Are you eating chia seeds wrong? Doctor explains side effects and safe way to consume them
are considered a superfood because they are rich in nutrients. These tiny seeds grow in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Australia, and the United States. They contain key minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, and phosphorus, according to reports.
Chia seeds are also a great source of ALA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA helps maintain a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats in the body. This balance can lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation, and cancer, according to a report by TOI.
Chia seeds have antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress and cell damage. Because of these benefits, chia seeds may help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
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Are you eating chia seeds the wrong way?
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist from California trained at Harvard and Stanford, warned about the wrong way to eat chia seeds. He shared this advice in a video on Instagram, according to the report by TOI.
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He said, "You have to soak your chia seeds or you risk this happening inside your body."
What can happen if you eat dry Chia Seeds?
Eating dry chia seeds and then drinking water is dangerous. The seeds can expand inside your esophagus and cause a blockage. 'People have ended up in the hospital after eating dry seeds and then drinking water,' Dr. Sethi said.
He said the seeds expanded and got stuck in the esophagus, and doctors had to remove them endoscopically. Even though this doesn't happen to everyone, it can happen in people with swallowing problems or digestive issues, as stated by the TOI report.
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Chia Seeds absorb a lot of water
Chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water. When soaked, they turn into a gel-like texture that helps with digestion. But if they are not soaked, this same property can become dangerous inside the body, as per the reports.
What is the right way to eat Chia Seeds?
The best and safest way is to soak them in water. Dr. Sethi recommends
soaking chia seeds
for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. Soaking makes them form a gel that is easier for your body to digest, as stated by the TOI report.
He also suggests starting with just 1 teaspoon, especially if it's your first time eating chia seeds.
Tasty ways to eat soaked Chia Seeds
You can add soaked chia seeds to chia pudding. Mix them into smoothies or sprinkle on oats or yogurt. Use them in baking, like in muffins or pancakes. Add them to drinks or other healthy beverages, according to the report by TOI.
FAQs
Q1. Can eating dry chia seeds be harmful?
Yes, eating dry chia seeds and then drinking water can cause them to expand in your throat and block your esophagus, which may need hospital treatment.
Q2. What is the safest way to eat chia seeds?
The safest way is to soak chia seeds in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight before eating them.
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