Chia Seeds are considered a superfood among many health enthusiasts.
Along with the wide range of benefits that come from consuming chia seeds, also comes many posing risks if they are consumed improperly.
There are many new speculations on benefits and risks of consuming chia seeds.
Chia seeds can actually be consumed on a daily basis, but it has to be in moderation and it is very imperative to listen to your body.
Eating chia seeds everyday can be a healthy habit to follow, but it can also quickly put your body’s health in danger if you aren’t careful.
In order to ensure the safety of your body’s health, you will need to know where chia seeds come from and the benefits and risks of consuming chia seeds on a daily basis.
Where Do Chia Seeds Come From?
Chia, which originates from the plant Salvia hispanica, is typically grown in the southwestern United States, western Mexico, and western South America.
It is a part of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and has native roots based in Guatemala and southern Mexico.
Chia seeds date back all the way back to ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures.
The Mayans and Aztecs used these seeds as an energy booster. “Chia” actually ends up translating into “strength,” which is fitting to this day because it is a superfood that many health enthusiasts use to supplement their diets and workouts.
What Are the Possible Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?
One of the first health benefits of eating chia seeds is that they are extremely rich in nutrients, especially for the low-calorie count.
One single ounce of chia seeds contains 4 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of fat, which if considered a very healthy choice from a health enthusiast’s perspective.
The fact that the carbohydrates are in the form of fiber is an added benefit because this will help your body feel fuller for longer.
This ultimately makes chia seeds a carb friendly super food.
By implementing chia seeds into a weight-loss diet, you can expect to feel fuller for longer and have increased energy for your workouts.
Another pro to consuming chia seeds is that they are high in doses of omega 3s.
The high dose of omega-3s is known to aid in many medical conditions such as ADHD, depression, and varying autoimmune disorders.
Given the high content of omega-3s, in addition with the high content of fibers and proteins, consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease, although more studies need to be conducted on this theory.
For the people who don’t consume enough dairy products, chia seeds can be a great alternative to this.
Chia seeds are actually very high in bone nutrients, which include protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and most importantly calcium.
Chia actually has higher bone nutrient levels than most dairy products, so this is a great solution for those who don’t enjoy eggs and milk.
One of the biggest benefits of chia seeds is that they are extremely easy to implement into your diet.
They can be added to almost anything and they are really easy to prepare. By simply adding chia seeds to any recipe will increase the nutrition of your meals.
There are many benefits to consuming chia seeds.
They are very rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and have a wide range of health benefits.
Chia seeds are a staple superfood and can be easily added to any weight-loss diet, which is why many health enthusiasts recommend consuming chia seeds in healthy moderation in tune of what your body needs.
What Are the Negative Effects of Chia Seeds?
With benefits, always comes risks.
It turns out that the nutrient and antioxidant-rich superfood can have reverse effects on your body if consumed improperly.
It is imperative to become more aware of these potentially negative effects chia seeds can have on your overall health.
Although chia seeds are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, consuming too much chia seeds can have serious gastrointestinal implications.
Due to its high fiber content, high does can result in hard stools, constipation, bloating, and excessive gas.
Since these seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, they can potentially result in blood thinning.
If you already struggle with blood pressure issues, be sure to talk to your physician to determine whether or not chia seeds will be safe to consume. In addition, be sure to also consult your doctor if you have diabetes.
There may also be potential effects and pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Although not proven, most health officials recommend being cautious and safe by not consuming chia seeds at all.
New studies also revealed that too much chia consumption can increase the risk of prostate cancer due to alpha-linolenic acid, which is the fatty acid found within chia seeds.
Although there is the potentiality of increased risk, this risk is still speculated to be small according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Although chia seeds can be healthy when consumed properly and in moderation, they can also pose a risk to your body’s health.
This is why it is important to be aware of the potentially negative effects chia seeds can have on your body.
What Else Does Chia Contain?
In addition to the nutrients and antioxidants, chia seeds also contain a number of various vitamins, such as vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, B3, B5, B6, B15, B17, D, and K. Chia is also rich in electrolytes and amino acids, which is great for body recovery and growth and repair of cells.
Can You Consume Chia While On Medication?
This will depend entirely on the medication you’re on. If you’re on any blood pressure, or diabetes medication, you should consult your doctor before taking chia. If you’re not sure, consult your physician anyways.
Can I Eat Too Much Chia?
Everybody’s body is different, so it depends entirely on that. Consistently eating more chia than your body can handle can have negative effects in the long run.
This includes, hard stools, bloating, excessive gas, blood thinning, and raises glucose levels too high if you have diabetes.
Why Should I drink Plenty Of fluids When Eating Chia?
Chia is known to absorb significant amounts of liquid.
If you consume too much chia without drinking enough fluids, you could end up getting stomach cramps. To avoid this, ensure that you drink enough water when eating chia so that it can absorb that liquid.
Conclusion
Chia seeds are a superfood, which many health enthusiasts consider a staple in their diets, workouts, and overall health.
When taken properly, chia seeds can have many benefits.
There are still negative effects though that are important to acknowledge.
They end up having negative effects on your health when they are consistently over consumed, or if you have existing health problems.
Chia seeds can definitely become part of your daily diet, but it is important to moderate consumption and listen to your body, as well as be aware of the potential negative implications they could have on your overall health.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.