How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes?

How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes
Chia seeds are a superfood for diabetes. Studies show a fiber-rich diet may help reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels. Experts suggest eating 20 g (2 tbsp) of chia twice a day. Eating large quantities may lower blood glucose levels to an extent an insulin dosage adjustment is needed.

How do diabetics use chia seeds?

How to include chia seeds in your diet? – Dr Gupta explains that one ounce of chia seeds contains 10 grams of fibre, of which an adult can consume between 22.4 and 33.6 grams of fibre each day, depending on their age and sex. “Two tablespoons or 20gm of a day is recommended if someone is diabetic,” he advises. How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes Is chia seeds good for diabetes? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Can chia seeds reduce blood sugar?

Health Benefits – Chia seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants, Some of these antioxidants include:

Caffeic acidChlorogenic acidKaempferol Quercetin

These nutrients help provide many significant health benefits. Reduced Free Radicals Antioxidants found in chia seeds can help to fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of developing many health issues associated with free radicals, including heart disease, cognitive decline, and certain types of cancer.

Better Heart Health Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Improved Blood Sugar Levels Chia seeds are high in fiber.

Studies show that fiber may help to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, Research has also found that bread containing chia seeds triggers a lower blood sugar response than traditional bread, which helps to prevent high blood sugar levels.

Reduced Inflammation Chronic inflammation can lead to health conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in chia seeds, can help to fight inflammation in the body.
Eating chia seeds regularly may also help to reduce inflammatory markers, which often indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease.

Healthier Weight Management A 1-ounce serving of chia seeds has 39% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber. The soluble fiber in the seeds absorbs water, causing them to expand in your stomach and increase your feeling of fullness when you eat them.

By letting you feel fuller despite eating less, chia seeds can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Better Bone Health Chia seeds have several nutrients that are vital for bone health, including magnesium and phosphorus.
A single ounce of the seeds also contains 18% of your recommended daily allowance of calcium, which is vital for healthy bone, muscle, and nerve functioning.

When compared gram for gram, chia seeds have more calcium than dairy products.

What is the best way to eat chia seeds?

How to Eat Chia Seeds – Chia seeds have an extremely subtle flavor and are therefore prioritized for texture over taste. Their most obvious characteristic is that they absorb a shocking amount of liquid—up to 10 times their dry weight—swelling into miniature tapioca-like balls.

You can easily make chia seed pudding, one of the most popular ways to eat the seeds, by mixing a quarter cup of the seeds in one cup of liquid (almond milk and fruit juice are popular choices). Once the seeds have gelled up and the mixture is no longer watery, the “pudding” is ready to eat. This can take as little as 15 minutes, although chia pudding keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Since chia doesn’t have a ton of flavor on its own, feel free to add spices, chopped fruit, nuts, and any other toppings you’d like. Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad.

If you’re adding the seeds to a drink or a “wet” dish like porridge, they’ll swell up slightly while you eat but retain a slight crunch.
Chia seeds can also be used in tonics, jams, crackers, muffins, and grain bowls.
And although these are some of the more common ways to eat chia, its mild flavor and compact size make it easy to slip a spoonful into pretty much anything—so experiment! Since chia seeds are capable of absorbing a lot of liquid, it’s important to stay well-hydrated when consuming them, particularly in dry form.

But you don’t have to overdo it on the water—your daily eight 8-oz. glasses will suffice.

Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much?

Chia seeds serving size – Before adopting any new health regimen, it’s advisable to check with your doctor before making any significant dietary changes. If you can begin adding chia seeds to your diet, it’s best to adhere to the recommended serving size. The serving size for adults is 15grams (2 tablespoons) daily.

Why do chia seeds need to be soaked before eating?

It is important to soak your chia seeds and activate the mucilage because it creates positive changes in the nutritional and physical properties of the chia seeds that make them even more beneficial for your health. – Here are some important changes that happen to chia seeds soaked in water.1.

SOAKING REMOVES NEGATIVE PROPERTIES Soaking chia seeds in water (or any liquid) adds positive qualities and it takes away negative ones! Mucilage stores nutrients and when submerged in water a transformation occurs where its compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are rearranged. Serving as the new building blocks for the germinating plant, this also serves as the catalyst for anti-nutrients like phytic acid to be decreased in your body.

