Chia Seeds Side Effects
Some people experience consequences from eating excessive amounts of Chia seeds. These chia seeds side effects can include digestive problems, allergic reactions, or weight growth. For most people, Chia seeds can be an appropriate and healthy supplement to healthy eating.
Chia seeds can be eaten as they are a part of an herb that belongs to the mint family, also known as Salvia hispanica. These tiny dark seeds are a nutritious food that is high in omega-3 fats, as well as other bioactive substances that are essential to our lives.
Chia seeds can provide health benefits such as decreasing blood pressure, lessening inflammation, and improving digestion.
Certain people may be afflicted by chia seeds side effects when they consume large amounts of chia seeds. This includes people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and allergies. A large number of chia seeds can cause digestive issues. If someone eats a lot of Chia seeds, it can cause weight gain.
Yes. Chia seeds are most likely the best option available. However, they do come with many negative side consequences. This article examines the negative consequences and dangers of eating too many Chia seeds, the health benefits of this food, and alternative options.
Major Side Effects of Chia Seeds - Consequences of Eating Chia Seeds
Eating Too Many Chia Seeds Can Cause Digestive Issues
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, supplying eleven grams of fiber for 1 ounce (28-gram) portion.
Fiber is crucial to your health, encouraging regularity and helping to support the beneficial bacteria that reside in your gut and many other essential functions. But, excessive amounts of fiber may cause problems for some people.
The major side effect of chia seeds is that intake of too much fiber can lead to problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It can also happen when a large fiber intake is coupled with a lack of drinking water, which is vital to assisting fiber moving through the digestive tract.
In addition, those suffering from intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, will need to watch their fiber intake and restrict Chia seeds when they are experiencing flare-ups. These chronic illnesses can cause inflammation and shrinking of the intestinal tract, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Research suggests that a higher fiber intake may prevent inflammatory bowel diseases in the long term. But people who experience flare-ups should limit their intake for short durations to ease symptoms. But for most people, the negative effects of excessive fiber intake can be avoided by gradually increasing the intake of fiber and drinking plenty of fluids to assist in the passage of fiber into the bloodstream.
ALA Intake May Be Associated with Prostate Cancer
Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a form of omega-3 fatty acids found mostly in plant food. Omega-3 acid is an essential component of the diet. They are beneficial to numerous aspects of health, including cognitive function as well as heart health.
ALA Fatty acids are essential for those who do not consume fish as they can convert to docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) in small quantities. These are two types of omega-3 fats that are also present in seafood.
A second observational study found that men with the most omega-3 fatty acids were at greater risk of prostate cancer than those with lower blood levels. But, the studies on this subject are not conclusive. Another study has found that ALA fats could protect against prostate cancer.
Five studies reviewed in one review revealed that men who consumed a minimum of 1.5 grams ALA per day experienced a lower risk of getting prostate cancer than those who consumed less than 1.5 grams daily. A different study of 840,242 participants found that increased ALA intake was linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
It’s important to note that these studies only looked at the relationship between ALA consumption and prostate cancer. They did not consider other factors that might have contributed to the cause. More research is needed to determine the potential connection between ALA consumption with prostate cancer.
Eating Chia Seeds Can Be a Choking Risk
Although they’re safe for most users, eating chia seeds can create a greater chance of choking. Make sure to eat them carefully, particularly if you’re struggling to swallow them. This is because dry chia seeds can expand and absorb around 10-12 % of their mass of liquids when subjected to liquids.
The properties of gelling can be beneficial in baking or cooking. Another chia seeds side effects are choking issues. However, they can be harmful since the chia seeds are prone to swelling up and getting stuck inside the throat. One study focused on a 39-year-old who suffered an unfortunate incident using chia seeds after consuming a tablespoon of dry seeds and a glass of water.
The seeds began to grow into his esophagus, causing an obstruction. He needed to visit an emergency room to remove it. Make sure to soak chia seeds in water for at least 5-10 minutes before consuming them. People who have difficulty swallowing might require extra care when eating these seeds.
Some People May Be Allergic to Chia Seeds
Other chia seeds side effects, some people have an allergic reaction after eating chia seeds, but this isn’t common. Food allergy symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and itching of the tongue and lips. In the most severe instances, food allergies could cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening illness that causes breathing problems and tightness around the chest and throat.
Allergies to Chia Seeds are extremely rare; however, they have been documented. In one instance, an older man of 54 years old was eating chia seeds to lower his cholesterol. But, a few weeks later, the man started experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, hives, and swelling. If you take Chia seeds for the first time and notice any signs of an allergy to food, Stop using them immediately and speak with your physician.