Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Menu
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds
What is it:
Chia seeds are seeds derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Central America. When mixed with liquid, chia seeds develop a gel-like consistency, making them a common ingredient in puddings, smoothies, and baked goods.
Rating:
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. They are associated with various health benefits, including protection against metabolic disorders, cancer, and diabetes. Choosing organic chia seeds can help reduce pesticide exposure.
It is important to note that heating chia seeds may result in the formation of chemical process contaminants, such as a acrylamide, which is harmful to humans. To avoid these contaminants, it is better to consume chia seeds without heating or in products in which they are added in after cooking.
Resources:
- The therapeutic affect of chia seeds in metabolic disorders (review)
- The health benefits of chia seeds (review)
- Risk/Benefit evaluation of chia seeds in baked products (risk/benefit analysis)
- EFSA safety evaluation of chia seeds (review)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
Top Ingredients To Avoid
Almond extract is a concentrated liquid flavoring derived from almonds, commonly used…
Recent Articles
Not all flavors, or oils are created equal!
The Food Showdown: Popcorners flavors
Ingredient Rating: Canola oil – is it bad for you?
Clean Consuming: Nourishment for your
Is It Clean 2023 Recap + Our top 3 Tips for a Healthier 2024
We have accomplished so much in just 1 year since our launch in March of 2023! We now have 10,000
Food Showdown: Nacho Chips
The Nacho Chip Food Showdown, is Tapioca Starch safe in food? and a must-see documentary on America’s food system.