If you are healthy eater, seeds are probably a part of your diet. There are many options out there with a couple of the most popular being flax and chia seeds. These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients: fiber, omega 3’s and protein but is there a big difference between the two?

Flax seed, also known as linseed, has been consumed for thousands of years for its health benefits. Flax comes from a flowering plant that can be grown anywhere in North America. Chia seeds originated from Mexico and South America back in Aztec times and gained popularity in the last couple of decades.

Both chia and flax seeds are the number one plant source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are important for managing inflammation, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and many more common ailments

Fiber is another benefit that these supersedes boast. An ounce of flax contains 8g of fiber while the same amount of chia provides 11g. One unique feature of flax is lignans, antioxidants known for their heart health benefits and hormone balancing. Chia on the other hand has a variety of antioxidants with dark chia having twice as much than the white variety.

Both seeds are a good source of protein, with flax seeds providing 8g of protein per ounce compared to chia at 6 g of protein per ounce. Chia and flax seeds are also a good source of calcium but also iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and potassium and more.

Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store in Toronto (Etobicoke) brings you Organic Traditions sprouted flax and chia seeds. Not only that you are getting all the benefits of these two amazing supersedes but they are also sprouted for additional benefits.

Here are some benefits of sprouting:

• Increases the nutritional value (vitamins and minerals)
• Doubles the antioxidant score (ORAC)
• Makes the seeds more shelf stable than raw
• Makes them more easily digestible
• Removes enzyme inhibitors
• Reduces anti-nutritive compounds such as phytic acid

 

And if you can’t choose between flax or chia, Organic Traditions offers them both mixed together in their Sprouted Chia & Flax Seed Powder. Visit us at Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store in Toronto (Etobicoke) and speak to our nutritionists about the benefits of nutrient dense diet and how to improve your eating habits.