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?®

Increasing omeag3/omega6 ratios can improve fetal health

A study just published in Clinical Nutrition indicated that increasing the omega3/omega6 ratio in the diet (either by cutting omega6 consumption, increasing omega3 consumption or doing both) from mid pregnancy onward can improve fetal health. This improvement was demonstrated by increased fetal growth including increased weight, length and head size.

Pregnant women: 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 could decrease mortality rates in postmenopausal women

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology looked at omega3 scores in postmenopausal women over a 15 year period.  The authors found that women with the highest omega3 blood scores were 20 percent less likely to die from any cause, than those with the lowest omega3 levels.

So once again consuming chia with its high omega3 content can help to reduce mortality rates.

Have you had your chia today?®

Chia oil consumption increases DHA content of breast milk

A study conducted in 2015 showed that consumption of 16 mL of chia oil from the third trimester of pregnancy through the first six months of nursing increased the ALA content of breast milk while reducing the LA content.  Additionally, DHA content increased during the first three months of nursing. 

Given the fact that DHA is fundamental for brain and visual function in humans, this study would suggest that consuming chia, chia oil in particular, can lead to healthier babies.

Have you had your chia today?®

Chia can help with diabetes and weight loss

A recent study, reported in the Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, which utilized 60 people half of which were in the control group, showed that consuming 30 grams of chia a day for 6 months reduced C-reactive protein, waste circumference and weight. 

This study once again demonstrates that daily consumption of chia can have significant health benefits not only in those suffering from diabetes, but also those that are overweight.

Have you had your chia today?®

FDA guidelines for claiming omega3 content in foods - chia can be considered a high source of omega3 (ALA)

In January of 2016 the FDA issued new guidance rules for what claims can be made for the omega3 nutrient content of foods. 

Specifically claims for DHA and EPA are not allowed, with the FDA stating: "We are prohibiting the nutrient content claims for DHA and EPA set forth in the three notifications because they are not based on an authoritative statement that identifies a nutrient level to which the claims refer, as required by the FD&C Act."

However they did allow nutrient content claims for ALA (the type of omega3 found in chia) with HIGH being allowed for ≥ 320 mg of ALA per RACC (≥ 20% of 1.6 g/day) and GOOD SOURCE for ≥ 160 mg of ALA per RACC (≥ 10% of 1.6 g/day) where RACC stands for: "reference amount customarily consumed".

Thus one can easily say that according to FDA guidelines, chia has a HIGH content of omega3 per 15 gm serving, since it contains approximately 2900 gm of ALA which is almost 10 times the required amount.

Have you had your chia today?®

ALA omega3 (the type found in chia) can help prevent fatal heart attacks

A study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has concluded that ALA (the type of omega3 found in chia) can reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks. This study also supports the fact that the omega3 found in fish (DHA and EPA) can also reduce the effect of fatal heart attacks. The authors stated that the ALA marker was associated with a 9% reduced risk of a fatal heart attack, while the EPA and DHA marker was associated with a 10% reduced risk.

Clearly this refutes earlier studies that had said consuming ALA was ineffective in regards to reducing coronary heart issues.

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?®

Increased fiber intake could contribute to lower blood pressure

A study of more than 2000 men and women published in the British Journal of Nutrition in July 2015 concluded that increased intakes of fiber, both soluble and insoluble but in particular insoluble fiber, may contribute to lower blood pressure.

Chia is a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, so we ask Have you had your chia today?®

Eating too much tuna can be a problem

In the June issue of consumer reports there is an article about the levels of mercury in tuna, given the fact that the FDA is now debating the limits people should consume. The article suggests limiting canned albacore tuna to no more than 4.5 oz per week, canned light tuna to 13.5 oz per week. It also notes that Ahi tuna (both yellowfin and bigeye) which are frequently used in sushi is high in mercury, and hence should be avoided, while other types of tuna should be limited based on the type. In particular, pregnant women should avoid tuna altogether. Another concern is orange roughy and marlin should be avoided for the most vulnerable groups.

So to get your omega3s and eliminate the worry about mercury contamination, eat chia.

AZChia says GOT CHIA?

