Chia seeds

Seeds, chia seeds, dried

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Chia seeds FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are chia seeds gluten-free?
• Are chia seeds low FODMAP?
• Are chia seeds keto?
• Are chia seeds paleo?
• Are chia seeds Whole30 approved?
• Are chia seeds high in fiber?
• Are chia seeds high in fat?
• Are chia seeds high in protein?
• Are chia seeds a good source of omega-3?
• Are chia seeds a good source of calcium?
• Are chia seeds a good source of iron?
• Are chia seeds high in antioxidants?
• Are chia seeds high in magnesium?
• Are chia seeds high in omega-6?
• Are chia seeds high in potassium?
• Do chia seeds contain zinc?
• Are chia seeds high oxalate?
• Are chia seeds high histamine?
• Are chia seeds high in phosphorus?
• Are chia seeds high in purines?
• Are chia seeds high in uric acid?
• Are chia seeds high in arginine?
• Are chia seeds high in nickel?
• Are chia seeds high in Vitamin K?
• Are chia seeds high in estrogen?
• Are chia seeds vegan?
• Are chia seeds vegetarian?
• Do chia seeds boost testosterone?
• Do chia seeds increase libido?
• Are chia seeds kosher?
• Are chia seeds high in cholesterol?
• Do chia seeds contain carbs?
• Do chia seeds contain selenium?
• Are chia seeds good for fertility?
• Are chia seeds high in lectins?

Are chia seeds gluten-free?

Yes, chia seeds are indeed gluten-free. They do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This makes them safe for individuals with gluten-intolerance or celiac disease to consume.

Are chia seeds low FODMAP?

Yes, chia seeds are low in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols), the group of carbohydrates which can cause digestive problems in some people. The Monash University Low FODMAP diet has certified that a serving size of 2 tablespoons of chia seeds is low in FODMAPs.

Are chia seeds keto?

Yes, chia seeds can fit into a ketogenic diet. One ounce (around 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds contain approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates, but 11 of those grams are fiber, which does not count towards daily carbohydrate limit on a keto diet. Hence, the net carbs in an ounce of chia seeds is only around 1 g, making them an excellent choice on a keto diet.

Are chia seeds paleo?

Yes, chia seeds are considered Paleo-friendly. The Paleo diet emphasizes eating whole, unprocessed foods, and chia seeds fall into this category. They are a natural, whole food that offers a host of nutritional benefits including high fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of important minerals.

Are chia seeds Whole30 approved?

Yes, chia seeds are Whole30 approved. They’re a great source of healthy fats and fibre and can be used in meals or as a topping. However, desserts and sweets, even made with approved ingredients like chia seeds, are not recommended on the Whole30 program as they can trigger cravings and disrupt your progress.

Are chia seeds high in fiber?

Yes, chia seeds are very high in fiber. Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide about 10 grams of fiber, which is around 40% of the recommended daily intake for women (25g) and around 27% for men (38g). Fiber is important for digestive health and can help to control weight by making you feel more full.

Are chia seeds high in fat?

Yes, chia seeds are high in fat, specifically healthy fats like polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Two tablespoons contain approximately 9 grams of fat. However, these fats are heart-healthy and important for overall health. The recommended daily allowance of total fats for adults is 65g, with a focus on unsaturated fats.

Are chia seeds high in protein?

Chia seeds are a good source of protein. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain nearly 4 grams of protein. To compare, the daily recommended intake is approximately 46 grams of protein for women and 56 grams for men. While not as high as animal sources, chia seeds are an excellent plant source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Are chia seeds a good source of omega-3?

Yes, chia seeds are indeed a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. One ounce (approximately 28 grams) of chia seeds contains roughly 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends 1.6 grams per day for men and 1.1 grams per day for women, so chia seeds offer a substantial contribution towards it.

Are chia seeds a good source of calcium?

Chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium, especially for those who do not consume dairy. One ounce of chia seeds delivers 18% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), providing about 179 milligrams of calcium as compared to the daily requirement of 1,000 milligrams for adults.

Are chia seeds a good source of iron?

Absolutely, chia seeds are a rich source of iron, providing about 2.2 milligrams in one ounce. The daily recommendation for adult men is 8 milligrams and for women in their reproductive years, it is 18 milligrams. Therefore, they can be a good dietary addition to help meet your daily iron needs.

Are chia seeds high in antioxidants?

Yes, chia seeds are very high in antioxidants. Antioxidant quantities can be difficult to measure exactly, but research indicates that they have a high antioxidant activity that can provide numerous health benefits, including combatting cell damage and reducing inflammation.

Are chia seeds high in magnesium?

Yes, chia seeds are high in magnesium. Two tablespoons of chia seeds, which is roughly 28 grams, contain about 95mg of magnesium. The recommended daily intake of magnesium for adults is 310-420 mg, so two tablespoons make up about 23-30% of the recommended daily value.

Are chia seeds high in omega-6?

Yes, chia seeds are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-6 that chia seeds contain is in the form of linoleic acid. Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide approximately 4.9 grams of omega-6. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, there isn’t an established recommended daily intake for them, but a general guideline is to aim for an overall balanced intake of omega-3 to omega-6, ideally a ratio around 1:1.

Are chia seeds high in potassium?

Chia seeds contain a moderate amount of potassium. In approximately 28 grams of chia seeds, you will receive around 115 mg of potassium, which is roughly 2-3% of the recommended daily intake of 4,700 mg for adults.

Do chia seeds contain zinc?

