Q. Are Chiatrition Chia seeds organic?
A. All our seeds are organically grown, but not yet certified as organic. Australian Chia seeds are HACCP certified and approved by the Australian Heart Foundation.
Q. What is the difference between Black Chia seeds and White Chia seeds?
A. Considering the nutritional contents, tastes, flavours, there is no major difference between black chia seeds and white chia seeds, it is only a matter of preference as what colour you like. However, the white seeds do cost more and they are less popular than the black seeds in the market.
Q. Are Chiatrition Chia seeds fortified with any vitamins or pharmaceuticals?
A. No! Chiatrition Chia seeds are 100% natural with no additives or preservatives. They’re full of Omega 3, protein, fibre, calcium, vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. They don’t require additives, as they are already a superfood. Their high level of antioxidants acts as a natural preservative, keeping them fresh for up to 3 years if stored in a dry place.
Q. Are Chiatrition Chia seeds Gluten & Cholesterol Free?
A. Yes! Chiatrition Chia seeds provide you a balance of Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid). It's actually the highest plant source of Omega 3 available in the world. Unlike fish, and fish oils. With Chia seeds as your source of Omega 3, you won't need to worry about toxic heavy metals that can be found in some fish nor the fishy taste!
Unlike other grains, Chia seeds are free of Gluten. Antioxidants that contained naturally in Chia seeds keep these oils from going rancid.
Q. Do I have to do anything to Chia seeds before I eat them?
A. It depends on how you want to use Chia seeds. 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.
Do not attempt to wash Chia seeds. They will immediately 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. Simply add 1 part of Chia seeds to 9 parts of water, stir occasionally to avoid clumping, wait for about 15 minutes, then you’re ready to use them to replace 1/3 of the fat in your recipes, without reducing any of the flavours. The gel can be made ahead of time, and keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an air tight container.
Q. When is the best time to eat Chia seeds?
A. Basically, you can drink Chia seeds anytime you like during the day. The best time depends on why you are using Chia seeds. 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 water right away to hydrate the seeds.
To curb apatite and lose weight, and improve regularity eat the seeds in the morning, or right before meals.
Q. How much Chia seeds should I eat a day?
A. There is no set dose or recommended amount to you, that depends on your body type and how you are using it. For general purposes of health, nutrition and energy, we recommend 10-20 grams a day. Every bag of 500g Chiatrition Chia seeds can normally last about 1 month, costing less than a 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 seeds are extremely safe and there is no fixed limit. Only you know when you're feeling full, so let your body tell you the amount that's right for you.
Q. Will Chia seeds force me to lose weight if I just want to eat them for their nutritional value & other health benefits? (ex. anti-inflammatory/constipation/blood sugar balancing-diabetes/protein etc.)
A. No, eating Chia seeds will not force you to lose weight if you are not eating it in the pre determined "weight loss ways". Chia seeds 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 seeds 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 seeds in a bottle of juice or water to fill up and avoid snacking, or using this method to skip meals.
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.
Q. What happens if my pet eats my Chia seeds?
A. Chia seeds should not hurt your pet Dog/Cat/Bird. Chiatrition Chia seeds are healthy for anyone. The Omega 3 in the seeds help 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.
