Patriot Health Digest
A new trend on TikTok says that drinking chia seeds in water can help a person feel fuller for longer, and therefore can help you consume less calories.
The trend involves putting 1 tablespoon of chia seeds inside water, with the added option of adding in lime. This combination of chia seed water is certainly safe to drink. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
The TikTok trend mentions that chia seeds enlarge in your stomach and form a gel, causing feelings of being full. Some experts, however, have differing views. Some advise against consuming chia seed water if the seeds have not been properly soaked — they say you need around 20 minutes of soaking time or as much as two hours.
However, some experts say that drinking chia seeds in water without waiting is okay for many people. Since chia seeds can keep so much water, they do enlarge in your stomach and aid in keeping you fuller for longer. As well as more hydrated.
Some experts also recommend adding chia seeds to your foods like yogurt and oatmeal, as this can also help you feel satiated and balance your blood sugar.
Are These Chia Seed Water Trends Legit?
While they do have mixed reviews about the timing of drinking chia seeds when combined with water, all of the experts we spoke to say that this health drink does fulfill the promises of feeling fuller and therefore eating less.
Since chia seeds are rich in fiber, which moves slowly through your GI tract, this keeps you full, as well as helping to lower your cholesterol levels. Second, they are also filled with protein, which helps with keeping you full due to it being the macronutrient that is digested at the slowest speed. Also, chia absorbs more water so it takes up room with in your stomach, which will help you feel full.
If you are thinking about trying the chia seed trick, do continue with caution. While it might make you feel full it is not a magical solution to weight loss — those do not exist. Should you wish to add your chia seeds to another item, try chia seeded smoothies or yogurt.
Author: Blake Ambrose