Yes, chia seeds do contain zinc. Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide about 1.0mg of zinc. The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is 8-11mg, so two tablespoons of chia seeds contain roughly 9-12% of the recommended daily value.

Are chia seeds high oxalate?

No, chia seeds are not high in oxalate. Estimated oxalate content in chia seeds is around 5 mg per tablespoon. This is quite low compared to high-oxalate foods like spinach, which can contain over 750 mg per half cup. Regular intake of high oxalate foods might be harmful for people prone to kidney stones, hence, chia seeds with their low oxalate content can be a good option.

Are chia seeds high histamine?

No, chia seeds do not contain histamine and are not known to trigger histamine release. However, everyone’s body is different, if you have histamine intolerance and notice symptoms after consuming chia seeds, it is better to consult with your healthcare provider.

Are chia seeds high in phosphorus?

Yes, chia seeds are rich in phosphorus. They contain around 486 mg of phosphorus per 100 g serving. The recommended daily allowance for phosphorus for adults is around 700 mg per day. Therefore, chia seeds can be a good source of dietary phosphorus, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth, as well as other critical body functions.

Are chia seeds high in purines?

No, chia seeds are not high in purines. While they do contain some purines, the content is not high enough to generally cause issues for people with gout or other conditions exacerbated by purine intake. A balanced diet with a variety of food is always the key approach to health concerns.

Are chia seeds high in uric acid?

No, chia seeds are not high in uric acid. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines, which are typically found in high amounts in animal-based foods. Chia seeds, being a plant-based food, contain very low levels of purines and thus contributes minimal to the production of uric acid.

Are chia seeds high in arginine?

Yes, chia seeds are a good source of arginine. They contain approximately 1.6 grams of arginine per 100 grams. For adult males and females (aged 19 and older), the advised intake is about 2 grams to 3 grams daily. However, there is no established recommended daily value for arginine as it’s a non-essential amino acid which can be synthesized by the body.

Are chia seeds high in nickel?

Chia seeds do contain nickel like other plant foods, but the specific quantity is likely to vary widely due to soil composition and other growing conditions. On average, it may range from 0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg. The daily upper limit for nickel ingestion set by the World Health Organization is about 0.3 mg/day for adults but this is typically not a concern unless one has a nickel allergy or sensitivity.

Are chia seeds high in Vitamin K?

Chia seeds are not particularly high in Vitamin K. They contain around 0.3 micrograms of Vitamin K per tablespoon (which is about 13 grams of chia seeds). Considering that the recommended daily intake of Vitamin K is 90 micrograms for women and 120 micrograms for men, chia seeds do not constitute a significant source of this vitamin.

Are chia seeds high in estrogen?

There is no concrete evidence to suggest that chia seeds contain a high level of estrogen or any plant-based estrogen (phytoestrogen) compounds. While some plant foods like flax seeds and soy are known to contain phytoestrogens, it is not clear that chia seeds have the same components. Therefore, it is safe to say that chia seeds are not high in estrogen.

Are chia seeds vegan?

Yes, chia seeds are 100% vegan as they come directly from the Salvia Hispanica plant, therefore containing no animal products or by-products.

Are chia seeds vegetarian?

Yes, similar to the previous answer, chia seeds are completely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians. They do not contain, nor are they processed with, any animal products.

Do chia seeds boost testosterone?

There’s no scientific evidence directly linking chia seeds to increased testosterone levels. Chia seeds are high in essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are beneficial for overall health, but they don’t specifically increase testosterone. Thus, the consumption of chia seeds might contribute to general health and well-being, but they are not a known testosterone booster.

Do chia seeds increase libido?

While chia seeds provide many nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, current scientific research does not directly relate the consumption of chia seeds to an increased libido. However, they can contribute to overall health and wellness which might indirectly influence your libido.

Are chia seeds kosher?

Yes, chia seeds in their raw form are considered kosher as they are a natural seed. However, products containing chia seeds or processed chia seeds should have a kosher certification on the packaging to ensure all the ingredients and the production process are kosher.

Are chia seeds high in cholesterol?

No, chia seeds do not contain cholesterol. They are actually a healthy choice for those watching their cholesterol levels. Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids they contain can contribute to heart health.

Do chia seeds contain carbs?

Yes, chia seeds contain carbohydrates. A one-ounce serving has about 12 grams of carbohydrates. However, almost all of these carbs (11 grams) are from fiber, which the body doesn’t digest in the same way as other carbs. Considering the recommended daily value is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, chia seeds are a great source of fiber.

Do chia seeds contain selenium?

Yes, chia seeds do contain selenium. In every 100g of chia seeds, there is approximately 55.2 mcg of selenium, meeting around 75% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult which is 70 mcg. Selenium is a crucial mineral that assists in many body functions including the immune system and thyroid function.

Are chia seeds good for fertility?

Chia seeds can indeed be beneficial for fertility due to their high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in a 28g serving of chia seeds, which amounts to approximately 5g, can help regulate key hormones, reduce inflammation, and aid in regular ovulation. In addition, Omega-3 is crucial in men’s reproductive health, potentially aiding in sperm production.

Are chia seeds high in lectins?

Chia seeds contain a small amount of lectins, but not enough to be considered “high”. Lectins are a type of protein that bind to sugars and can be harmful if consumed in excess, causing inflammation and immune response. However, the level in chia seeds is generally considered insignificant and should not cause any concern for those who incorporate a moderate amount of these seeds in their diets. For those with serious autoimmune conditions or severe gut health issues, it might be wise to consult a healthcare professional regarding all food choices, including chia seeds.