Super Seeds : Chia or Flax?

 

What’s The Skinny On The Super Seeds?  Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds

flax seeds

Everyone is talking about chia seeds and flax seeds. These have become the Super Seeds of all time, right? I have to admit, chia pudding it out of this world yummy and let’s be honest… both flax and chia seeds get the bowels moving.

My tip: If you have digestive distress, soak your chia and flax seeds for at least 6 hours to remove phytic acid.

The reason some people don’t tolerate even gluten-free grains well is that all grains, nuts, beans, and seeds (including flax and chia) contain phytic acid. Phytic acid is a compound that comes from the phosphorous found in plants. Too much phytic acid can inhibit the thyroid, hamper digestion, and leach vital minerals from the body, such as zinc and iron.

Phytic acid also interferes with the natural enzymes your body needs to digest your food. If you are not digesting a certain food properly, your gastrointestinal system cannot function well.

SOAK YOUR GRAINS AND SEEDS TO REDUCE THE PHYTIC ACID AND IMPROVE DIGESTIBILITY.

How to soak grains, beans, seeds, and nuts:

  1. Add the grains, beans, seeds, or nuts* to a bowl of warm or room temperature water.
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or Bragg’s raw apple
    cider vinegar.
  3. Soak the grains, beans, seeds, or nuts* for 12-24 hours.
  4. Leave the bowl sitting on your countertop.
  5. Empty the grains, beans, seeds, or nuts into a colander, and rinse
    at least 6 times to remove any remaining phytic acid.
  6. Cook the grains, seeds, or beans as usual, or store the seeds or nuts* in your fridge for 1-2 days.

Both chia seeds and flax seeds top the list of superfoods. They are both easy to add to your salads or smoothies for a nutritional punch.  But, is one better than the other?  Let’s compare.

 

Chia Seeds/2 Tbsp. Flax Seeds/2 Tbsp
Calories 122 80
Protein 4g 3g
Complete Protein? Yes No
Fiber 6.9g 4g
Omega 3 (EFA) 5,000mg 2,700mg
Taste Faintly nutty/ Earthy Whole grain/Nutty
Storage Keep for 2 years Spoil quickly
Versatility Don’t need to grind Must grind
Gluten Gluten-free Gluten-free

 

  • Other good sources of 13% RDA
  • Calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium
  • Zinc, magnesium, copper, 15% RDA B1
  • more antioxidants than blueberries more lignans

Depending on what source you check out, either could win out. If you had to choose based on the above comparison, it looks like chia seeds win out, but not by a landslide. Each have their own health benefits and are an easy addition to your healthy diet where variety is key.

I love using both, but I need to soak them first to remove phytic acid. Make sure you see what works for you. Just because food is “healthy and called a Super Food does not mean it is right for you”.

If you want to learn how what foods are right for you, and learn how to find you exact blueprint by following a proven 3 prong elimination diet, which is a detox, then join me for a detox at www.rachelswellness.com

Seriously my friend… are you ready to reset your body and turn back the clock?

 

 

 

DSC_9261Rachel Feldman is a health coach, wellness momma, and a detox specialist. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Rachel assists clients nationwide via phone, email, and Skype. Rachel helps men and women struggling with weight gain, digestive issues, and toxicity. Rachel graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, Wild Rose Natural College of Healing, and the International School of Detoxification. She is also certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and has obtained additional Continuing Education Units from Purchase College, State University of New York. Her approach to health focuses not only on the foods you put into your mouth but also incorporates the elements of the body, mind, and soul. She helps her clients to access the blueprint for their health by discovering what foods fuel the body and not inflame the body.

 

To find out more about her programs visit www.rachelswellness.com.

 

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