chia seeds benefits 
full of fiber and nutrients 
help lower cholesterol
compare chia to flaxseeds

See the lovely tiny chia seeds on top the smoothie above.  
They are very nutritious.
How do chia and flaxseeds compare

Tiny as they are, chia seeds are an extremely healthy addition to your diet.

Both flax and chia have omega 3 fatty acids and protein, so both are healthy foods to include in your diet.

Flax seeds must be ground before eating to get the nutrition they offer. Chia can be eaten whole.

Both offer nutrients needed by the body but according to studies, chia has a bit more of some nutrients such as phosphorus and calcium.  Both seeds contribute iron to your diet. Both seeds offer protein but chia is a complete protein.  It has 8 times more omega 3 than salmon. 

Because chia seeds can be eaten whole, they can add a nice texture to smoothies or salads. Flax needs to be ground,

Because flax needs to be ground before consuming to get the benefits of the nutrition there is no texture in the finished product.  If you are eating the budwig diet, use the flaxseeds as directed in the directions but you can also add chia if you want that texture.  I read somewhere that chia seeds are like flax seeds on steroids as far as nutrition was concerned. Both seeds add nutrients to smoothies and other food.  You don't have to choose between the seeds.  Both are beneficial to your health.

There is a flaxseed oil/cottage cheese diet formulated by Johanna Budwig, a German biophysicist, that helps in remediating various types of cancer.  I have researched this and talked to people who have overcome cancer using this protocol.  I would do this if I were diagnosed with cancer. In her lifetime johanna Budwig helped over 2400 people recover from degenerative diseases using her protocol.

"Calorie for calorie, chia has two times more fiber than bran cereal, six times more calcium than milk, eight times more omega 3s than salmon--the list goes on" quoted from the Aztec Diet

Chia seeds are versatile

• Unground seeds give the drink a wonderful texture. If you don't want texture, you can blend them in. 
• From chia you will get protein, fiber, iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorous and omega fatty acids.
  
• You will feel full and stay feeling full longer with just a tablespoon of those powerful little seeds in your smoothies or sprinkle them on sandwiches.
  
• They are not just for sandwiches and smoothies though. You can make chia pudding or use it to top your favorite salad. 
  

chia for acid reflux

• Chia seeds even help with acid reflux. You take a tablespoon of chia with a small amount of water. Wait about five minutes and drink a full glass of water.
• It works because chia absorbs 12 times its weight in water. It also will absorb the acid that causes the problem in your stomach.  
  
• Anyone will be excited to have such an easy effective and inexpensive remedy.
                                   Bottom line, chia is wonderful.  

Eating chia seeds can curb hunger.  They not only help to lower cholesterol naturally, they ward off hunger pangs.  I ran out last week and so did my health food store, consequently, I did without. By the end of three days I was starving.  I quickly ordered some seeds online.  After getting the seeds and using them again, I began to not get hungry so easily.  

There is an article in Woman's World Magazine that includes the following quote:

"Just ask Mexico's Tarahumara Indians.  The tribe of ultra-distance-runners use chia as their main fuel while racing up to 200 miles a day-without rest or injury.  A tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth hormone."

The author of Born to Run, Christopher McDougall, says, "If you had to pick a desert-island food, you couldn't do better than chia.  After a few months on a chia diet, you could probably swim home!"

health benefits of chia seeds

• Great for acid reflux
• chia seeds are very nutritious - contain phosphorus, manganese, magnesium 
• Good source of fiber 
• help lower cholesterol as part of an overall cholesterol improvement program
• high in omega three fatty acids 
• contain omega 6 and omega 9 
• source of calcium - good for osteopenia or osteoporosis
• contain quality protein 
• are thought to help improve type II diabetes
• may help with appetite suppression

People from the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures  used chia seeds for stamina, endurance and healthy nourishment. So, chia seeds have been used for centuries and their benefits were known to ancient as well as modern societies.

For a recipe for chia oatmeal, check here.

Recipe for Breakfast chia sorbet

This feels a little like having dessert for breakfast.  Well, some of us have been known to do that at times.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 c frozen blueberries
1/2 c frozen mango cubes
1/2 c frozen mixed berries
1 1/2 T chia seeds
1/2 of a small banana (also frozen)
A little more than enough water to cover fruit

Put everything in the blender container and blend until it is smooth and beautiful. Everything needs to be frozen for this to be thick.  You may need to add a little more water if it is too thick. To make a sorbet smoothie, use some fruit at room temperature or add more water.

Flax seeds and flaxseed oil are one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Mahatama Gandi said, "Whenever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health." Both chia seeds and flaxseeds are a healthy addition to anyone's diet.

Chia can be used as an egg replacer

Simply combine 1 T chia seeds with 3 T water and wait until it becomes gelatinous which takes 10 to 15 minutes.  Replace eggs with this mixture in recipes.

Flaxseed can be part of a positive cancer treatment plan and is useful in treatment of other health issues.  
Click here for more on flaxseed use and benefits