Chia ~ whole or ground?

[Shell]

So I decided to try chia seeds, FINALLY, and I have one question. I bought whole seeds....but there were also bags of ground seeds as an option as well.....is there a difference? What I mean is, do I have to grind them up to reap the benefits? Will they *ahem* go right through without any benefit if I don't? This may be a silly question, but I'm a little confuzzled...

[Ama]

My understanding and the way I use chia is to soak them (whole seed). They become gel-like. I put them in my smoothies. I fill my blender with 2 cups of water and put about 1-2T of chia seeds and let them sit for about 10 minutes. You can also keep some ready by putting some seeds in a container and adding water then storing it in your fridge. Any time you want some seeds just take a scoop.

[Shell]

Hmmm.....thanks Ama! I'm wondering though....I mean, is it OKAY to use them straight from the bag? I'm not a HUGE fan of the gel-like consistencies of certain foods....but I want the benefits of chia!!!! I know soaking activates enzymes, and aids in digestion of nuts, etc., but I've never had a problem with unsoaked nuts or seeds......hmmmmm.....

[Ama]

They won't hurt you if you don't soak them put I'm pretty certain that you wouldn't get 100% of the benefit. Chia is nice because it doesn't have a strong taste. Many people make a pudding out of it. I'm sure you can do a search (see banana) and find out more.

[beppa66]

Shell you can always just sprinkle them on a little clay head and grow green hair. cha-cha-cha-chia. ( :=

[Shell]

Thanks again, Ama! I did a search and everything came up "gel"....
Beps ~ bah ha ha.....I know, that song has been in my head ALL DAY thanks to those seeds! I always wanted the Garfield head....

[Maria]

I tried to SPROUT chia seeds last night, and this morning I had the gel. I thought they would sprout like alfa-alfa. They are more like flax. Are the seeds hard and gritty in the smoothie?
Thanks,

Maria