Ch Ch Ch Chia! (Chia Seeds)

[Bud]

Anyone try them?

I read they were uber-nutritious and loaded with goodies (vitamins, minerals, essentials oils, fiber, etc.). So, 2 months ago I picked up a 3 lb. bag of organic chia seeds from Vitacost for $20. I'm now on my second bag!

When you mix them in water, they make a thick gel which you drink. You can also mix them in cookies, bread, etc.

Since using them, the biggest difference I notice is my complexion is much clearer and less oily.

Dry seeds: (shown on a teaspoon for scale)




When mixed with water: (shown on a teaspoon for scale)




Teaspoon full in some water




http://www.mychiaseeds.com/Articles/...Hydration.html
http://www.mychiaseeds.com/ChiaSeedGallery.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica

[dParis]

You're trying to grow your hair, aren't you?

Cheaper than Rogaine.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by dParis

You're trying to grow your hair, aren't you?

Cheaper than Rogaine.

The chia gel is addictive. In Mexico, they add some sugar + lime and sell it.

I drink a couple glasses per day. I mix 2 level tablespoons in about 16 oz. of water and it turns into a nice thick gel.

[SystemicAnomaly]

Not yet tried them. Appreciate the links tho'. It does appear that they do provide a wealth of nutrients and also provide various health benefits. They appear to provide quite a bit of omega 3s (ALA), fiber, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and more.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA36509...or-Health.html

http://bestchiaseeds.wegrc.com/
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[r2473]

Originally Posted by Bud

The chia gel is addictive. In Mexico, they add some sugar + lime and sell it.

I drink a couple glasses per day. I mix 2 level tablespoons in about 16 oz. of water and it turns into a nice thick gel.

Originally Posted by Bud

Dry seeds: (shown on a teaspoon for scale)




When mixed with water: (shown on a teaspoon for scale)

Just be careful

[Bud]

Originally Posted by r2473

Just be careful

Yum, cookie dough

[SystemicAnomaly]

I was mistaken previously. I've had a couple of the drinks above in the past year. The texture seemed a bit weird at first but I quickly became accustomed to it and I recall enjoying it. The drinks are a little bit pricey at Whole Foods so I've not tired it again for a while. Yesterday, I found the whole seeds (organic) in the bulk bins at Whole Foods for $7.49/lb so I'll be trying some in my juice today.

[Posture Guy]

chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. I mix a tablespoon into my post-workout smoothies.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by SystemicAnomaly

I was mistaken previously. I've had a couple of the drinks above in the past year. The texture seemed a bit weird at first but I quickly became accustomed to it and I recall enjoying it. The drinks are a little bit pricey at Whole Foods so I've not tired it again for a while. Yesterday, I found the whole seeds (organic) in the bulk bins at Whole Foods for $7.49/lb so I'll be trying some in my juice today.

Yum, I'll look for these in Whole Foods

The texture of hydrated chia seeds is a bit like fish / frog eggs. Their size increases about 10x when added to water

[SystemicAnomaly]

^ Found the chia drinks in a refrigerated section with the coconut waters and iced coffee drinks.




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[Fedace]

Tastes just like the Frutopia grape juice drink

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Fedace

Tastes just like the Frutopia grape juice drink

You've tried one Fedace? What did you think of the texture of the hydrated chia seeds?

[SystemicAnomaly]

I have been mixing chia seeds (2-3 tsp) into water or juice and letting it sit for about 10 mins before ingesting. This allows the seeds to plump somewhat and to start forming a gel (mucilage). It is also supposed to improve the availability of the chia nutrients.

I've done a bit of reading about soaking chia seeds and it would seem that longer periods of soaking may improve the ORAC value substantially. ORAC is a measure of anti-oxidant activity. The ORAC value of black chia seeds is supposed to be one of the highest, if not the highest, of any food. Chia seeds (black and white) have a higher ORAC value than blueberries.

