Chia Pudding (2024)

FAQs

Is chia pudding actually good for you? ›

The nutrients in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management ( 1 ). What's more, chia seeds are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Personally, I embrace their gel-like consistency by mixing them with liquid and making chia pudding.

Make sure you give your chia pudding a good stir about 5-10 minutes after you initially mix it together. This breaks up any clumps of seeds and helps ensure the mixture will set.

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.

Eating too much chia ”might cause abdominal discomfort and bloating,” says Vickers. If you're new to chia seeds, ”start small and build your way up,” says Soutter. ”Begin with a teaspoon and see what you can tolerate. Have no more than 2 tablespoons a day (28g) and always drink plenty of water with them.”

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.

Combining chia seeds with cinnamon water creates a powerful drink that aids in weight loss, boosts metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes overall well-being.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

"Since chia seeds are high in fiber and absorb water, they may lead to digestive discomfort for sensitive people, including gas and bloating," says Schlichter.

Chia seeds can absorb up to thirty times their weight in water, leading to dehydration if consumed in excessive amounts.

Chia pudding makes a delicious dish that can be eaten for breakfast or as dessert. If you don't like the seeds' texture, try blending the pudding to give it a smoother finish.

Are there any negative effects of chia seeds? ›

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.

A 2-tablespoon serving (which is a TON of seeds) has 150 calories, 10g of fiber, 6g of protein and 10g of fat, most of which is the healthy polyunsaturated variety. In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size.

People who are already taking blood-thinning agents should limit their chia seed intake as it may inhibit the ability for their blood to clot and may affect their blood circulation. That is why chia seeds are not recommended for people with low blood pressure, either.

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

KIDNEY STONES

Chia seeds are high in oxalate. If you have a history of oxalate stones, be sure to eat a high calcium food at the same time to decrease oxalate absorption. Talk with your kidney doctor or dietitian to see if you need to limit oxalates.

Chia seeds are a nutritious pseudo grain that can be part of a healthy weight loss plan. But they're not a quick fix to drop a dress size. And if you eat too many, they may have the opposite effect. No single food is ever responsible for healthy weight loss.

Chia seeds are very rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They have been linked to improvement in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as benefits for digestion and gut health. Chia seeds are very easy to incorporate into a healthy diet.

Chia seed downsides

It can also cause gas, bloating, gas or diarrhea in some people." People with chronic conditions like gastrointestinal disease (including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) should avoid chia seed drinks.

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.