Some studies have also found that chia seeds contain fibre which helps regulate bowel movement. It basically flushes out the toxins accumulated in the intestines, which in turn helps lose visceral fat.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
For example, a small Brazilian study published in 2015 in Nutricion Hospitalaria involving 26 men and women who were overweight or had obesity found that eating 35 grams (about 3 tbsp) of chia seeds daily for 12 weeks resulted in weight loss. That said, the study was small and short term.
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. The high protein content assists in muscle growth to support weight loss.
Chia seed consumption may offer health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive health. However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies.
Chia Seeds Improves Cardiovascular Health
Therefore, eating more chia seeds could decrease the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. A higher fiber intake has been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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.
Since they contain a lot of insoluble fiber — the kind that helps bulk up your stool while still keeping it soft — chia seeds can help get things moving in your gut. Hence, the current trend of drinking chia seed water to help promote a bowel movement.
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 have proven benefits (we tried it ourselves!) when consumed on an empty stomach every morning. Apart from having high levels of fiber, calcium, protein and healthy fats, these seeds also contain magnesium that help to keep cortisol level low, and in turn, uplifts your mood.
It is important to soak your chia seeds and activate the mucilage because it creates positive changes in the nutritional and physical properties of the chia seeds that make them even more beneficial for your health. Here are some important changes that happen to chia seeds soaked in water.
Czerwony recommends putting one or two tablespoons of chia seeds in an eight- to 10-ounce glass of water. If you've never consumed the seeds before, you may want to start with a smaller amount to see how your body tolerates them.
Chia seeds cannot burn fat on their own, however, they promote weight loss when someone is on a calorie-restricted diet and on an exercise routine.
It is said that consuming two tablespoons of chia seeds every day can help you lose weight as it has almost 10 grams of fibre. Diets high in fibre have been linked to weight loss as they keep you fuller for a longer period of time.
The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble fiber and mucilage, the substance responsible for the gluey texture of moistened chia seeds. These fibers may help to lower LDL cholesterol and slow down digestion, which can prevent blood sugar spikes after eating a meal and promote a feeling of fullness.
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 and flax seeds should be stored in the fridge to extend their life and to prevent their volatile oils from becoming rancid or from oxidizing.”
If you want to whip up chia seed water, soak one tablespoon of the seeds in a glass of water. Nutritionists suggest soaking chia seeds in water until they reach a tapioca-like gel consistency or for a minimum of 30 minutes. With that in mind, some may not be into the idea of drinking chia seeds.
I also had to wait 30 minutes after drinking the water to make sure the hunger-curbing effects had enough time to set in before actually eating anything.
A common dosage recommendation is 0.7 ounces (20 grams or about 1.5 tablespoons) of chia seeds twice per day. Remember to drink plenty of water to prevent any digestive side effects. Chia seeds are easy to prepare and often used as an egg substitute and added to oatmeal or smoothies.
And because they create a gelatinous effect when added to water or digested they cleanse your insides by collecting toxins on their way out! This is why Chia Seeds are an amazing detox and weight loss food.
Eating one ounce of chia seeds per day can help with your weight loss plan. That one ounce of chia seeds provides 10 grams of fiber. Research shows that eating more fiber can result in weight loss.
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.
Another interesting way of consuming chia seeds is by adding them into water. All you need to do is add chia seeds into water, and consume it first thing in the morning or any other time of the day, and it will provide you with an array of health benefits.