Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Are Chia Seeds Bad For You?


Grade

A


Short answer

Chia seeds contain no unhealthy or non-natural ingredients and include many essential nutrients that can contribute positively to your overall health.

Grade

A

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Long answer

Chia seeds are edible herbs from the mint family that resemble tiny sesame seeds and are commonly referred to as 'superfood' due to their supposed aid in weight loss and extreme nutritional value. So are chia seeds really as healthy as they seem?

The short answer to that question is yes. For starters, chia seeds are incredibly natural; they are entirely whole grain and are unprocessed and unrefined. They also contain no gluten and are one hundred percent non-GMO, so it is extremely rare for them to provoke an allergic reaction. These tiny seeds also pack an incredible amount of nutrients into a small one-ounce serving, including eleven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, five grams of Omega-3, as well as a significant amount of antioxidants and a variety of beneficial minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and iron. The nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants contained in a serving of chia seeds can help prevent the development of cancer, contribute to faster and more effective weight loss, increase your energy, strengthen your bones, and decrease your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

However, like almost any food, there are precautions to take when eating chia seeds. If you decide to regularly incorporate chia seeds into your diet, it is imperative that you stay hydrated. Once you swallow them, chia seeds absorb an extreme amount of water. In fact, they absorb up to 27 times their weight. Although rare, it is possible for the seeds to cause an esophageal / intestinal blockage. In most cases, this is only seen when swallowing chia seeds dry - which is why we recommend mixing your seeds with something else (such as a fresh salad).

All in all, chia seeds are a great addition to your diet. They can help you obtain all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy, have more energy, and help you achieve your weight loss goals.


Possible short-term side effects

  • constipation if overconsumed
  • esophageal / intestinal blockage (rare, but possible)


Benefits

  • assists weight loss
  • decreases risk of heart disease
  • strengthens bones
  • decreases risk of cancer
  • decreases risk of type 2 diabetes
  • boosts energy
  • great source of fiber
  • great source of antioxidants
  • great source of quality protein

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Navitas Chia Seeds

  • Rich in Omega-3
  • High in fiber
  • Organic certified
  • Antioxidant-rich
  • Non-GMO Project verified
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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