#tuna #omega3 

Omega-3 fatty acids may help fight prostate cancer - new findings

A new study conducted by Washington State University which was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in February 2015 found that omega3 fatty acids provide a novel mechanism for the suppression of cancer cell proliferation and in essence inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. This finding challenges a 2013 study which claimed omega3s increase the risk of prostrate cancer. These results are very encouraging but the researchers caution that although promising, more research on dosage required is needed to confirm the efficacy of such a treatment. #prostate #cancer

How important is fiber in our diets? - Chia Seed is a great source

A study just published in BMC Public Health Journal reported that if Americans would increase the fiber in their diets, health costs would decrease significantly.  The authors stated that "Accumulating evidence indicates that greater dietary fiber intakes reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, weight gain, obesity and diverticular disease as well as functional constipation.  The authors estimate that at least a $2 billion savings in health care costs could be achieved among adults with only a 3 g/day increase in fiber was undertaken by only 50% of the population.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and contain on average 34% dietary fiber of which 4% is soluble.

Given that chia seeds have been classified as a food by the FDA this means one can consume as much chia seed as one would like.  The only caveat is that if you are on a low fiber diet, increase your consumption of chia seeds slowly since loose bowels could result with a rapid increase.

Basic Chia Seeds Nutritional Info

All of the chia seed that you will find at AZChia is packed full of nutrients including protein, fiber, omega 3 and antioxidants. For many people who are considering buying chia for the first time, distinguishing between whole black, whole white and milled black seed can be confusing. While these three types, or forms, of chia seed are essentially the same, some people prefer one over the other. For example, if children object to seeds, it is easier to “hide” the milled form from their eyes.  In actuality, the location where the seeds are grown makes a greater difference in seed nutritional composition, due to climatic differences, than does the color. If anything, black seeds as with dark fruits, contain slightly more antioxidants.

AZChia offers a chart that shows chia seeds nutritional info for the black and white seeds grown in various locations, and in different countries. As for the milled black seeds, these are often used in baking recipes and smoothies if one does not like the crunch of the whole seeds. All three forms of chia available from AZChia offer similar health benefits and are quality products that will provide the optimum nutritional benefits that can be obtained from this nutritious food.

Are all carbs in foods equal? How does chia enter the equation?

The truth of the matter is, they are not.

If you look at chia for example: a serving of 25 grams of chia has 10g of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fiber.

People trying to avoid carbs in their diet would obviously say this is way too much and I am not going to eat chia. 

The issue here is that fiber is counted as carbohydrates in any analysis done on a food. So in this case the reality of the situation is that chia has no carbs that you want to avoid. Why is this so? Because fiber is not broken down into glucose.

Wayne

Organic Chia - What is the real story?

A number of people have called us wanting to know if our chia is organic. Here is what I tell them:

1.  Chia is a member of the mint family, as such insects never bother it, hence it is never sprayed with pesticides and residues are never found.  Often the FDA takes samples when we import chia, always looking for pesticide residues.  Never have they found any, since it is impossible to find them as the crop has never been sprayed.

2. The other issue is that there are people selling what they call "organically grown" chia.  This means absolutely nothing and is being used as a marking tool.  If you see this message, ignore it.

3. There are people selling what they claim to be "organic" or "certified organic" chia.  There is organic chia that is properly being certified available.  However it is easy to claim this, to arrange for documents that are misleading or to say it is organic when processed in an organic facility. Unless the crops was actually grown in properly certified fields, it is not organic.


Bottom line..........Buyer beware

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.

Whole Chia Seed or Milled Chia Seed - more proof they work the same in the body

A study just published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported on a clinical trial in which whole chia seeds and milled chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L) were incorporated at three levels and then baked into bread.

The clinical trial found all chia amounts to reduce blood glucose levels compared to the control.  The three levels of chia, 7, 14 and 24 g showed significant main effect of dose (amount of chia), but no effect of form (milled vs whole chia). 

In each case chia reduced bloo glucose iAUCs by 20, 28 and 35% respectively.

Once again there is proof that the decision on whether to eat whole chia seed or milled chia seed should be decided on consumer preference, and not be based on myths or false claims.

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.