Chia seeds may help you sleep Chia seeds are tiny bundles of tryptophan, according to sharecare.com, and that amino acid raises melatonin and serotonin levels. These are the hormones that support stable sleep. (Doing this one thing every night might help you sleep, too!)
Chia seeds are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that regulates sleep pattern by improving mood. Drinking juice with chia seeds helps those suffering from insomnia.
However, some research also supports that eating them at night helps in providing a better sleep pattern. So it doesn't matter what time you prefer to eat chia seeds, make a habit of adding them to your meal. Note: Since chia seeds are high in fiber, you should eat around 20 grams of chia seeds.
Not likely. Two tablespoons of chia seeds have only 0.094 g of the sleep-inducing chemical tryptophan—way less than the three grams found in a turkey breast. Plus, we now know that high-in-tryptophan foods like turkey, on their own, aren't the reason we get tired after a big meal.
“Drinking chia seed water in the morning can give a boost to your digestion and improve bowel movement. Great for your protein intake, heart health, bone health, blood sugar control, digestion, weight loss, and inflammation,” she writes.
Chia seeds are packed with nutrition, but Beaver still recommends drinking chia seed water along with a meal. "Viscous fibers provide the most benefit when we consumed with food," Beaver explains. "The trapping action of these fibers is most efficient when we eat them as part of a larger meal."
The Bottom Line
These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.
Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and tryptophan that is an amino acid that has been helping to treat insomnia. Your body converts it into serotonin and melatonin that helps to promote good sleep. You can have pumpkin seeds as a snack or can add in soup.
Chia seeds are rich in brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, which can help ward off fatigue and make you feel more alert.
The Chia is still used by hikers today as energy because it has the same stimulants as caffeine.
Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.
These tiny seeds are small but mighty. With a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, and a high fiber and protein content, chia seeds can help reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol, and lower blood pressure, according to Axe.
Chia Seeds Can Lead to Stomach Problems
Chia seeds are extremely high in fiber, and too much fiber doesn't work with every body type. Those who consume too much fiber may experience side effects ranging from diarrhea, constipation, bloating and intestinal gas.
Chia seeds can absorb up to 10X their weight in water, and so it is not recommended to eat a large quantity of them dry. Eating a tablespoon or more of chia seeds dry from a spoon can cause them to swell in your esophagus, which may cause a blockage.
It is generally considered safe to consume up to two tablespoons of chia seeds per day. This amount is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, studies have also suggested that regular consumption of chia seeds can help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
Time: Gelling chia seeds takes time! Recipes like chia pudding are best when chia sits in liquid for a few hours, or even overnight. If you want your chia seeds to have that gel-like consistency, they need to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes to absorb the liquid. Be patient!
Mix the chia seeds and water, making sure that the seeds are fully covered. Soak for a couple of hours or overnight. Note: Soaking the chia seeds overnight means you will get more nourishment from them, as the long soaking time allows the enzymes to be activated.
Just like overnight oats, keeping chia seeds soaked in water or milk overnight can be a good way to fully germinate them and get rid of any sort of digestive inhibitors (which act as a protective layer).