Chia or flax seeds?
The Showdown…

What’s better? Chia seeds or flax seeds? Both are nutrient rich and good for your health.

The Omega 3 Showdown: Both chia and flax seeds are concentrated sources of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). And it’s a close call even when it comes to ALA. One ounce of flaxseeds contains about 4.7 grams of ALA while one ounce of chia seeds contains about 5 grams. So chia takes a slight lead.

The Fiber Showdown: Both chia and flaxseeds are rich in dietary fiber. One ounce of flaxseeds contains 5.6 grams while the same amount of chia seeds contains 10.7 grams. Chia takes another step forward.

The Protein Showdown: Both contain a good bit of protein relative to their size, but we don’t typically eat either of these seeds in a large enough amount that they would provide us with large amounts of protein. This showdown is a draw.

The Research Showdown: Researchers have studied flaxseeds more at this point than chia seeds. They’ve discovered that flaxseeds are concentrated sources of lignan phytonutrients and antioxidants and may benefit the prostate gland and the cardiovascular system. Just how much flaxseeds help humans is still up for debate. It is very likely that chia seeds have just as many (and maybe more!) benefits, but we will have to wait and see. Flaxseeds win by default, but one day, this win may become a lose or draw.

The Final Showdown: Both chia seeds and flax seeds have health benefits. Include them both in your diet to reap the most nutrients!

Have you tried chia seeds or flax seeds before? Did you like them? How did you eat them?