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5 Reasons Chia Seeds' Health Benefits Will Make You Forget Flax

One minute flax (also known as linseed) is the health food world's baby. Today, chia has become popular. What's happening? Are chia seeds health benefits really so much better?

It's not exactly a "my superfood is more popular than yours" dispute. There are five sure-enough reasons you should compare flax with chia. Read these five reasons to determine why chia is thought to be a healthier choice than flax...and then make an informed decision on your own.

1. Avoid Becoming Estrogen Dominant

What is estrogen dominance? In simple English, it's what comes about when a body's estrogen levels go too high. The effects of estrogen dominance are pretty obnoxious:

  • Young girls get to puberty too early, which can be fraught with danger both physically and emotionally.
  • Grown women suffer from uncomfortable periods and troublesome menopauses.
  • Estrogen dominance is not limited to women. Men who are estrogen dominant start to grow breasts.

So what is the relationship between estrogen dominance and flax? Well, flax is a plant-based estrogen, or phytoestrogen. Some examination has found that plant-based estrogens imitate the natural estrogens in our bodies, which raises our estrogen levels. The accuracy of this claim has yet to be proved conclusively, but, if you have any fear at all that you might be estrogen dominant, you might want to keep away from flaxseed.

The good news? Chia seeds are not estrogenic like flax. Switching to chia instead of flax can't hurt - and it may help you avoid needless health problems.

2. More Fatty Acids Than Flax

What are omega-3 fatty acids? They are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. In order to continue in excellent health, your diet needs to be loaded in omega-3 fatty acids.

Research demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids may:

  • elevate "good" cholesterol
  • help lower triglycerides
  • assist to lower high blood pressure
  • safeguard against the build up of a protein linked with Alzheimer's disease

These are only a few of the benefits. Lots of research is being done on omega-3 fatty acids, and we're constantly finding out new ways to incorporate it into our eating plans.

So, where does chia come into the picture? Well, flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids - but chia is even richer.

3. Chia Doesn't Go Rancid

Have you ever faced rancid flax? Gross! Chia seeds keep on being sound for much longer than flax. They can easily be stocked for 4 or 5 years without decreasing flavor or dietary value.

The reason for chia's impressive shelf life? Chia includes an immense quantity of antioxidants. The antioxidants in chia stop it from getting rancid like flaxseed. This is important to remember if you decide to purchase your health foods in bulk to save money.

4. More Fiber Than Flax

What's so great about fiber? Well, fiber is an important part of our eating plan. The recommended amount is roughly 18 grams per day.

Fiber is only found in plant foods, so if your diet regime is heavy on meat or fish it could be challenging to get the recommended quantity of fiber. That's why grains with plenty of fiber, like flax and chia, are so advantageous. You can get a large amount of fiber without needing to wolf down excessive amounts.

So, which do you suppose has more fiber - flaxseed or chia seeds? You guessed it - chia comprises 25 percent more fiber than flaxseed!

5. Hypothyroidism? Not With Chia

Do you remember phytoestrogens? Together with quite possibly resulting in estrogen dominance, they may contribute to hypothyroidism. If you have a history of thyroid imbalance, you should consider omitting the flax.

As you recall, chia's not estrogenic, so you can confidently substitute flax with chia in your food plan. This means you'll get all the benefits with none of the risks.

Chia seeds' health benefits don't have to cost you an arm and a leg, either. Find out where to buy chia seeds for less than the price of a cup of coffee at chiaseedshealthbenefits.com.

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