitis, then use the milled form, otherwise stick to whole seeds.

Have you had your chia today?

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), which is in CHIA, and Cholesterol

It is interesting to note that the European Union's Register on Nutrition and Health Claims earlier in the year allowed a new claim to be made regarding Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and cholesterol.  The claim is stated below:

"ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels"

This claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of ALA and that information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2 g of ALA.

Since a 15 to 25 gram serving of chia contains 3 to 5 g of ALA, chia easily meets this requirement.

Have you had your chia today? ® 

Chia with Blueberry or Cranberry powder

To my chia friends

We are now carrying milled chia seed mixed with either wild Newfoundland blueberries or pesticide free cranberries.

A 20 gram serving of either of these products gives you the equivalent of 13 grams of fresh blueberries, or 13 grams of fresh cranberries.  How is this possible? 

The process that is used to produce the blueberries and cranberries is a specialized, propriatory process that uses very low heat to dry the raw fruit.  Doing so allows the berries to retain all of their nutritional components, and when combined with chia gives you the opportunity to consume chia with all of its benefits, plus gain all the benefits associated with eating blueberries or cranberries.

Try either or both products by adding to yogurt, smoothies, milk, or any other of your favorite foods. 

Have you had your chia today?  along with your blueberries or cranberries I ask.


Wayne

3 Simple Ways to Start Your Day with CHIA

• Add to your morning milk, juice or smoothie
• Sprinkle on your oatmeal or cereal
• Sprinkle on top of the jam, cream cheese or peanut butter you put on your toast or bagel

^{Have you had your chia today? ®}

^·    

Eating Chia Increases Blood ALA and EPA Content

A study just published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition reported on the changes in the blood of women consuming chia for 7 weeks.

The milled chia was consumed at 25 grams per day. Unfortunately it contained only 16% ALA vs the normal 20% of the oil content found in good quality chia.

ALA and EPA contents in the blood increased starting at week 2. By the end of the test, blood ALA and EPA contents had increased significantly (138 and 30 percent, respectively).

What else does this study demonstrate? ALA is converted to EPA, and that both fatty acids increase in the blood when chia is consumed. So the study confirms earlier findings as to how consuming chia can change blood composition for the good.

Just think what high quality chia could do if consumed regularly?

Have you had your chia today?®

Obesity and Chia

A recent study in Australia with obese rats was conducted to assess chia's potential benefit in helping to protect the heart and liver.

Following the first 8 weeks of the trial in which rats were fed a high carbohydrate high fat diet, chia was added at the rate of 5% of the ration. Rat weight and plasma composition was recorded after 8 weeks of chia supplementation.

At the conclusion of the trial ALA, DHA and EPA contents of the plasma significantly increased compared to the control group.  In addition, the rats showed improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, as well as reduced cardio and hepatic inflammation without changes in blood pressure.

The authors concluded that chia as a source of ALA induces lipid redistribution associated with cardioprotection and hepatoprotection.

What does this mean: Chia can provide heart and liver protection, especially when dealing with obesity.

Have you had your chia today? ^®