Chia seeds are often hailed as a superfood because they are packed with fiber, omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. However, it is important to be aware that chia seeds can actually cause some side effects in certain situations. Here’s what you need to know before you go overboard with chia in your diet.
1. Digestive Discomfort & Bloating
Why it happens: Chia seeds contain an extremely high amount of fiber. Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds provide over 10g of fiber. If your body is not accustomed to consuming high amounts of fiber, it can result in bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or even constipation.
Tip: Start with small amounts of chia seeds and remember to drink plenty of water to aid digestion.
2. Choking Hazard
Why it happens: Chia seeds have the ability to absorb up to 10–12 times their weight in water. If you eat them in their dry state and fail to drink enough liquid, they may swell up in your throat and pose a choking risk.
Tip: Always soak chia seeds in water or mix them into wet foods like smoothies or yogurt before consuming.
3. May Interfere with Medications
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Meds: Chia seeds have a natural tendency to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which is generally beneficial. However, if you are already taking medication for these conditions, chia seeds’ effect may cause dizziness, weakness, or even dangerous drops in blood pressure or sugar levels.
Tip: It is important to consult your doctor before incorporating chia seeds into your diet regularly, especially in large amounts, if you are on medication.
4. Potential Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some people may experience itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming chia seeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to stop consumption immediately and seek medical advice.
5. Overconsumption Can Lead to Nutrient Imbalance
Consuming too many chia seeds may result in certain issues:
- They can block the absorption of iron or zinc.
- Excessive fiber intake from chia seeds can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
- Adding too much chia to every meal may lead to weight gain.
How to Enjoy Chia Seeds Safely:
- Stick to 1–2 tablespoons of chia seeds per day.
- Soak the seeds in water or mix them into liquids before consuming.
- Gradually increase your intake if you are new to high-fiber foods.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking sufficient water.
Bottom Line:
Chia seeds are undeniably healthy, but it is crucial to understand that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Listen to your body, take it slow, and use chia seeds wisely to enjoy their benefits without experiencing any side effects! 🌱💧
82-year-old Martha Stewart is being attacked online after people spotted a detail in her new photo. I love Martha, but after seeing it, I’m not sure where I stand… Story in comments…
One of the names that springs to mind when we think of strong, accomplished women is Martha Stewart.
She is not only a well-known TV personality but also a writer, businesswoman, self-made billionaire, and former fashion model.
This amazing woman is 82 years old, but she still lives life to the fullest.
She garnered a lot of attention when she bravely posed in skimpy bikinis for the Sports Illustrated cover last year. She received recognition for her courage, amazing physique, and positive energy.
But when she recently shared some pictures from her vacation to Greenland’s east coast, one of them infuriated her supporters.
“End of the first zodiac cruise from @swanhelleniccruises into a very beautiful fjord on the east coast of Greenland,” the caption reads, beside a picture of Stewart sipping a cocktail. In fact, we managed to catch a tiny iceberg for our cocktails this evening.
Her use of the term “small iceberg” to describe her drink surely wasn’t intended to enrage her admirers, but it did make them angry.
People quickly began criticizing her article in the comments section, pointing out that she had mentioned a little iceberg at a time when the “ice caps are melting.”
One Instagram user said, “Martha, the ice caps are melting. Don’t put them in your drink.”
Another said, “I generally love Martha and the excesses of her life because he’s about beautiful gardens, homes, and food, but it’s a bit tone deaf for wealthy white people to be drinking their iceberg cocktails while the planet is burning.”
Thus, millionaires take vacations to the melting icebergs, scoop them up, and use them to keep their cocktails icy as the climate warms as a result of the riches of a few thousand people. That sentence has the feel of one from a dystopian book. Can’t make this stuff up, haha,” a third said.
“Even with global warming and ice caps disappearing, we still need glacier ice for cocktails? Discuss tone def. Been a lover for years, but lately, when I’m having trouble buying groceries, I’ve seen enough caviar that I’m out,” a fourth person commented.
Generally speaking, a lot of people adore Martha.
She claimed on the Today show, “I didn’t starve myself, but I didn’t eat any bread or pasta for a couple of months,” in reference to the Sports Illustrated cover she posed for.
“It was amazing that I went to Pilates every other day, and I’m still going because it’s that good. In any case, I lead a clean life that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, decent skincare, and other habits.
During her keynote address at the Las Vegas event, she also discussed the reaction of the audience to the “authentic” cover.
According to Stewart, “the response was really encouraging because it gave women of all ages the confidence to believe that they could succeed too.”
Please use Facebook to SHARE this post with your loved ones.
Leave a Reply