Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Blood Pressure Medications
In addition to lowering blood sugar, chia seeds are effective at reducing blood pressure. In one study, eating chia seeds for 12 weeks decreased blood pressure, along with markers of blood sugar and inflammation ( 26 ).
This drink is extremely easy to prepare. Soak chia seeds in a cup of water for a little less than an hour. Add a juice of half a lemon in it and drink it as the first thing in the morning. To add taste, you can also add honey to it.
Seeds are a good source of magnesium and potassium to help lower blood pressure. Flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all good choices to add to a meal or snack. Look for seeds that are unsalted.
Chia seeds help to reduce blood sugar and high blood pressure. If you're already taking medications for diabetes or hypertension, eating too many chia seeds can cause severe dips in blood sugar levels and blood pressure, which may lead to other health complications.
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.
Given that chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3s, consuming them may reduce your risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber, the kind primarily found in chia seeds, can help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood. In turn, this can reduce your risk of heart disease ( 15 ).
Heart health: Chia seeds contain impressive amount of omega-3 fatty acids-- alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. This make chia seeds good for heart health. Drinking chia seeds water or including chia seeds in your daily diet can reduce risk of developing heart disease.
After my three-day experiment, I will be taking a break from the chia seed water for a while. Drinking it every day could cause digestive issues like bloating and constipation, according to registered dietitian Alix Turoff.
Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up. Consumption of chia seeds aids in a feeling of fullness and thus a reduced calorie intake.
Consumption of chia seeds in the morning especially on an empty stomach is considered to be the best time to consume them, as they increase the metabolism and support the digestion of every meal of the day. However, some research also supports that eating them at night helps in providing a better sleep pattern.
If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.
Garlic supplements have shown effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, similarly to first-line standard anti-hypertensive medications. Kyolic garlic has also shown promise in improving cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, elevated cholesterol levels and blood 'stickiness'.
Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.
Citrus, such as lemon and limes, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and has the added benefit of adding a little flavor to a boring glass of water.
Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons, may have powerful blood-pressure-lowering effects. They're loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure ( 4 ).
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health. Fiber takes longer to digest and makes you feel satisfied longer, which is how it can help with weight loss and decrease your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.
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.
Chia seeds are also great at keeping dehydration at bay because it holds so much liquid. However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they'll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage.