Antioxidants and prostate cancer

A study just published in the British Journal of Nutrition reported that higher intakes of antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress in men with prostate cancer. This comes on the heels of a growing body of evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

The researchers from several US institutions concluded that the study indicates more research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms as to how dietary antioxidants may affect prostate disease severity, progression and recurrence.

Given that chia is a good source of natural antioxidants, this would indicate that eating chia could have a positive effect in terms of controlling/reducing prostate cancer.

Have you had your chia today?®

Vitamin E (an antioxidant) intake should be increased when consuming PUFAs - not necessary with CHIA

A recent study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition stated that people need to increase their Vitamin E intake when eating PUFAs (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) to prevent oxidation of these fatty acids in the body. Actually consuming high levels of PUFAs without consuming sufficient Vitamin E can lead to Vitamin E deficiency in the body.

This study comes on heels of recent recommendations of the need for people to increase their PUFA intake levels, while decreasing their saturated fatty acid intake.

Here is where chia comes into play.  It has natural antioxidants so increasing intake of Vitamin E is NOT needed. 

This is good news for two reasons:  Firstly ingesting other items when eating can be bothersome, and secondly ingesting too much Vitamin E can be dangerous as it is actually toxic at high levels.

So we say "Have you had your chia today?®

Whole Chia Seed or Milled Chia Seed?

There is increasing discussion about the benefits of whole chia seed, compared to milled chia seed.

Some argue that whole chia seed will simply pass through the body leaving you with little to no benefit with all the components simply excreted.

This is definitely the case for flaxseed since it has a very hard seed coat. Unless the seed is opened, sprouted, cooked etc. and the coat opened, it will pass through the body.

Chia seed, on the other hand, has a soft seed coat. The omega3 fatty acid in the seed being protected by the natural antioxidants it contains, rather than being protected by a hard seed coat, as in the case of flaxseed.

Now some people have said I looked in the toilet and saw the seeds.  No that is not what they are seeing, rather it is the seed coat which is the insoluble part of the seed.  If one were to carefully examine the remains it would be a hollow incomplete shell.

In theory it would make sense that opening the seed would expose more of the inside of the seed to the stomach so that the benefits could be gained.  It may be true that it might act a bit faster, but that is about it.

Why do I say the seeds do not need to be milled to be taken advantage of? 

There are just way too many people that have consumed only whole chia seeds and have seen remarkable changes in cholesterol, weight loss, less joint pain, lessened glycemic spikes, more energy, etc.  I doubt these people are making up their unsolicited stories to please the world.  They are simply telling the world how well whole chia seed has helped them.

Wayne

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? ®}

^·    

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

Chia as a SUPERFOOD

What makes a food, a SUPERFOOD?

There is no technical nor scientific definition for what constitutes a superfood. However the term superfood is commonly used to describe a food with high nutrient or phytochemical content, that may confer health benefits, and having few properties considered to be negative, such as being high in saturated fats or artificial ingredients, food additives or contaminants. The Oxford English Dictionary includes citations for superfood as being "a food considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being.”

Given the above statements, chia could rightly be called a superfood since it:

1.  is nutrient-rich

2.  contains health promoting nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants)

3.  contains phytonutrients (plant based nutrients)

4.  is low in saturated fats and has no artificial ingredients or additives

Have you had your chia today?®

My New Chia Book

Chia Friends

My new book CHIA: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood just came out and is available from Barnes & Noble, Amazon or DrCoatesChia

We are very pleased with the book as not only does the book have a lot of information on chia, it talks about some of the myths and misconceptions about chia, contains over 75 recipes as well as exercise plans to help you get and stay healthy.

Some chapters are: Staying Healthy with Chia, Cooking Eating and Healing with Chia.

It was written so as to help everyone better understand chia and its potential health benefits.

Wayne