Does anyone eat CHIA Seeds?

A friend recommended that I start eating CHIA seeds for their health benefits.  I am wondering if they are "band friendly."

Olga.

ch' ch' ch' chia??

Yes, those same ones.  However, I understand that now they are sold in health food stores for their amazing health benefits.  Apparently, they are more nutritious than flax seeds.

I saw a report by Joy Bauer on one of the morning show all about chia seeds. She says they are a "super food" and they will be all over the media because people are learning about them and starting to eat them. I intend to try them after my soft food phase is over.

What Are Chia Seeds?

* Dr. Oz Loves The Chia Seed! *

Chia seeds are one of the most powerful, functional, and nutritious
superfoods in the world! The chia seed is an excellent source of
fiber, packed with antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vitamins
and minerals, and the richest known plant source of omega-3.
Everyone from children to senior citizens can benefit from the
wonderful nutritional qualities of chia seeds.
Nutrition expert Dr. Weil says:
The word chia often conjures visions of those terra-cotta
figurines that, when slathered with chia seeds, grow green
"hair." In reality, these healthful, edible seeds are a better
source of omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed (the fats protect
against inflammation and heart disease). Chia seeds come from
the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family
that grows in southern Mexico.
In pre-Columbian times, chia seeds were a component of the
Aztec and Mayan diets and the basic survival ration of Aztec
warriors; they even played a role in religious ceremonies.
Supposedly, 1 tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person
for 24 hours.
The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to relieve joint pain and
skin conditions. It was a major crop in central and southern
Mexico well into the 16th century, but it was banned after the
Spanish conquest because of its association with the Aztec
"pagan" religion. Over the past few decades, commercial
production has resumed in Latin America. And here is more
good news: Insects hate the chia plant, so it's easy to find
organic seeds.
Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods
without becoming rancid and don't require grinding (whole
flaxseed is tough to digest). Chia provides fiber (about 2
tablespoons--25 g--give you 7 g of fiber) as well as other
important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.
Very few formal studies have looked at chia's benefits, although
I expect that more will soon. In a preliminary study from the
University of Toronto, researchers fed 21 diabetics 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.
I enjoy the seeds' nutlike flavor and consider them to be a
healthful and interesting addition to my diet. You can sprinkle
ground or whole chia seeds on cereal, yogurt, or salads; eat a
handful of whole seeds as a snack; or grind them up and mix
with flour when making muffins or other baked goods.
Or make your own "chia fresca," a drink popular in Mexico and
Central America: Stir 2 teaspoons of the seeds into 8 to 10
ounces of water (you'll end up with a slightly gelatinous liquid).
Add lime or lemon juice and sugar to taste, and enjoy.
My prediction? You will begin to see chia being added to more
and more commercial products, such as prepared baby foods,
nutrition bars, and baked goods.
(Excerpt from prevention.com)
Dr. Oz from the Oprah show says:
The truth is, chia seeds are actually good for you -- we’re talking
really good for you! In fact, they just may be one of the
healthiest things around. Here’s why:
Nutty-tasting whole-grain chia seeds are loaded with omega-3
fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity
of any whole food -- even more than fresh blueberries. And they
do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and
blood sugar under control. The chia seeds you get in a Chia Pet
have not been approved as food by the FDA, so get yours from
a health-food store, or order some online. RealAge recommends
two daily doses of about 20 grams each (a total of 1.5 ounces).
Shrinking Sharon �

As a former agent of the military's drug testing program, I have to warn of this ...

If you have a drug testing program in place by your employer, you need to check on their policy for salvia.  As posted above, chia seeds come from the salvia plant.  The salvia plant is a powerful hallucinogenic when smoked and some companies (to include the US military) have banned its use even though it is not illegal.  It will show up in a urine test, and the results do not take into consideration whether it was ingested or smoked.  A positive test is a positive test.

Just something to consider.  I've heard nothing but good things about it as far as dietary needs go.  It's a good source of Omegas, and supposedly a decent appetite suppressant.

Do they show up on the drug screen as THC, Opoids, or what...do you know?  I was thinking about them when I heard Dr. Oz talking about them the other day, but I so do not need to lose my job over a random drug screen...That would be fabulous "well, Boss, I ate some chia seeds.."  If it can happen to me, it will!!!!LOL

I honestly do not know how it shows up on a drug screen.  I no longer work for the DoD and the only person I could ask (that would tell me) right now is deployed.  All I can suggest is to check with your company.  I've heard that some actually provide a list of what is okay and what's not.  They might be fine with it. Salvia is a fairly new "drug" and since it's not illegal a lot of kids are using it to get high.  My son has told me some pretty scary things going on at his college and I've even seen videos on You Tube of people "under the influence".   It baffles me that it produces no effect when ingested.  You get high if you eat pot, don't you?  Maybe it's the difference between smoking the plant and eating the seeds.  I don't know, but I do know that it will show up either way in a drug test.

I will talk to the lab who does our drug screens and find out.  I really dont know about getting high by eating pot...I am so completely unformed about that kind of stuff--food is my drug of choice - guess that is why I am here!!  Although I have heard about pot brownies, etc...  Guess I need to so some research--my company does random drug screens all the time.  Thanks!

My Nut recommended them, so they BETTER be band friendly, LOL. I bought some at GNC and then found them cheaper on line. They look like little pieces of white and black pepper and expand a little when you eat them, about the size of tapioca. They are fibrous and tend to give me a little gas, TMI  I know. But they are supposed to really good for you.