Does boiling chia seed affect the amount of omega 3 (ALA) in them?
I used to add them to lentils in a stew like dish, mainly to get my ALA requirements. I read that Omega 3 fatty acids are not heat stable but I am not sure at what temperature they are broken down.
Best Answer
This has been answered on the Medical Science Exchange. In short: boiling/steaming is around 100 °C, simmering even lower. Boiling point of ALA is 230 °C, so it should not be boiled out. The other concern, oxidation, also only sets in at 120 °C. If you're not using a pressure cooker, you will not hit 120 °C and the ALA should be almost completely preserved, as far as the science goes.
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Does cooking chia seeds destroy nutrients?
Use raw chia seeds and sprinkle them over muesli, yogurt or salads. As an added nutrient, chia seeds can be baked in bread or pastries. Cooking chia seeds destroys most of the important ingredients.Are chia seeds high in ALA?
Nutrient CompositionChia seeds are a rich source of ALA, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike flaxseeds, which aren't fully digestible in their whole form and must be ground in order to impart their health benefits, chia seeds may be consumed intact without affecting digestion and absorption of their nutrients.How much ALA is in chia seeds?
About 75% of the fats in chia seeds consist of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), while about 20% consist of omega-6 fatty acids (9, 10, 11). In fact, chia seeds are the best known plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids \u2014 even better than flaxseed (12, 13 ).How much omega-3 does chia seeds have?
A single one-ounce serving contains 5 grams of omega-3's -- and you don't have to grind chia seeds (like you would flaxseeds) or cook 'em (like you would salmon). Get your chia seeds a little wet, and you'll see them turn into a kind of gel. This is the soluble fiber going to work.Chia seeds bad?
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