© 2008 DBA Design Action MySeeds Chia
FAQ
Find the answers to commonly asked questions here in the chia seed
FAQ, or just learn more about MySeeds Chia!
MySeeds Chia Main Page
Preparing, Eating & General Questions
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 should I store MySeeds?
How long before MySeeds expires / Do Chia Seeds Go Bad?
What do MySeeds taste like?
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?
Will chia seeds force me to lose weight if I just want to eat them for
their nutritional value & other health benefits?
What about eating Chia seeds with diverticulitis or diverticulosis?
What country is MySeeds Chia Seeds Grown in?
What Makes Chia Seeds Gel? / Why Do Chia Seeds Gel?
What do I do if I don’t like the texture of chia pudding?
What Should You Know Before Getting Chia Seeds?
Q. Do I have to do anything to MySeeds before I eat them?
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 or have to use the toilet later 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.
Chia Seeds Home Page
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.
Questions? Comments? MySeeds (at) mychiaseeds.com or call
954-483-1914
MySeeds Chia FAQ