Some sources suggest that soaking the seeds in water or juice for 12-24 hours will produce more gel and may triple the already high ORAC value of the seeds. When soaking for extended periods such as this, but sure to do so in a sealed jar (container). Be sure to refrigerate unused portions after this 12-24 hour period. Some sources suggest refrigeration during the initial soaking.

http://www.rawreform.com/content/view/345/127/
http://www.chiativity.org/2009/02/or...hia-seeds.html
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[Bud]

Originally Posted by SystemicAnomaly

I have been mixing chia seeds (2-3 tsp) into water or juice and letting it sit for about 10 mins before ingesting. This allows the seeds to plump somewhat and to start forming a gel (mucilage). It is also supposed to improve the availability of the chia nutrients.

I've done a bit of reading about soaking chia seeds and it would seem that longer periods of soaking may improve the ORAC value substantially. ORAC is a measure of anti-oxidant activity. The ORAC value of black chia seeds is supposed to be one of the highest, if not the highest, of any food. Chia seeds (black and white) have a higher ORAC value than blueberries.

Some sources suggest that soaking the seeds in water or juice for 12-24 hours will produce more gel and may triple the already high ORAC value of the seeds. When soaking for extended periods such as this, but sure to do so in a sealed jar (container). Be sure to refrigerate unused portions after this 12-24 hour period. Some sources suggest refrigeration during the initial soaking.

http://www.rawreform.com/content/view/345/127/
http://www.chiativity.org/2009/02/or...hia-seeds.html
.

Thanks for the additional info!

I usually just soak until a thick gel is formed in water (15 minutes). I also notice that sugar tends to keep the gel from forming as quickly. When adding sugar, I usually soak the seeds in water until the gel stage... then add the sugar and flavoring and mix into the gel.

I will use a gallon jug and put the proper amount of seed inside (1 T for every 8-10 oz. of water) .. then place in the fridge and drink until finished. That will allow a really long soaking time for the seeds.

If my calculations are correct, one gallon of water should require 12-14 T of chia seeds

[Posture Guy]

you can also make killer puddings with chia seeds. Soak them overnight, or for at least a few hours, then put them into a blender (preferably a high speed beauty like a BlendTec or VitaMix but any decent one should do) along with your add ins of choice. I know people that will put in blueberries and some lemon juice along with some agave nectar. my favorite is to put in raw cacao powder, frozen cherries and just enough raw vanilla agave nectar to give it a mild sweetness.

a dessert you can feel good about!

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Posture Guy

you can also make killer puddings with chia seeds. Soak them overnight, or for at least a few hours, then put them into a blender (preferably a high speed beauty like a BlendTec or VitaMix but any decent one should do) along with your add ins of choice. I know people that will put in blueberries and some lemon juice along with some agave nectar. my favorite is to put in raw cacao powder, frozen cherries and just enough raw vanilla agave nectar to give it a mild sweetness.

a dessert you can feel good about!

I've made chia chocolate pudding and it's excellent

- - -

I now have a gallon of chia gelling in the fridge

[SystemicAnomaly]

Originally Posted by Bud

Anyone try them?

I read they were uber-nutritious and loaded with goodies (vitamins, minerals, essentials oils, fiber, etc.). So, 2 months ago I picked up a 3 lb. bag of organic chia seeds from Vitacost for $20. I'm now on my second bag! ...

Is that the Nutiva organic seeds? Are they primarily white or black/gray seeds or something in-between? What have you heard about the nutritional profile of white vs black? I've seen some claims that white seeds are superior while other sources indicate the black seeds possess a higher ORAC value. Another sources claims that there is no (significant0 difference.

[SystemicAnomaly]

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http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/chia



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[Posture Guy]

thanks for posting that link, those homemade energy bars look awesome. I'm gonna take a go at making them this weekend.

re white vs black, the reading I've done on the subject indicates there's no nutritional difference between the two. There's a professor at the University of Arizona who has done a lot of research on the topic and wrote some articles, I'll see if I can find a link.

[Dedans Penthouse]

I've tried them, with mixed results: