I’ve been talking for a while now about the benefits of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and in particular flax, fish and evening primrose oils. But some new research is emerging on flax seed oil and its possible link to estrogen dominance, which perhaps makes it a questionable oil to consume on a regular basis.
Estrogen dominance is becoming a huge problem all over the world. We’re consuming way too many estrogens from both obvious and hidden sources which is elevating our estrogen levels by way too much. And it’s not just a female problem either, this is a problem no matter what gender you are because men naturally have the estrogen hormone too.
Before I get onto Chia seeds (which is what this article is supposed to be all about), I’d like to first talk about plastics, because plastics are the biggest culprit of all containing a lot of hidden estrogens. And unfortunately plastic is everywhere and we use so much of it everyday. It may surprise you that all plastic contains estrogens. And the more flexible the plastic the more estrogen it contains.
So if you can, store your food in glass containers, use a glass drinking bottle, and never ever heat your food in a plastic container. I was using those little plastic sandwich bags for a while to store almonds and cashews in my handbag. I’m not going to do that anymore because the flexible plastic bag contains a lot of estrogens. And if you think the estrogens cannot get into your food or liquid, think again because they can.
Why is there estrogen in my flax seed oil?
Flax seed is in fact “linseed” which is what linen is made out of. Linseed contains a very high amount of plant based estrogen and phytoestrogens.
Whether or not flaxseed oil raises your natural estrogen levels is very controversial. Some say that the plant based estrogens in the oil mimic the natural estrogens in our body and therefore raise our estrogen levels. Others say that the phytoestrogens actually level out any estrogen imbalances we have in our body.
I’ve heard both differing opinions from reputable sources, so until I can decide for myself which is the truth, I’m going to stay way from flaxseed oil. So what’s the best alternative? Chia seed.
Why chia seed is so good
Chia is an ancient superfood that is very similar to flax, but without the estrogen and phytoestrogen element. It is a just as good, if not better source of EFA, so will do wonders to your health and to your skin.
Here’s a bit of trivia for you - the chia seeds were originally used by the Mayans as an energy supplement. The running messengers used to carry a little pouch of the seeds around with them. So, chia has been called the “Indian running food”.
And here are some facts for those into food. Chia seeds contain -
- 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
- 5 times the calcium of milk
- 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas
- 3 times more iron than spinach
- and of course, copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6
How to use Chia in your diet
If you’re currently taking a flax supplement then you can just replace it with a chia supplement if you want. Or you can choose to use raw chia in your cooking. Chia has a very mild, bland taste so you can easily add it to your cooking without it changing the taste. Try adding the seeds to your salad dressing or sprinkling it onto your cereal or oatmeal.
For more extensive information about the benefits of Chia, have a read of this article - The Chia Cheat Sheet
And before I finish off this article, I have to show you a retro add for the “Chia Pet”. Turns out chia seeds are also great for growing your own pets too! Check it out -
Fran Kerr is the founding editor of High on Health. To cure your acne, sign up to Fran's FREE acne cure mini-course or download her latest how to guide, Eat Away Your Acne.
41 responses ↓
Hi Fran,
Any idea where we can by chia seeds?And is there a possibilty of eating too much chia seeds?What would you recommend as a daily dosage? Nice article.
Those chia pets are a bit freaky.The tree is the only one that makes sense.
The Chia seed when it’s grown kind of looks like alfa sprouts. No?
A possible relation?
Kevin - Look for Chia at health food stores. I haven’t been able to check stores yet because I’m stumbling around Italy at the moment trying to find my way around! I’d use them like flaxseeds, so put a big spoon in your cereal or with a salad. There are also receips online that include Chia seed if you do a Google search.
Maria - Yes, sprouted Chia seeds look like alfafa. You can buy many different types of sprouts at most health food stores
Yeah, I think for women there are better ways to get essential fatty acids than flax. I think hemp is a good alternative.
An interesting article Fran. I’ve been thinking a lot about EFAs as well recently and am still a bit iffy with fish oils - pollution is an issue here for me. I’ve been taking flax oil and eating linseeds for a while now and wasn’t aware of the oestrogen issue so thanks for that. I haven’t heard of chia seeds so they’re definitely one I’ll look up.
I’d also agree with Clara that hemp is also worth adding to your diet.
The very important think about flax oils, hemp oils is that they are unstable - go rancid very quickly ( within an hour of braking down the seed ). The light, temperature, oxygen is the problem. Of course, when we buy the flax oil or hemp, they are usually in a fridge at stores, but who knows what happened between cracking the seed and botteling it, shipping…so on.
If one eats rancid oil, the tissue and cells of the body go rancid - not a good think, if you know about free radicals.
Chia is great, but has lots of protein. I wouldn’t use it every day.
But it is a great seed.
BTW - Chia makes great puddings! You can use it in cakes!
[...] blogger Fran on her site ‘High on Health’ recently posted a really good article on flax and the dangers of excess oestrogen, which you should [...]
Excellent article!
Marta, unlike flax and hemp, chia seeds do not need to be refrigerated. The oil they contain does not go rancid because of the high level of antioxidants in the seeds.
