Find the answers to commonly asked questions here, or just learn more about MySeeds Chia!
MySeeds Chia Main Page
Do I have to do anything to MySeeds before I eat them?
When is the best time to eat MySeeds?
How much chia should I eat in one day?
How long before MySeeds expires / Do Chia Seeds Go Bad?
How can MySeeds make my recipes better?
Can I use MySeeds to replace the volume of fatty foods?
Are Chia Seeds approved by the FDA?
Do I have to give up eating anything to eat MySeeds?
Are MySeeds fortified with any vitamins or pharmaceuticals?
Will MySeeds help with regularity or fiber content?
What happens if I eat more than the recommended amount in a day?
Are MySeeds Gluten & Cholesterol Free?
What happens if my pet eats MySeeds?
What are the Nutrition Facts for MySeeds Chia?
What about eating Chia seeds with diverticulitis or diverticulosis?
A. It depends on how you want to use MySeeds. You don’t have to do anything if you just want to sprinkle them on foods such as baked potatoes, salads, yogurts, ice cream, soup or so much more. It’s as easy as scoop, sprinkle and eat. There’s no messy grinding.
Note: Do not attempt to wash MySeeds Chia. They will immideatly become sticky and start absorbing the water to form Chia Gel.
If you're using them as a fat-substitute in your recipes, you have to make the gel first. Use our easy free gel recipe (included with your order) and in 15 minutes you’re ready to use them to replace 1/3 of the fat in your recipes, without reducing any of the flavors. The gel can be made ahead of time, and keeps up to 2 weeks in the fridge in a covered container.
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Q. When is the best time to eat MySeeds?
A. The best time depends on why you are using them.
If you want to stay hydrated longer, eat them before a workout or playing sports, with a bottle of water or sports-drink. You can mix them into the drink, or consume a dry tablespoon, then drink the liquid right away to hydrate the seeds.
To curb apatite, and improve regularity eat MySeeds in the morning, or right before meals.
Q. How much Chia should I eat in one day?
A. That depends on how you are using it. For general purposes of health, nutrition and energy an adult would usually consume about 1 tbsp dry seeds (or 9 tbsp gelled seeds) in one day. Every bag of MySeeds has over 30 servings, so it will last more than 1 month, costing less than 1 dollar a day to use. However, if you are using the seeds to fight hunger/stay feeling full longer you can, of course, use more. Chia is extremely safe. Only you know when you're feeling full, so let your body tell you the amount that's right for you.
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Q. How should I store MySeeds?
A. MySeeds do not require refrigeration or any special storage container. As long as you keep the bag in a dry place, your seeds will stay fresh and ready to use.
Chia-Gel will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Q. How long before MySeeds expires? / Do Chia Seeds Go Bad?
A. Because of their high level of anti-oxidants, MySeeds will not go rancid like flax seed, or other oils and grains. They will keep safely for up to 2 years! Their anti-oxidant content prevents the oils from spoiling, and also helps you prevent oxidation in your body's cells when you consume them.
However, like all natural products without chemicals or preservatives, chia may eventually lose some of its nutritious qualities, or the oils may begin to go off after that 2 year time limit runs out. (However, chia is so fun and easy to use, no one tends to leave it laying around that long!)
Nothing natural can be preserved at room temperature forever. Chia gel will keep for only about 1 week in a closed container in your refrigerator. Because it is gel made with water or juice, organisms (such as bacteria that float through the air naturally) could land on the liquid and try to consume your gel if left alone too long --even while refrigerated. Almost no items in the home, fridge or kitchen are sterile.
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Q. What do MySeeds taste like?
A. MySeeds have very little flavor. Adding them to food will not change the taste of the food. If eaten plain, or as an unflavored gel there is a vague almost nut-like taste.
Note: if making chia gel with MySeeds, always use filtered or bottled water. Since the seeds distribute flavors, using tap water could adversely affect the flavor of your gel.
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Q. How can MySeeds make my recipes better?
A. When used as a gel in cooking, MySeeds do not absorb flavors, they distribute flavors. This means that you can use them to replace the volume of foods without cutting back on taste. If you substitute 1/3 of a recipes’ "fat" (where a recipe requires something such as butter, shortening, or margarine) with MySeeds gel, the finished food will taste the same, but have 1/3 less fat. Of course, you are also adding all the healthy benefits of MySeeds, such as vitamins, anti-oxidants and calcium to the food.
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Q. Can I use MySeeds to replace the volume of fatty foods?
A. Yes! If you enjoy the taste of salad dressings, Bar-B-Q Sauce or any number of other condiments, but wish you didn’t have to deal with the calorie and fat content they add, MySeeds is the answer.
MySeeds do not absorb flavors, they distribute flavors. You can use them to replace the volume of foods without cutting back on taste. This also helps you cut down on the amount of food you eat. For instance, if you love the taste of a salad dressing, but wish it didn’t add calories to your healthy salad, you can mix in MySeeds gel. A little bit of dressing will now cover your whole salad, and taste the same as if you had used the full amount of dressing.
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Q. Are Chia Seeds in general approved by the FDA?
A. Yes, Chia Seeds are classified by the FDA as a "Healthy Food". MySeeds are 100% chia seeds. You can see the Chia Nutrition Facts Panel.
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Q. Do I have to give up eating anything to eat MySeeds?
