Chia is considered a marvellous seed receiving a superfood status due to its containing important elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, and antioxidants. Whether added to a smoothie bowl or used as a garnish, these little seeds are lauded as an ingredient in healthy foods. However, to the chagrin of health-conscious consumers, some foods, when eaten in conjunction with chia seeds, reduce the nutrients they possess or cause one to experience stomach issues. Well, let’s now look at five ingredients that, when eaten with chia seeds, should be avoided to fully harness the benefits of this superfood.
Dairy Products
Eating chia in yogurt or milk is not a bad idea but it is important to know how chia behaves around dairy. Compared to mature seeds, chia seeds contain large amounts of soluble fibre that, when they are incorporated into beverages, such as milk or yoghurt, gel-like substances are formed. If not soaked earlier, the seeds tend to stick to each other, and this, coupled with dairy, is a no-no for digestion. This could lead to swelling or a distended abdomen, meaning that you feel full even if you haven’t actually eaten too much.
Tip: If you enjoy adding chia to your yoghurt, the seeds should first be soaked in water for about 15-30 minutes before consumption in the dairy item. This enables them to accommodate the liquid to be soaked with no clumping.
Dry Cereals or Granola
It has been noticed that chia seeds cling to dry meals, and therefore, when taken straight with dry cereal or granola without water, they dry up the digestive system. Organic chia seeds swell to 12 times their size when exposed to liquids; thus, they can pull water away from any organism, and the body causes dehydration if taken with little water.
Check Out 5 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Tip: To help prevent this, make sure you are reconstituting your chia seeds by adding them to either liquid or drinking fluids along with the seeds. This will assist your body in the digestion of these foods if you are a victim.
Raw Vegetables
Adding chia seeds to raw vegetables as one might do in salads desirable in the sense that they are healthy, it slows down digestion. Chia seeds increase their volume when interacted with water and raw vegetables are filled with fiber which takes lots of energy to digest. Mixing chia seeds and raw vegetables makes the system more straining causing bloating or stomach issues.
Tip: If you are including chia seeds in your salads, then the seeds must be soaked, or the vegetables in the salad must be lightly cooked.
Highly Processed Sugary Foods
Many people have gotten used to consuming Chia seeds as a form of macronutrients, but mixing the seeds with foods that are rich in sugar or processed foods such as sugar-coated cereals or cakes is not good for the body. Cakes, candies, and biscuits raise blood sugar because they contain a high amount of carbohydrates that interfere with the functions of chia seeds on blood sugar. This is because the high sugar intake of fast foods will counter the benefits that could be expected from fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tip: To maximize the absorption of nutrients, chia seeds should be taken with natural sugars such as honey or maple syrup or alternatively with whole grains to add some fibre to it.
Fizzy or Carbonated Drinks
Drinking chia seeds with carbonated substances is another combination to note against. The seeds swell when in contact with water or any liquid, and therefore, taking them with carbonated beverages causes the swelling to produce gas or bloating. I found out the hard way that the combination of the carbonated drink with the expanding chia is not so easy on the stomach. Also, carbonated beverages usually contain sugar which also, as has been mentioned earlier, can negate the health benefits that chia seeds offer.
Tip: For the best experience of chia seed, avoid incorporating it with sodas or other fizzy beverages since it traps gas, causing the body to bulge
The Question of Interest: Why Is It Important to Combine Chia Seeds Correctly?
Chia seeds are one of the most nutritious foods around but much like any other super food the way you intake them determines how effective they are. Chia seeds are gulping fluids; they swell and become gelatinous within a short while. If not well prepared, they may result in digestion complications or respiratory problems and poor absorption of nutrients.
It is important to dilute chia seeds with enough water to get rid of the stomach issues that come with these small seeds. If chia seeds are consumed dry or in combination with energy density foods, the seeds may cause stomach upset or swelling thus eliminating the benefits of this superfood seed.
To get more of our exclusive content on Health Care and Lifestyle. Follow us on YouTube and Instagram.
