There is increasing discussion about the benefits of whole chia seed, compared to milled chia seed. The word “chia” is derived from the Aztec word “Chian,” which means oily. While you can press chia seeds for oil, “oily” isn’t what comes to mind when I think about eating them, although admittedly I’m not Aztec. Digestion is a critical function your body performs every day, helping you break down the foods you eat and absorb their nutrients. They are also easy to clean and even though they are heavy, they come in various styles and colors to suit your home and be a décor piece.

Some argue that whole chia seed will simply pass through the body leaving you with little to no benefit with all the components simply excreted. Chia seeds are a highly nutritious food, but there are some things to keep in mind if you choose to eat them. A 2018 study published in the Global Journal of Health Science divided German college students into two groups: a control group and a group that consumed 5 grams of chia seeds daily for 21 days. Researchers found that those who ate chia seeds performed significantly better on an academic test than the control group. This spice grinder is our favorite. We love using it as it comes with a removable stainless steel bowl that is easy to remove and clean.Whole flax seeds can go through your gut without being absorbed, because their outer shells are hard for your intestines to break down. Eating them ground can help increase the absorption of the nutrients they contain. For starters, they’re both rich in fiber, a nutrient generally linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer ( 25). For many years now, chia seeds have been a staple in every vegan’s life. It is the ultimate superfood as it has so many different functions in a kitchen as well as tons of health benefits. Furthermore, one 2013 study in more than 6,000 women reported that eating flax seeds regularly appeared to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 18% ( 31). With that said, if you don’t want to fully grind your chia seeds but want to incorporate them into a smoothie, this blender is a great choice. Pros

Milled chia seeds may also have benefits for skin health. They are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin against damage from free radicals. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity.Chia seeds are very high in tons of vitamins and minerals. We would think that these nutrients would also be released more effectively when ground – like the omega-3 levels do. Can you buy chia seed flour in the store? If you want to grind the seeds into pieces you can work the seeds for a much shorter period than if you want to have flour or fine powder. When pulverized, ground chia seeds can be used as a flour in most gluten-free recipes like pancakes, muffins, breads and even pastas. After grinding omega-3-rich seeds, it’s best to store them in a sealed, glass container in your refrigerator or freezer. Final Thoughts While not common, there are a few people who have a chia seed allergy. Some people have experienced anaphylaxis and dermatitis after eating chia seeds. People who have any sensitivity to thyme, mustard, oregano, or sesame seeds may want to be cautious with chia seeds. Just like we grind spices to release their flavor, we grind seeds to release their nutrients. Although many people claim that when it comes to chia seeds there isn’t a need to do this, some studies say otherwise.