Should You Consume Chia Seeds Hot or Cold for Your Body?

Check if Chia Seeds are Hot or Cold for Your Body

Chia seeds can be consumed either hot or cold, benefiting the body equally. Since they can retain water, they promote hydration and cooling effects, especially during the summer. You can add them to pudding smoothies or sprinkle them on your food.

However, it's crucial to learn about their benefits and how they need to be used or consumed in order to get the most nutrition out of them. Keep reading to learn about all the benefits and usage tips in detail.

What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds refer to the edible seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant, which are usually grey coloured and oval with black and white coloured spots. Salvia hispanica refers to a flowering plant in the mint family, which is generally native to central and southern Mexico. These chia seeds have a diameter of around 2 millimetres (0.08 in) and are hygroscopic. They absorb up to 12 times their weight in water when soaked, generating a mucilaginous covering that offers chia-based foods and beverages a unique gel texture. Chia seeds are usually grown on a small scale in Guatemala and central Mexico and for commercial purposes throughout Central and South America.

Typically, chia seeds are small, flattened ovoids with an average weight of 1.3 mg per seed, and they are brown, grey, black, and white. The yield of chia seed usually varies based on many factors, like cultivars, conditions of growing by geographic area and cultivation mode. 

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Listed below are some of the fantastic health benefits of consuming chia seeds regularly :

1.   Minimizes Heart Diseases: Chia seeds, when consumed regularly, can help reduce triglycerides and insulin resistance and increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, minimizing the risk of heart disease.

2.   Bone Nutrients: Our bones require calcium, magnesium, protein, and phosphorus for proper development, and chia seeds are an excellent source. They are also a prominent calcium source for those who do not consume dairy products.

3.   Protein Source: Chia seeds contain about 14% protein, notably higher than plants. Thus, their consumption reduces nighttime snacking, reduces cravings, and helps in muscle growth and maintenance.

4.   Rich in Antioxidants: The high content of antioxidants in chia seeds helps fight free radicals present in the body. This reduces the risk of damage to cell molecules, decreases the pace of ageing, and minimizes the chances of cancer and similar conditions.

5.   Less Calorie Content: One ounce of chia seeds contains about 1 gram of fibre, 30% of magnesium, 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, 30% of manganese, 4 grams of protein, 18% of your daily calcium, and 27% of your daily phosphorus. This contributes to about 137 calories only.

6.   Helps in Weight Loss: Upon eating chia seeds, you will experience a feeling of fullness. Thus, food cravings are reduced, which in turn helps with weight loss.

7.   High Omega-3 Fatty Acids Content: Chia seeds contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which offer benefits such as reducing inflammation, lowering chronic disease development risk, and enhancing eye health, heart health, and brain health.

8.   High Fibre Content: About 92% of the carbs present in chia seeds are in the form of fibre. Hence, they are easily soluble and feed the bacteria present in your gut to keep them satisfied.

9.   Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level: Consuming chia seeds ensures adequate energy throughout the day by keeping blood sugar levels stable. 

10.  Helps in Hydration: Chia seeds can retain body water for a longer time, acting as a cooling agent and keeping the body hydrated.

Tips on How to Use Chia Seeds

Listed below are helpful ways in which you can enjoy the chia seed benefits :
 

1.   Hydrating Drink: Mix coconut water with one tablespoon of soaked chia seeds and keep aside for 15 minutes. Then, add lime juice and honey for a hydrating and refreshing drink.
2.   Smoothie: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to your favourite fruit smoothie. This will provide you with energy and improve digestion.
3.   Digestive Drink: Add soaked chia seeds to fennel water to improve digestion and relieve acidity.
4.   Porridge: Heat almond milk. Add fruits, chia seeds, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to it. This will serve as a nourishing meal.
5.   Ladoo: Mix chia seeds, almond flour, jaggery, and a bit of cardamom. Then, make small ladoos from this mixture.
6.   Gel for Skin: Soak chia seeds in water for some time. Once soaked, a gel will form, which you can apply to dry or inflamed skin.
7.   Weight-loss Drink: Add one teaspoon of chia seeds and one pinch of ginger powder to warm water. This controls cravings and aids in weight loss.
8.   Electrolyte Drink: Mix chia seeds with coconut water and add a bit of Himalayan salt. This will create a perfect hydrating drink for post-workout in the summer.
9.   Salads: Add chia seeds to a salad of your preferred vegetables to make it crunchy, nutritious and filling.
10.  Pudding: Mix coconut milk or water with chia seeds and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top it with berries, mangoes, and other fruits of your choice.
11.  Ice Pops: Blend lemon juice, coconut water, honey, and chia seeds and pour into ice pop moulds. Freeze overnight for a cool popsicle every day. 

Chia seeds, consumed both hot and cold, offer a plethora of benefits. However, if you are on blood-thinning medications, have low blood pressure or esophageal blockages, or have a seed allergy, you must consult your doctor before consuming them.

Who Must Avoid Eating Chia Seeds?

People who have allergies, low blood pressure, or who take blood-thinning medications, or have a few digestive problems, must avoid or limit their consumption of chia seeds. Let's discuss this briefly:

1. Seed Allergies

People who are allergic to other seeds, such as mustard seeds or sesame seeds, might feel allergic to chia seeds.

2. Low Blood Pressure

Chia seeds can reduce blood pressure, so people with low blood pressure must consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether.

3. Blood Thinners

Chia seeds have enough amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which can function as blood thinners. People who take blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin must consult their doctor before they consume chia seeds regularly.

4. Digestive Problems

Chia seeds contain rich fibre, which can result in bloating, gas, or constipation in a few people, particularly those with digestive problems such as IBS.

5. Oesophageal Issues

Chia seeds expand when soaked, which could result in swallowing difficulties for those who have oesophageal disorders.

6. Kidney Disease

Chia seeds contain rich phosphorus, which can be an issue for people with kidney issues.

7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There's only limited research on the safety of chia seeds during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's better to consult a doctor before you consume them. 

Also Read:

→ What are the top 10 Health benefits of Chia Seeds

→ How Much Chia Seeds Can Be Consumed in a Day

→ Is Chia Seeds Better for Weight Loss

→ Do Chia Seeds Cause Constipation

→ How to Consume Chia Seeds