Whether you’re tired of drinking regular water or want more nutrition from your beverage, you may want to give chia seed water a try. The emerging health trend, made popular on social media, is an easy way to stay hydrated and feel fuller longer. Plus, many people notice that putting chia seeds in their water also helps them to lose weight. Still unsure if this blend is for you? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of chia seed water and how much you should be drinking.
What is chia seed water?
Simply enough chia seed water is a glass of water mixed with chia seeds. Catherine Gervacio RD, nutrition writer for Living.Fit, says it’s usually prepared by allowing the chia seeds to absorb the water for a bit before drinking.
@makeitmads, a content creator who shares healthy meals on TikTok, lets her chia seeds absorb for 20-30 minutes before drinking to get the maximum benefits.
“The seeds can absorb a significant amount of water so what happens is that the seeds become gel-like. This consistency slows digestion, making you feel fuller for longer,” says Gervacio.
Weight Loss Here's why so many women love it.
Chia seed water benefits
“Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a number of benefits in a tiny package,” says Alaa Elhannouny, MS, RDN at Foodsmart. Start with one tablespoon in a glass of water and increase to one and a half or two when you’re ready.
Here, a few reasons why chia seed water should be your next beverage of choice:
1. Chia seed water boosts your fiber intake
Elhannouny points out that every two tablespoons of chia seeds has five grams of fiber. “This makes it easy to boost your daily intake, which is crucial for digestive health and feeling full longer, aiding in weight loss.”
The soluble fiber content in chia seeds is why they absorb water, notes Chris Mohr, PhD, RD , fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health. Because of that, they support a “healthy and regular digestive system.”
In turn, this helps with weight management. The fiber helps you feel fuller longer and you’ll reduce your overall calorie intake.
2. It could improve your heart health
Chia seeds are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids which are great for your heart. They “lower blood triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, prevent the formation of arterial plaque and can also help reduce existing plaque, keeping arteries clear and promoting better blood flow,” explains Gervacio.
They also contain plenty of antioxidants which Elhannouny says are “essential for protecting the body from daily free radical damage and oxidative stress, thus preventing cell damage and disease.”
3. Chia seed water keeps you hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential to your health, and incorporating chia seeds can also help with hydration. “Adding chia seeds to water can help maintain hydration levels, which helps regulate body temperature and digestion,” says Mohr.
@drmeaghank shares TikTok that chia seed water is a gelatinous water which is why it aids in hydration. She adds a bit of lemon to hers to increase the flavor profiles in the drink.
Weight Loss Plus tasty recipes that make it so easy to stay hydrated
How often should you drink chia seed water?
The amount of chia seed water or how often you should drink it depends on your tolerance, says Gervacio. She suggests starting small by taking one tablespoon of chia seeds in one glass of water per day.
Everyone has different food tolerances and too much consumption of “chia seeds has led to digestive discomforts like flatulence, loose stools, or cramps,” adds Gervacio.
For more nutrition advice:
What Is a High-Protein Moderate-Carb Diet? How to Lose Weight Without Massive Food Restrictions
“I’m a Dietitian and These Are the 5 Biggest Weight Loss Mistakes People Make”
How Much Water Should You Drink in a Day? A Doctor + Nutritionist Settle the Debate
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .
Most Popular
Comments / 0