Are There Any Adverse Effects To Consuming Chia?

The following information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. It is valuable to seek the advice of an alternative health care professional before making any changes. The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA (or your country's equivalent). Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The "running superfood" or "stamina food" like it is in many cases referenced as, chia seeds are the very same seeds which are used to "grow hair" on the famous chia pet. Often, the very first time an individual even hears the word "chia", sadly it is about the chia pet. almost nothing is known of the health and healing benefits of the chia seed.

Chia is reported to: supply double the amino acids of many other seeds and grains, provide 3 times the antioxidant concentrations of blueberries, be a rich source of bone building calcium and provide the mineral boron... which assists with the absorption and usage of calcium, offer 3 times the iron contained in spinach, and offer twice more potassium than a banana. More commonly understood about the chia seed is that it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (the 'healthy' fats).

Moreover, including chia seeds into the daily diet has shown to increase the nutritional assimilation of all foods, not to mention vitamin supplements. Chia has been used as an aid for reflux disease, ulcers, gastritis as well as irritable bowel syndrome.

Potential Chia Seeds Side Effects

Though it is sometimes encouraged to consume these seeds because of the wide array of health benefits that have been recognized, there is still not a great deal known to arrive at a conclusion whether any noted side effects are consistent enough to be reason for major concern.

Some of the adverse effects noted in independent studies:

It has been cautioned that it is a possibility, that too many chia seeds can lower blood pressure in the elderly.

Chia also provides you a significant supply of B vitamins, consequently it is important to be watchful if you are supplementing with any B supplements.

A few individuals have observed a slight increase in gas when eating a handful of the seeds. The high fiber content could easily be accountable for this situation.

It has been noticed that those individuals that have allergic reactions when it comes to mustard seeds have generally noticed a reaction when eating chia.

Being a significant source of Omega 3's which have the ability to thin the blood, some nutritionists suggest that those who are using blood thinners, hemophiliacs, those planning a surgery, and those on an aspirin treatment might be best not eating chia seeds.

Coming a member of the the 'Salvia' family, some specialists suggest not consuming chia day after day since it may have addictive effects when consuming it consistently in sizeable batches.

The side effects of chia seeds and pregnancy have not been tested significantly, so it's suggested not to eat chia while pregnant or lactating to be on the safe side.

Sticking to the following doses ought to help you steer clear of any of the possible unfavorable aspects of eating these seeds.

For men and women, consuming two tablespoons of ground up or soaked chia every day for three weeks out of each month is likely a safe dose, 1/2 that for little children. To aid in heart health, perhaps even doubling the recommended adult dose could be helpful.

Nevertheless, just like with any dietary adjustment, it is always best to obtain the guidance of a health professional prior to committing to any changes :)