Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake.

Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake: Researchers Say, as reported by Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn+ , 04-Sep-2015

Flaxseed intake during lactation should be limited as it may change maternal adrenal function, research in rats has suggested.

Link to her article: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Lactating-women-should-restrict-flaxseed-intake-Researchers

This research was just reported in the British Journal of Nutrition. Link to abstract: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9942682

What can we take away from this?

Flaxseed has been shown to have several issues, particularly in lactating and pregnant women, and young children as well.  This has not been the case for chia, so make the switch to chia, should you now be consuming flaxseed.

azCHIA says: 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 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 - History, Research, Composition, Uses - the story

The University of Arizona recently published a presentation I made as part of the invited Faculty Fellows Speaker Series in the Fall of 2005.

The presentation covers the history, composition, benefits of chia and cites some of my chia research work, etc. In essence it is a summary of the book entitled CHIA: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs published by the University of Arizona Press of which I am a co-author.

The presentation consists of a video and the slides I used at that time to tell the chia story.

In the past five years many more papers have been published on chia which document its benefits, properties, uses, etc. As a result of increased press, blogs, etc. people are becoming more and more aware of this amazing food, and how it can help improve the health of the world. For updated chia information go to www.azchia.com and click on the My Chia Research link in the left hand column.

I hope you enjoy this presentation and will learn a bit more about this great, healthy food. To view the presentation click here.

How does chia compare to other foods?

Chia Friends

Thought I would let you know that I added information to the website showing how the four main components of chia (fiber, protein, antioxidants and omega3) compare to a number of common foods, and to a number of common seeds, including flax seed. To go to this page directly click here

I hope you find this of interest.

Regards,

Wayne