Please visit my website for some recipes, some chia trivia, a list of sources, and, of course, Chia Pets!! http://www.chiativity.org
Hi, Margaret!
I didn’t say that Chia is unstable!
I was talking about flax and hemp oils
Yes, chia is much more safe ( unless its blended or broken down ).
Cheers!
Just recently, very highly educated man, name Dr. Tel-Oren was having a discussion about Omega 3s. He says that this whole Omega 3 bomb had to sort of happen ( and that’s why there is a big market out there ), because peoples levels of Omega 6 are so high and relation between these Omegas is 1:20! or higher. The reason for that is the food people eat ( processed, high in bad oils, fried ).
Normally, in nature or if one eats a healthy nature-like diet one would get a perfect balanced diet with exact amount of Omega 3 and 6 along with creating a perfect ratio.
Why people usually feel great after taking Omega 3 supplements is the ratio between O3 : O6 is getting more balanced, but as one can see it is not 1:3, but somewhat 5:20.
So the ratio is getting balanced , but it does not mean that omega 6s are getting lower.
Cheers!
Fran you are always somewhere cool!
I also read that flaxseed has an unhealthy ratio of omega 6’s to omega 3’s.
Also, there is this great health newsletter writer that I like to read, if you are interested. His name is Dr. Mercola, I highly recommend you subscribe to his email newsletters!
Hmm, I remember when flaxseed came out a few years ago as a superfood, now it’s not so great? I’ve been eating flaxseed every day for a while now, along with hemp seeds in my raw cacao smoothies. My naturopath said flax was great because of the omega fats and fibre. I think I’ll finish my big bag of ground flaxseed, then I’ll try chia seed just for a change, it sounds really healthy.
And I used to have a cat shaped chia pet!! haha, those retro ads are hilarious!
As they say : everything in moderation - even moderation in moderation!
If you eat flax as a whole seed and if you keep them in a fridge - they are ok.
Everyone should rotate their seeds and nuts, so we avoid allergy.
Eat chia, flax, hemp seeds by rotating them.
Cheers!
http://rawfoodtip.com
I STARTED USING CHIA & I BROKE OUT WITH PIMPLES & PAINS TRAVELING ALL OVER MY BODY-GAS -KNEE PAIN. I STOPPED TO MAKE SURE THAT IS WAS THE CHIA-STARTED BACK AGAIN BECAUSE IT IS SO GOOD FOR YOU. BUT AGAIN THE SYMPTONS CAME BACK. I’M ALLERGIC TO CHICORY -WHEAT-CANE SUGAR - BUT CHIA & CHICORY & THE OTHERS ARE NOT RELATED. HAS ANYONE HAD ANY SYMPTOM WITH CHIA.
If your acne is hormonal and is caused by low estrogen levels, flaxseed oil is a really good alternative to the contraceptive pill (if you’re a woman, of course, and if you aren’t allergic or/and don’t find it difficult to digest). I had to write this comment because some women (and less but also some men) are having really good results when taking flaxseed oil and I do believe it’s because their problem is hormonal and they found a way to balance their female/male hormones.
Flax seeds are far more better than the oil itself. Too unstable - beware.
I’m taking Flaxseed for 3 weeks with I think good results in my hormonal acne, do i have to change it by chia seeds???
Elena, some people need the extra estrogen ..for me, it’s not so good, for others maybe it’s okay.
thks Fran, but in your article about flaxseed you said that your acne started to clean taking flax (that’s why i decided to try). Then, have you noticed something wrong in your skin that made you change to chia? Your acne started again because of estrogen in flax?
I read that the estrogen in flax was good ( not like xenoestrogen) that prevents breast cancer.
Hi Elena, it is very controversial and I’m not sure what to believe. I personally choose not to take flaxseed oil now but chia seed is a good replacement. I haven’t found the oil yet but I eat soaked seeds for breakfast in oatmeal or a smoothie. Health wise they’re just as good, if not better than flax. However, as I said it is controversial so doesn’t heart to do a little more research if you’re curious.
I’m starting to have a lot of acne (head, back, face) and I think it is from Flax (i’m on week 7), I’ve ordered some chia seeds but now I’m scared! Do you think chia will clean me?
Hey Elena, switching to chia is a good idea but it will probably take a bit more than that. It’s important to work on a holistic routine and treat your acne holistically ..which means diet, supplements, good skin care etc.
Fran, I’m having a good diet and good skincare (everything is non comedogenic), I think my acne worsened because of Flax.
I’ve received today the Chia but I’m afraid to try. Do you think it will help?
Are you still taking Chia with good results?
Thank you so much!!
Hey Elena, don’t be afraid to try Chia, it’s good for you!
Ok, but are you sure that Chia is 100% free of phytoestrogens?
Thks!
Have you noticed improvements in your skin when you changed from flax to chia?
hi fran
out of all the essential fatty acids supplements, which would you say is the best for fighting acne ?
i heard that evening primrose oil has a lot of omega 6 wich is bad isnt it ?
Elena, it always helps to do your own research
My skin was clear when I started eating chia so I haven’t noticed a difference, no.
