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.
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.
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.
The rule of thumb is: 15 grams of chia seeds per day are fine and healthy. It should not be more than this, otherwise the unpleasant side effects of chia seeds can occur.
No, it's not too much, but please be mindful of two precautions: Drink plenty of water. Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid and they'll “dry you out” if you eat them without also taking in extra fluids.
Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard. Dry chia seeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and become gelatinous.
Chia seeds are rich in protein, fibre, healthy fats, and several vitamins and minerals. It is considered safe to consume about 15 to 50 grams of Chia seeds per day.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
As an added nutrient, chia seeds can be baked in bread or pastries. Cooking chia seeds destroys most of the important ingredients.
“The chia seeds mix with the water and your gastric juices, and they expand in your stomach,” Czerwony confirms. “It keeps you fuller longer because it takes up space, and all of that soluble fiber slows down digestion.”
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.
To soak chia seeds, simply mix them in a 1:10 ratio of chia to water and let them sit for between 30 minutes to two hours. This equates to about one and a half tablespoons of chia seeds in one cup of water, and although it doesn't have to be exact, you do want it to gel all the way and not be too watery.
A daily intake of about 1 tbsp per day is recommended to reap the benefits of chia seeds for skin and hair.
According to research, you can get the most nutrients out of chia seeds if they are soaked prior to consumption. Although you can certainly eat chia seeds whole and raw in baked goods and cereal mixes or whizzed up in your smoothie, soaking them is the best way to enjoy them and reap their numerous nutrients.
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.
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.
But if you're in a hurry and forget to soak them the night before, don't worry. Simply take the chia seeds in a container, pour water and shake them around for a few minutes. After this is done, let them rest for about 10 minutes.
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Tong adds chia and flax seeds should also be refrigerated. “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.”
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.
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.
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.
See, the problem is, chia seeds absorb a LOT of water. So when you eat 'em, they first soak up water from your intestine area, which can kickstart bloating, then they expand in your stomach, which can lead to MORE bloating.