Chia Seeds: Magic Bullet or False Claim?
Remember Chia Pets? For those of you who are unfamiliar, these small clay sprouting figurines were a popular gift items back in the 80's. Add water and within a few weeks your chia pet would produce green sprouts resembling an animal's fur or hair. My favorite was Chia Mr. T. These days, chia has become popular for another reason - as a nutritious food source. Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains approximately 140 calories, 12 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat and 11 grams of fiber; plus vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. No doubt, chia seeds are nutritious and can be a healthy addition to most diets. One health claim, however, has gone a bit too far. Some sources are promoting chia seeds as being beneficial for weight loss by causing the belly to expa...