"You don't need to suspend chia seeds in water to reap their benefits," says Beaver. That being said, Beaver points out that adding such a high fiber food into your diet does mean you will need to increase your water intake. "Fiber tends to pull water into our GI tract," explains Beaver.
How to make chia seed 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.
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.
The ideal time to have chia seed water is in the morning on empty stomach. And you can also have them in between meals.
Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.
“Just combine 1 tablespoon [tbsp] of chia seeds with a glass of water (optional: add lime) and drink 30 minutes before meals,” she says, in addition to explaining they increase feelings of fullness.
Chia seeds may provide several benefits as part of a healthy diet. There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons.
The seeds expanded in the esophagus and caused a blockage. Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves.
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.
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.
Add 2 tbsp of chia seeds to a full glass of water, at least 8oz if not 16oz. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste; up to 1 whole lemon. Optionally add 1/8 tsp of sea salt. Stir and let chia seeds absorb water; after up to 15 minutes, stir once more and drink.
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.
Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. 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.
Warm one cup of water and add chia seeds. Stir well and allow the seeds to swell. Add chia seeds to the juice of your choice. Refrigerate and enjoy it chilled.
For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.
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.
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.
No, nuts are not classed as fruits or vegetables and therefore do not count towards your 5-a-day. Nuts and seeds are considered healthy sources of fat and are beneficial in their own right, containing many of the minerals we need to stay healthy as well as heart-healthy unsaturated fat and fibre.
Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Adding them to your coffee can boost its nutritional profile and provide you with essential nutrients that you might not get from other sources.