I’ve been a proponent of taking Omega 3 supplements (essential fatty acids) for years based on numerous scientific studies showing reduced violence and enhanced learning ability when such supplements are taken.
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2006/oct/17/prisonsandprobation.ukcrime)
Your body is electric. In fact, your cells generate energy and move nutrients into themselves and waste out because of electric charges. The inner cell nucleus is mainly protein and carries a positive charge. The outer cell membrane is primarily essential fats and carries a negative charge because these essential fats have electron “clouds” that permit nutrients to come through the cell wall and waste to go out through it.
These fats are called essential because your body cannot make them. They have to be consumed in your food on a regular basis for normal function to occur. Thus they are an essential part of your diet.
Historically, the human diet was 1 to 1: Omega 6 fatty acids (meat, eggs, vegetable oil–corn, safflower, etc. except flax oil and chia oil) to Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil, flax, chia). Our modern Western diet is 15 to 1 which means 15 times more meat, eggs, corn oil, etc. than fish oil (or chia). This superabundance of meat, eggs corn oil, etc. promotes degenerative diseases including heart disease and cancer. Reducing the meat, eggs, corn oil, etc. and increasing fish oil, chia or flax has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease by 70%. It has shown similar benefits for colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer and asthma.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909)
That’s all old news. What’s new is that chia seeds (remember the old chia pet?) have been found to be a wonderful land-based source of Omega 3’s as well as being one of the few vegetarian sources of complete protein.
(http://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahelliott/2011/10/11/the-next-superfood-chia-seeds/)
How do you use them? Grind them up in a coffee grinder and sprinkle them on your cereal. I put them in my oatmeal and granola. They give you a full feeling without putting on pounds and they have nearly no taste so you could also put them in your green smoothies!
Where to buy? If they aren’t in your local health food store, try here at Amazon.
The issue with grinding chia seeds (or any seeds for that matter) is the high heat that results from the friction. This can cause break down in the nutrients and is not ideal. Chia seeds are very small and can be eaten whole.
The man who acclimated chia to grow in S. Florida and has years of experience told me personally that you can get the benefit of the soluble fiber without breaking the shell, but you’ll get none of the essential fatty acid oils without grinding the seeds. Chewing them is a poor substitute because of their small size. Modern man doesn’t chew his food well at all and chia seeds are already at a disadvantage because of their small size.
Hi Peter! Awesome BooK! Just read your ebook the other day & keep it open for referencing daily. I’m on day 8 of the MC and it’s been wonderful! Only lost 6 lbs so far but I’m almost 50, so there’s a lot of meat, dairy & processed food to get out – I’m sure.
And I thought I ate healty before because I love eating salads daily, but along with grilling & seafood so these are some things I will need to change in my future food plan. Wat an eye opener for me. Not even sure I want to continue cooking or baking for my hubby anymore- I don’t want to make food for him to consume that I know is bad. Now I’m educated and I’m so happy I found your website & book! Thanks for taking the time to help others with all of your knowledge! You Rock!
Quick question though – As I’m reading this info about Chia Seeds on your side, I’m not clear if I should grind Chia seeds or leave them whole?
Thanks again & best wishes!
Marie
You have to grind them or put them in a blender to get the Essential Fatty Acids. Don’t leave them whole.