More and more people are eating seeds.  Chia and flax are the more common superfoods.  Both are rich in nutrients as well as fiber, protein and healthy fats.  They both have tremendous health benefits for your heart, digestive system, blood sugar levels, and preventing cancer.

Chia seeds are smaller and blander as compared to flax seeds that are larger and nuttier in taste. 

Flax seeds have more omegas-3s, manganese, copper and potassium.  Flax seeds also have more antioxidants.  If you’re seeking the highest amount of fiber and bone-strengthening minerals, chia seeds are the better choice.

For maximum benefits, one should eat 1-2 tablespoons of seeds per day.  Both can be consumed whole, however the advantage to consuming them ground is better absorption of the nutrients. 

Here are some things you can do with the seeds – add them to baked goods, like breads, waffles, muffins and cookies. You can also make a homemade granola.  Or add them to a smoothie or yogurt.  Soaking both chia seeds and flax seeds before you eat them will “sprout” them, which makes them easier to digest and increases the amount of nutrients your body will be able to absorb. To soak the seeds, simply let them sit in warm water for about 30 minutes. You can also let them soak overnight, which creates a gel-like consistency and this can be used for jam or pudding. 

Due to the high fat content, both types of seeds should ideally be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.

Flax seeds do appear overall to have a slight advantage to chia seeds in that they reduce hunger and appetite as well as lowering the risk of certain cancers as well as being less expensive.