Omega3 and Prenatal Depression - new correlation

A new study found that women with prenatal depression had lower omega3 levels in their blood.  This further substantiates that omega3 is an important food component that must be consumed during pregnancy. As chia is the highest plant source of omega3 its consumption during pregnancy should be considered essential.

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 deficiencies in teenagers can yield to anxious adults

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reports that omega3 deficiencies in adolescent mice has led to behavioral problems in adulthood. The implications here are that the same could hold true in humans and hence consumption of omega3 fatty acids, such as those found in chia could be very important.

Have you had your chia today?®

New study shows ALA is important for brain function

A study just published in Nutritional Neuroscience, which was conducted at the University of Illinois using 100 people between the ages of 65 and 75, showed that ALA along with SDA and ETE were important in increasing fluid intelligence. This is the ability of the brain to cope with new novel situations via the process of inductive and deductive reasoning.

Hence this study shows that the shorter chain omega3 fatty acids are important to humans. Results of this study show that consumption of chia, which is the highest plant source of ALA (Alpha Linoleic fatty acid), can lead to improved brain function.

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 intakes of pregnant women in the US are low - cause for concern

A study that looked at food intakes of more than 7000 women of childbearing age showed their intake of omega3 fatty acids to be way below recommended levels.  Of the study groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were found to be more susceptible to potential deficiencies. Additionally white participants had the lowest intakes compared to Hispanics and blacks.

Why is this a concern? Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles during fetal growth and development, with increased intakes associated with improved maternal-fetal outcomes.

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 and Prostate Cancer - Is there an increased risk from their consumption?

A study just published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute warned that omega3 intakes can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

But here is the key to the study...........it is ONLY the long chain omega3s (DHA and EPA) that are the concern! These are found in marine products such as salmon, etc. or in the oils produced from them.

The short chain form of omega3 found in chia is ALA and there is no evidence that there is a risk of increased prostate cancer from consuming ALA.

Bottom line is that this study confirms an earlier one published several years ago in Europe that consumption of long chain omega3s (EPA and DHA) can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

So any recommendations that are made to consume these forms of omega3 should also carry a warning of the potential risks as well.

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

Infants and Omega3

In the June 4, 2012 issue of TIME, on page 8, there is a MAIL comment noting that the brains of humans require large amounts of omega-3 fats, especially during early childhood. 

Mother’s milk concentrates these fats from the mother’s body.  The problem is that given the very high amount of omega6, and the very low omega3 content of typical American diets, this tends to deprive infants of the omega-3 fats that are needed.

To alleviate this problem mothers need to cut down on their omega6 intake, and increase their omega3 intake.   

The easiest way for a mother to increase the omega3 content of her diet is to consume chia. This can be done by either adding it to any food they regularly consume, or by simply consuming chia alone and then washing it down with water.

So Mothers - Have you had your chia today?®

Chia is the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, and contains natural antioxidants.

Chia’s omega-3 fatty acid stability arises because of the abundant natural antioxidants that are in the seed.

This is an advantage compared with marine products, since these foods require special packaging and storage conditions to prevent even minor degradation occurring over time. Flaxseed must be ground and used immediately, since oxidation has been shown to be a problem with this seed, especially once it has been milled.

Chia also is an excellent source of protein as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, is simple to use, has essentially no flavor, and is safe for both humans and animals having been declared as a food by the FDA in 2005.

The easiest ways to incorporate chia into your diet is to add it to your morning juice or smoothie, mix in your yogurt or sprinkle on your salad. Simply put, add it to anything you normally consume.

Have You Had Your CHIA Today?®

Chia’s potential health benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acid and fiber have both been shown to serve as heart healthy components in food, while omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidants are both anti-inflammatory so they can lessen joint pain associated with many ailments.

As the seed is very hydrophilic (absorbs 7 to 10 times its weight in water) it helps slow digestion and can result in more energy later in the day and in some cases provide a “full” sensation, which tends to help with weight loss

Essential Fatty Acids - What are they?

Essential fatty acids are nutrients that you must consume, since your body does not, and cannot make them on its own.

Omega-3 is one essential fatty acid. Interestingly, only the short chain form of omega3 fatty acid, called ALA (alpha-linolenic fatty acid), not DHA or EPA, is considered essential.

Why?

This is because the body can convert ALA into the other two forms of omega-3.

Chia is the highest plant source of omega-3.  Being a food derived from plants, all types of consumers (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, meat lovers, etc.) can safely enjoy chia.

Have you had your chia today?®