2-Ingredient Chia Seed Jam Recipe (No Sugar) (2024)

FAQs

Do chia seeds affect blood sugar levels? ›

Chia seeds help to reduce blood sugar and high blood pressure. If you're already taking medications for diabetes or hypertension, eating too many chia seeds can cause severe dips in blood sugar levels and blood pressure, which may lead to other health complications.

“Two tablespoons or 20gm of Chia seeds a day is recommended if someone is diabetic,” he advises. Explaining how to add chia seeds to your diabetes diet, Dr Gupta recommends soaking “a tablespoon of chia seeds in a bottle of water and adding thinly sliced pieces of lemon to it.

How many chia seeds should you eat a day? A common serving size is one ounce (28 g or 2-3 tbsp) of chia seeds. Remember to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of any digestive side effects.

Yes, excessive intake of chia seeds can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache. Over a period of time excessive intake of fiber can worsen gut health. Thus, it is advised to take around 1 ½ tablespoon twice a day or around 20-25 grams along with an ample intake of water.

You must consume chia seeds that are a rich source of fiber which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Moreover, they are anti-inflammatory in nature and therefore a wonder food for diabetes management. Being versatile, chia seeds are easy to incorporate into the diet of a diabetic.

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.

Some studies have shown that chia seeds can significantly lower blood sugar levels ( 23 ). This is likely due to the high amount of fiber in chia seeds, which slows the absorption of sugar in the blood and can decrease blood sugar levels ( 24 ).

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium. All of these may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications. One ounce (28.35 g) of dried chia seeds provides almost 10 g of fiber.

Experts have issued a warning about a common mistake some people make when eating chia seeds. The antioxidant-rich superfood is known to improve digestion and ease constipation – but, if consumed without liquid, can form “a concrete-like mass in your digestive tract”, which can lead to them getting stuck.

Because flax seeds and chia seeds are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, they are healthy for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: CKD/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week) Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis.

Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much? ›

These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.

Boost hair growth

Chia seeds are bursting with essential amino acids and they do some great work from inside the scalp. They inhibit hair fall and give a boost to new hair growth. They also help fight inflammation. Zinc and copper prevent thinning of hair, thus helping hair growth.

Prevents constipation

Since chia seeds have such a high fiber content, they likely speed up intestinal transit and help people manage constipation.

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

In one study, eating chia seeds for 12 weeks decreased blood pressure, along with markers of blood sugar and inflammation ( 26 ).

You May Experience Digestive Issues

"Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds. This is likely because they're an excellent source of fiber," explains Schlichter. "Also, these symptoms may be exacerbated if you're not drinking enough water," she says.

While both flaxseeds and chia seeds help to stabilize and lower blood pressure levels, it is important to note that chia seeds may improve insulin sensitivity while flaxseeds may only help to prevent insulin resistance.

Chia seeds as part of a healthy diet

Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.