Rachella- It depends what the efa is for. EPO is great for women and it’s a fav or mine. But honestly I love chia the most now. And hemp seed for the oil (because I haven’t found chia seed oil yet)
Chia may be good (e.g. It MAY have four times as much Potassium as bananas, but it only has a quarter as much potassium as Flax).
Chia also costs about four times as much as flax.
I’m just wondering if you have a vested interest in promoting chia over flax. Do you sell either one? Or have an affiliate relationship with someone who sells chia?
Just curious.
Michael, I don’t sell either, affiliate, wholesale or retail. I listened to an audio on the best day ever membership site about flax being full of estrogen, and since I have an estrogen dominance problem I’m wary of it, that and all soy products. I’m trying to research more but it’s difficult to find updated and correct information.
hi fran
i have a question about flax. im taking the pill to keep my cycles regular and also help my acne. the pill contains estrogen and has helped my skin, however i noticed that when ever i eat flax or something containing flax i brake out. is this because too much estrogen can cause acne ?
I’ve noticed vertigo (dizziness) and nausea, plus a crawly or tingly sensation on my scalp. In addition, I have started waking up in the middle of the night for no reason. This is after 3 weeks of both chia and flax. Am I overdosing on something? Now I don’t know whether to blame the flax seed or the chia. It did seem better for a few days when I ran out of chia, until the new seeds came in. Also, I’m interested in the refrigeration of the seeds - I haven’t kept my flax seeds under refrigeration because I assumed they were OK until ground, which I do right before eating them. Are they probably OK, how do you tell if the seeds are rancid? They taste OK to me. Thanks, just wonder if anyone else had similar symptoms.
Chia seeds may not have the lignans that are found in Flax seed (seed, not oil) and it is these that have the oestrogenic effect. Lignans do not increase endogenous oestrogen levels but rather they increase the 2-hydroxylated : 16α-hydroxylated oestrogen metabolite ratio in the body. An increase in 2OH is protective against oestrogen dependant cancers. This has been shown in a clinical study by Leah Wlliamson at RMIT University in Melbourne. Seed oils do not contain lignans or related compounds and therefore have little or no hormonal activity. Both Chia and Flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid which is a precursor to EPA and DHA (anti-inflammatory compounds). It is, however, important to remember that the conversion to EPA and DHA is less than 10%, so they are not always a good replacement for Fish oils which contain preformed EPA/DHA, other than for general health.
I recommend buying chia seeds at Latin/Mexican Grocery Stores.
It is much cheaper!
You will find them in the section with the rest of the seeds and spices.
[...] the lignan thing… Anyways, here is an article, and its something to think about… http://www.highonhealth.org/why-chia-seed-is-a-healthier-option-than-flax-seed/ Randy God sleeps in rocks, breathes in plants, dreams in animals, and awakens in [...]
Chia has 8.5 grams of Lignans per 100 grams (3½ oz.),
compared with approximately 0.3 grams per 100 grams for flax seed. Chia is the richest grain source of Lignans Known.
Chia flax comparison: http://www.eatchia.com/flax.htminfo link: http://chiaforhealth.com/chin.html
Maybe Chia oil is next :
More omega 3s than flax
Chia gel causes slow converting of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar)
Gluten free,Vitamin c , ferulates, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, boron, Protein, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese,
copper, niacin, zinc
B vitamins- lots
calcium-lots
Cinnamic acids that guard omegas from oxidation
Chia seeds contain greater alpha-linolenic acid concentrations than any otherseed or grain. This substance lowers the risk of heart disease, blurred vision, and numbness.
one serving provides 30% of daily fiber
Non-GMO ( for now )
Six times more calcium than whole milk
Three times more Iron than spinach
Fifteen times more magnesium than broccoli
63% Omega-3, 21% Omega-6, 7% Omega-9.
Few studies have been done but
…In a preliminary study from the University of Toronto, researchers fed 21diabetics either a supplement made from chia or grains with similar fiber
content. After 3 months, blood pressure in patients taking chia dropped (10 points diastolic, 5 points systolic) while the grain group’s BP remained steady.
“chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don’t deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. ” Dr Andrew Weil.
Jennifer, I’d like to know where you found the information on the lignan content of Chia seeds. I searching out a flax substitute. When I followed the links you posted in your comment, neither gave the lignan content. Any other sources? Thank you, Gibran
Do Chia seeds contain gluten?
Chia seeds are gluten free. The entire Salvia (Sage) genus is gluten free.
Do Chia seeds belong to a family of nut. My daughter is allergic to all nuts so I want to be sure if the seeds are safe for her.
Chia seeds aren’t usually considered a nut in common language. Even though an individual is allergic to one group or family of plants or animals, it doesn’t mean that they couldn’t be allergic to a different group or family. I would caution you that anyone can be allergic to anything. Allergies can also develop at anytime to any substance. Allergies are the body’s immune system over-reacting to a substance it perceives as a threat. If your daughter has a allergic or “atopic” way of reacting she has a greater chance of being allergic to more things.
Leave a Response