Re: Chia seeds -- was my introduction

[Guest guest]

Just checked on the chemical composition of chia seeds. In brief, I'd say they are off-limits while on SCD, especially in the beginning year or two. But I'll explain why...

Before I get into that, though, just a note about seeds. They can be difficult to digest, so if not containing polysaccharides, would be considered an advanced food, or something to be cautious with depending on your symptoms, how long you've been on SCD, and what your digestive disorder diagnosis is.

wikipedia indicates that chia seeds are a member of the mint family and contain a number of helpful chemicals such as omega-3 and other antioxidants and amino acids, contain a high amount of fiber, although most of it is soluble fiber. However herbs are polysaccharides, including mints, which raises a red flag for those of us on SCD. Having a small amount of an herb used as a seasoning is one thing; using what is considered large amounts of herbs in teas and other drinks and supplements, especially being consumed regularly, can cause damage over time or undo the healing already accomplished. Still, mint teas are permitted on SCD as long as your body accepts them and you haven't seen a reaction to the use over time. Elaine permitted the use of a few foods that are polysaccharides, as being tolerated by "most" people -- but not all, so we pay attention to our body's reactions.

The only fact about chia that raises concerns is that when soaked, chia seeds become gelatinous -- which can have some adverse effects on compromised digestive systems.

I did come across some mention of the polysaccharide content of chia seeds:

"Chia seed, Salvia polystachya, was analyzed as a source of oil, polysaccharide, and protein for possible use by the food industry. Seeds were found to contain 30% oil of which more than 90% was composed of triglycerides. The fatty acid composition of the oil was found to consist mostly of C16:0, C18:0, C18:2 and C18:3. The protein content of chia seed was found to be 23.4%. A very viscous polysaccharide was isolated from the seeds. Acid hydrolysis followed by gas liquid chromatographic analysis demonstrated that xylose and arabinose were the major constituents of the polysaccharide. Seeds were found to contain niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin at a concentration of 83, 2 and 14 μg/g seed, respectively. Spectrochemical analysis showed the presence of eleven elements with calcium, potassium, and phosphorus being the most prominent. The percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the concentration of protein and the viscosity of the polysaccharide in chia seeds would indicate that further research should be conducted to investigate possible food uses for these seeds." http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119571546/abstract?CRETRY=1 & SRETRY=0

Of course we can all choose to continue to use something that is questionable, if not outright illegal. But then you can't blame SCD for not working if you never seem to improve [grin]. If you do decide to continue to use chia seeds, then pay attention to your body's signals, and if you seem to develop symptoms but aren't sure of the problem food, then stop using chia seeds first.

Kim M.

SCD 6 years

>>>>>>>>

That's Chia seeds; tiny little seeds the size of poppy seeds. They are sources of essential fatty acids and add some protein to fruit smoothies. I use them since flax is not legal. But I don't see them listed anywhere.

[Guest guest]

Wow, Kim. . Thank you so much for this very informative answer. I really

appreciate the time you took in researching chia seeds!

>

> Just checked on the chemical composition of chia seeds. In brief, I'd say

they are off-limits while on SCD, especially in the beginning year or two. But

I'll explain why...

>

> Before I get into that, though, just a note about seeds. They can be

difficult to digest, so if not containing polysaccharides, would be considered

an advanced food, or something to be cautious with depending on your symptoms,

how long you've been on SCD, and what your digestive disorder diagnosis is.

>

> wikipedia indicates that chia seeds are a member of the mint family and

contain a number of helpful chemicals such as omega-3 and other antioxidants and

amino acids, contain a high amount of fiber, although most of it is soluble

fiber. However herbs are polysaccharides, including mints, which raises a red

flag for those of us on SCD. Having a small amount of an herb used as a

seasoning is one thing; using what is considered large amounts of herbs in teas

and other drinks and supplements, especially being consumed regularly, can

cause damage over time or undo the healing already accomplished. Still, mint

teas are permitted on SCD as long as your body accepts them and you haven't seen

a reaction to the use over time. Elaine permitted the use of a few foods that

are polysaccharides, as being tolerated by " most " people -- but not all, so we

pay attention to our body's reactions.

>

> The only fact about chia that raises concerns is that when soaked, chia seeds

become gelatinous -- which can have some adverse effects on compromised

digestive systems.

>

> I did come across some mention of the polysaccharide content of chia seeds:

>

> " Chia seed, Salvia polystachya, was analyzed as a source of oil,

polysaccharide, and protein for possible use by the food industry. Seeds were

found to contain 30% oil of which more than 90% was composed of triglycerides.

The fatty acid composition of the oil was found to consist mostly of C16:0,

C18:0, C18:2 and C18:3. The protein content of chia seed was found to be 23.4%.

A very viscous polysaccharide was isolated from the seeds. Acid hydrolysis

followed by gas liquid chromatographic analysis demonstrated that xylose and

arabinose were the major constituents of the polysaccharide. Seeds were found to

contain niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin at a concentration of 83, 2 and 14 ?g/g

seed, respectively. Spectrochemical analysis showed the presence of eleven

elements with calcium, potassium, and phosphorus being the most prominent. The

percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the concentration of protein and the

viscosity of the polysaccharide in chia seeds would indicate that further

research should be conducted to investigate possible food uses for these seeds. "

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119571546/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

>

> Of course we can all choose to continue to use something that is questionable,

if not outright illegal. But then you can't blame SCD for not working if you

never seem to improve [grin]. If you do decide to continue to use chia seeds,

then pay attention to your body's signals, and if you seem to develop symptoms

but aren't sure of the problem food, then stop using chia seeds first.

>

> Kim M.

> SCD 6 years

>

> >>>>>>>>

> That's Chia seeds; tiny little seeds the size of poppy seeds. They are sources

of essential fatty acids and add some protein to fruit smoothies. I use them

since flax is not legal. But I don't see them listed anywhere.

>