- By Prerna Targhotra
- Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:54 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Side Effects Of Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are one of the most nutritional and beneficial seeds that promote a healthy body and well-being. These little seeds are a great source of minerals, vitamins, fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support the functioning of the body.
The presence of soluble fibre in the chia seeds absorbs water, causing them to expand in your stomach and increase your feeling of fullness when you eat them. Other than vitamins, minerals and fibre, chia seeds have good amounts of magnesium, phosphorus and calcium which are vital for healthy bone, muscle, and nerve functioning.
Watch the video below to know about the health benefits of chia seeds:
Although chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, being mindful of the amount you consume is integral. Consuming any food in unnecessary amounts can have detrimental effects on the health. Even the healthiest foods consumed in large amounts can have major side effects on the body. According to Dt. Jyoti Khaniojh, Dietetics, Nutrition And Dietetics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, chia seeds have incredible health benefits but consuming them in larger quantities can lead to conditions such as constipation, bloating and many others due to their high fibre content.
How Much Chia Seeds Should An Individual Consume?
Dt Khaniojh says that it is safe to consume chia seeds on a daily basis, an adult can consume 10 to 15 gm of it daily. These seeds support heart health, help in weight loss, and inflammatory diseases.
Side Effects Of Chia Seeds For Females
The ways in which the bodies of a male and female react to essential nutrients can be vastly different. Men consume more calories than women, and the sexes have different eating styles, which indicates that women have been socialised to eat in a more feminine manner, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In females, Dt. Khaniojh says that consuming too many amounts of chia seeds can interfere with mineral absorption which can lead to deficiencies of iron, zinc, and calcium in females. Bleeding risk during pregnancy and laceration can be there due to high levels of alpha-linolenic acid which can affect blood clotting.
The high fibre content of chia seeds can also interfere with the functioning of the body. Dt Khaniojh states that if a woman is not used to consuming a high-fibre diet then large quantities of chia seeds can lead to several digestive problems. To avoid this, you can take one teaspoon of chia seeds and gradually increase the quantity. Another important thing that Dt Khaniojh states is that one must consume plenty of water or fluid to overcome this issue.