A. Not really! You can supplement whatever you are already eating with MySeeds. In fact, we encourage you to use them on foods you already like. The benefit of MySeeds occurs when each grain absorbs 9 times its weight in water and forms a nutritious gel. The gel fills you up so you shouldn't feel like snacking, or over eating at meal time.
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Q. Is MySeeds fortified with any vitamins or pharmaceuticals?
A. No! MySeeds are 100% natural with no additives or preservatives. They’re full of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants as well as natural essential oils (such as Omega-3), protein and fiber. They don’t require additives, as they are already a super-healthy food. Their high level of anti oxidants acts as a natural preservative, keeping them fresh for up to 2 years if stored in a dry place.
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Q. Will MySeeds help with regularity?
A. Yes! MySeeds contain 11 grams of fiber, so you’re getting 44% of your daily value in just one ounce. They help retain water throughout the digestive process, keeping your digestive tract hydrated and clean. These two factors combine to greatly aid in regularity and digestion.
The soluble fiber in chia seeds may help to lower your cholesterol as well.
"Clinical studies show that a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain soluble fiber) can lower blood cholesterol. In these studies, cholesterol levels dropped between 0.5 percent and 2 percent for every gram of soluble fiber eaten per day. "
US Government FDA Q&A Page
The soluble fiber also stabilizes blood sugar by slowing the release of carbohydrates in the digestive system.
You can read about the value of soluble fiber at the FDA USA Government site
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/cf101-77.html
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Q. What happens if I eat more than the recommended amount in a day?
A. There is no set daily amount. If you become hungry and want to use more seed to avoid unhealthy snacks, you can. Your body will tell you what's the right amount for you.
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Q. What happens if my pet eats MySeeds?
A. MySeeds should not hurt your pet Dog/Cat/Bird/Rodent. MySeeds are healthy for anyone. The Omega-3 and 6 oils in the seeds help to build strong, shiny coats. If your pet eats an excessive amount of seeds, they may become very thirsty so be sure they have access to plenty of water.
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Q. Are MySeeds Gluten & Cholesterol Free?
A. Yes! MySeeds Chia provides you a balance of Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid), Omega- 6 (linoleic acid). It's actually the highest plant-based source of Omega 3 available. Unlike fish, and fish oils, Chia delivers all this healthy oil without any cholesterol. With MySeeds as your source of Omega-3, you won't need to worry about heavy metals that can be found in some fish.
Unlike other grains, it is free of Gluten. Anti-oxidants that occur naturally in chia keep these oils from going rancid.
Q. Will chia seeds force me to lose weight if I just want to eat them for their nutritional value & other health benefits? (ex. colon hydration/blood sugar balancing-diabetes/protein etc.)
A. No, eating chia will not force you to lose weight if you are not eating it in the pre determined "weight loss ways" Chia can be used in 2 ways, first for losing weight, the other for maintaining health and improving nutrition. All you'll need to do is avoid the 'weight loss methods' which include:
1. Eating lots of chia right before meals so as to "fill up" and not eat as much as you would have otherwise
2. Mixing in higher amounts of chia into foods so the food fills you up faster and makes you eat less of it.
3. Using chia in a bottle of juice or water to fill up and avoid snacking, or using this method to skip meals. (In this case, you would want to reach for a healthy snack instead such as granola, or fruit)
Basically, if you're not using chia to avoid food/eat less food than you normally would or just using chia by itself to fill up or skip mealtimes, it's not going to make you lose weight. It does have complete protein and omega 3 oils which are important in maintaining a healthy weight. Our recipe books/recipes use a moderate amount (that's adjustable, in most cases) for butter/oil/fat replacement, flavor enhancement and general nutrition.
Q. What do doctors say about eating seeds with diverticulitis or diverticulosis?
A. Different doctors may say slightly different things. The 'bottom line' seems to be that "avoiding all seeds and nuts" is no longer the mainstream advice. You should certainly read these helpful Doctors Quotes to learn more about what they have to say. (This web page is NOT written by a doctor, but the quotes are by real MDs, and the study was conducted and written up by the USA Government)
Of course the key thing to remember is that "Everyone IS different" and everyone's condition will vary. Consult YOUR doctor about your own condition and your own specific needs, and remember, if it bothers you, don't do it! Ultimately, you are the one in charge of your own diet and health practices. Doing what works best for your own personal health is the key.
Q. Where do MySeeds Chia Seeds Come From?
MySeeds Chia seeds are grown in Mexico. Our chia is from the western side of Mexico, where the soil is sandy and dry. These aren't ideal growing conditions for other crops, but they're great for chia seeds. Mexico is where chia seeds were discovered (though they will grow elsewhere) Chia seeds are thought to be named for the Chiapas Region where they were discovered.
Q. What Makes Chia Seeds Gel? / Why Do Chia Seeds Gel?
Chia seeds have the ability to form gel (much more than other seeds) because of their high concentration of soluble fiber. Normally, this fiber is invisible to the naked eye, laying flat against the surface of the seed. However, when it is exposed to water, the fibers stand on end, trapping the water (or other liquid of choice) next to the seed & forming the gel. Now, with a magnifying glass, you can see a little 'halo' of this fiber once it has made the gel.
Why do chia seeds gel?
The chia plant lives in a naturally harsh & dry high-altitude environment. The gelling action is an adaptation to make the seeds able to cling to sandy poor soil or hard surfaces so they can get a chance to sprout while ordinary seeds would just blow away. Their high level of nutrition is also related! Each seed must start out with a healthy compliment of nutrients so it can sprout vigorously and quickly to take hold in the environment.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.