Coconut Cardamom and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

May support weight loss

The fiber and protein in chia seeds may benefit those trying to lose weight. One oz (28 g) of chia seeds has close to 10 g of dietary fiber. That means they're a whopping 35% fiber by weight ( 3 , 9 , 10 ).

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Simply combine chia seeds with your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight. The result is a creamy, nutrient-dense pudding that can be topped with fruits, nuts, or spices for added flavor and health benefits.

Yes, excessive intake of chia seeds can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache. Over a period of time excessive intake of fiber can worsen gut health. Thus, it is advised to take around 1 ½ tablespoon twice a day or around 20-25 grams along with an ample intake of water.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

There's no official recommendation for how much chia to eat daily – but don't overdo it, as chia seeds can continue to absorb liquid after you've swallowed them. Eating too much chia ”might cause abdominal discomfort and bloating,” says Vickers.

You should also stick to no more than one 8-ounce glass of this type of mixture daily. More than that could lead to stomach cramping and possibly diarrhea. Two tablespoons of chia seeds have 6 grams of fiber, which isn't a crazy amount, but if you're not used to a high-fiber diet, it could be too much all at once.

Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

Do chia seeds make you gassy? ›

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard. Dry chia seeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and become gelatinous.

The Bottom Line

Chia seeds, while tiny, are packed with nutrients such as fiber, protein, omega-3s and antioxidants. Adding them to your diet may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, lower chronic disease and support heart health.

One of the simplest ways to include chia seeds in your diet is to add them to water. To make chia water, soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds in 4 cups (1 liter) of water for 20–30 minutes. To give your drink some flavor, you can add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange.

They help in regulating the female hormones and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Chia seeds are also good sources of zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. All these have benefits for female fertility in the following ways: Producing healthy eggs and red blood cells.

For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

You may add chia seeds straight to products that have liquid, like juice or yogurt. Eating with Purpose suggests making chia gel. You can make chia gel by stirring 1/3 cup of chia seeds into 2 cups warm water and letting the mixture thicken. The longer the gel sits, the thicker it gets.

If you're taking medication for hypertension or diabetes, talk to your doctor before adding chia seeds to your diet, as they may affect your blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, if you have preexisting GI issues, you may also want to use caution when adding fiber-rich foods, like chia seeds, into your diet.

Since chia doesn't have a ton of flavor on its own, feel free to add spices, chopped fruit, nuts, and any other toppings you'd like. Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad.

The drink consists of mixing one or two tablespoons of chia seeds into a glass of water, adding lemon juice, letting it sit to allow the seeds to absorb water, and then drinking it all on an empty stomach.