Chia Seed V Flax Seed - Why Chia seeds Win Hands Down...

This article started as versus direct comparison between chia seeds and flax seeds, but it soon became obvious there was a clear winner, so it has become a why choose chia seeds article.

We know there are a lot of people who are passionate about flax seeds, and we welcome their comparisons. These are the main points of why we chose chia over flax.

Chia Seeds Are Easily Digested Whole

Flax seeds contain slightly less Omega-3 oil than chia seeds, but there's not much in it. The difference is the convenience and accessibility of the essential fatty acid in chia. In flax seed, the Omega-3 oil is preserved and stopped from going rancid by the seeds hard outer jacket on the seed. This jacket must be broken by grinding, milling or cooking before the human body can digest the Omega-3 oil it contains.

In chia seeds, the delicate Omega-3 oil is preserved and stopped from turning rancid by the natural antioxidants the seed contains. Meaning without a tough outer jacket chia seeds can be eaten whole. No need for processing, milling, grinding or cooking the seed. The nutrients in chia seeds are directly digestible by the body. Making chia seed much more convenient to use.

Ground Flax Seed Goes Rancid

Many people like to eat flax and chia seeds after they have been milled or ground. The fine powder is easily added to many different recipes, including baked goods, cereals & oats. The ground seed is easier to conceal from picky eaters and gives the seeds more versatility in the types of dishes they can be added to.

In the case of flax seed, it should (ideally) be freshly ground every day, even twice a day in warmer climates. Once the hard outer jacket is broken, and the Omega-3 oil hits the air, it immediately starts to turn rancid, taking some 12-18 hours to turn completely rancid.

Because the goodness and Omega-3 oils in chia seeds are protected by the naturally occurring antioxidants, it doesn't turn bad or go rancid, even after milling. Milled chia seed can be kept and stored in exactly the same way as whole seed, again making it easier and more convenient to use.

The Nutritional Composition Of Flax V Chia

Nutritionally there isn't too much between these two seeds, chia seeds contain slightly more omega-3 essential fatty acids, as well as more protein, calcium, and phosphorus. However, flax seed has a different composition of antioxidants which will appeal to many.

Conclusion

It must be remembered that Chia seeds and Flax seeds are two totally different seeds that offer different benefits; try them both and see which benefits you lifestyle needs, for us it's chia seeds all the way.

The convenience and accessibility they offer, combined with extra fiber and increased satiety benefits makes chia seeds our choice, we look forward to your comments on your favourite.