Chia seeds have slightly fewer calories and more fiber. They also have 2.5 times more of the bone-strengthening mineral calcium, as well as slightly more iron and phosphorus. Both seeds are very nutritious. If you're looking for more omega-3s, pick flax seeds.
Could you eat chia seeds and flaxseeds together? You can eat chia and flax together, as they both provide a wide array of nutrients including fiber, plant protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Adding flaxseeds to chia adds the benefits of lignans, which chia seeds do not have.
Chia seeds and flaxseeds are both seeds that are high in fiber and protein. Chia seeds are more bland, tasteless and round, while flaxseeds are more oval shaped and have a stronger, nutty flavor.
"They are both amazing sources of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), with flaxseeds providing about 1.6 grams per tablespoon and chia seeds providing 1.8 grams," she says. Chia seeds also beat flaxseeds out in terms of their protein content, though the margins are slimmer.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
01/7Chia seeds is one of the best superfoods to lose weight
From boosting digestive health, metabolic rate, high iron, Omega-3 content and good fats, chia seeds make for an excellent addition to your diet. Most of all, the tiny white and black seeds are great for you to lose weight and reduce belly fat.
The Best Chia Seeds Substitutes
The best substitute is linseeds (also know as flax seeds). While linseeds are slightly larger in size, they contain about the same amount of protein and fibre as chia. With the added benefit of slightly more Omega-3s.
Flaxseed helps unclog arteries due to its high fiber content. It also contains an omega-3 acid which reduces inflammation and controls high blood pressure.
Flax seeds benefit females by maintaining the normal length between the ovulation and menstruation. It also helps females in fertility by increasing the chances of conception. It also helps to maintain the hormonal balance. Flax seeds have also shown some benefits for improvement of PCOS.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health. Fiber takes longer to digest and makes you feel satisfied longer, which is how it can help with weight loss and decrease your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.
Eating chia seeds and flax seeds together will supply a range of nutrients. To incorporate the seeds into your daily regime, start by eating one tablespoon of each type of seed daily. If you aren't used to eating this much dietary fiber, start with a half tablespoon of each first so your digestive system can adjust.
Chia also has some insoluble fiber to promote regular poops, but if you're specifically looking for constipation relief, flaxseed is your best bet, says Minchen.
Avoid use of flaxseed and flaxseed oil during pregnancy. Occasionally, using flaxseed or flaxseed oil causes an allergic reaction. Don't eat raw or unripe flaxseeds. Because flaxseed oil might decrease blood clotting, stop using flaxseed oil two weeks before having elective surgery.
You can consume flax seeds both in the morning and at night. However, some of their benefits might be more effective at different times. For example, consuming them in the morning is a good idea since it's high in fibre and protein. It will also boost your metabolism quite well that way.
Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up.
Adding flaxseed to the diet might increase the number of bowel movements each day. It might also cause side effects such as bloating, gas, stomachache, and nausea. Higher doses are likely to cause more side effects. Taking flaxseed extracts that contain lignans is possibly safe.
Flaxseed may also help lower cholesterol levels. According to a 1-month study in people with peripheral artery disease, eating 4 tablespoons (30 grams) of milled flaxseed per day decreased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by 15% ( 17 ).
While there are no specific recommendations for flaxseed intake, 1-2 tablespoons a day is considered a healthy amount. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 37 calories, 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat (includes the omega-3 fatty acids), 0.5 gram of monounsaturated fat and 2 grams of dietary fiber.
The truth is – they can. Chia Seeds absorb 15-20 times their weight in water. When chia seeds move through the gut, they draw water from the intestine area, like a sponge. These seeds expand in your stomach, which leads to bloating.
Flaxseeds
Some people consider flaxseeds a “functional food,” which means that people eat them for their health benefits. Eating flaxseeds could help boost metabolism and improve metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that contribute to diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
But chia seeds are not a magic bullet for weight loss. They do not burn extra calories or increase metabolism in any way. Additionally, if you consume too many of them, you might gain weight instead.