Phytic acid is a natural substance found in plant seeds and nuts that helps young plants grow (a good things in nature) but it actually impairs the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium, and other nutrients in your body. This may promote mineral deficiencies ( 1 ).

Soaking chia seeds releases additional “enzyme inhibitors” that nature has in place to protect the seed from sprouting prematurely. Without soaking when you eat them, the enzyme inhibitors also will bind to nutrients we need, potentially create nutritional deficiencies, and irritate your digestive system.

You eliminate these problems by simply soaking the chia seeds before eating! RELATED READING: Why You Should Soak Nuts and Seeds?

Which seeds are best for diabetics?

Updated: 03 Jul 2018, 02:32 PM IST How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes While being active, staying hydrated, and checking blood glucose levels can work wonders, it is important to stick to a dietary plan that will ward off diabetes in the long run. A recent study showed that antioxidant-rich walnuts can nearly halve the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes. How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes After news of walnuts as you new superfood to keep diabetes away, it’s time to look at the other superhero nuts and seeds. They have protective effects for people with diabetes. Flaxseeds/linseeds, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, chia seeds, etc are the best nuts and seeds for diabetics as they reduce and regulate the insulin levels in the body. How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes They are a good source of high biological value protein. Eggs have good cholesterol, also called as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for heart health. Studies have shown that it improves insulin sensitivity. They give satiety and improve blood sugar levels. ThinkStock Photos How To Eat Chia Seeds For Diabetes It has an active compound called curcumin which has shown to improve sugar, promote cardiovascular health, and protect against kidney diseases. ThinkStock Photos 5 / 10

Who should avoid chia seeds?

Interactions With Other Drugs: – Natural products may interact with your ongoing treatment, so you must always disclose your ongoing treatments to your Ayurvedic doctor and discuss the possible reactions before they prescribe you to form an dosage of natural products for their benefits as per your condition.

Antiplatelets and anticoagulants (medicines that prevent blood clots): Chia seeds might interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, might which increase the risk of bleeding. So take caution when taking chia seeds with medicines, foods, or supplements having anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects.5 Antioxidants: Chia seeds may known to show antioxidant activity. Therefore, chia seeds might have competing or additive effects when combined with antioxidants like vitamin A, C, and E.5 Anti-hypertensive (medicines that manage high blood pressure): In a study, chia seeds were found to lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes who were already taking medicines for blood pressure. Combining these medications with chia seeds might lead to a pronounced blood pressure-lowering effect.5 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.5 Anti-cancer: An animal study found that chia seed oil might inhibit tumour growth. Interactions with anti-cancer agents may be possible, but there is no sufficient evidence supporting this.5

Also Read: Fennel Seeds: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

How long do you soak chia seeds?

Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week.

What happens if we drink chia seeds daily?

4. May lower your risk of heart disease – Given that chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3s, consuming them may reduce your risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber, the kind primarily found in chia seeds, can help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood.

In turn, this can reduce your risk of heart disease ( 15 ).
Consuming ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid in chia seeds, has also been linked to decreased heart disease risk ( 16 ).
Still, studies specifically examining the connection between chia seeds and heart health have had inconclusive results.
Some rat studies have shown that chia seeds can lower certain heart disease risk factors, including high triglyceride and oxidative stress levels ( 17, 18 ).

A few human studies found that chia seed supplements significantly reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a strong risk factor for heart disease ( 19, 20 ). Overall, chia seeds may benefit heart health, but more research is needed.

What is the best time to eat chia seeds?

Support weight loss – While the use of chia seeds alone in your diet cannot cause weight loss, it is a useful support to a balanced, nutritious diet if you are trying to shed some kilos. Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement.

Is it better to soak chia seeds in water or milk?

How to Eat Chia Seeds with Water – Since chia seeds can hold up to 12 times their weight in water, soaking your chia seeds in water is a great way to prevent, You can combine chia seeds with water to make a natural energy drink. You can also mix chia seeds with water to create a vegan-friendly for your baked goods and recipes.

Is it better to eat chia seeds wet or dry?

Did You Know? –

Chia seeds come in black and white varieties, but there is no difference in nutritional content.
There are a few rare cautions when eating chia seeds. A case report presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting in 2014 made headlines describing a patient who ate dry chia seeds followed by a glass of water. The seeds expanded in the esophagus and caused a blockage. Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves. People who have dysphagia, a condition that causes difficulty in swallowing (as was the case with this patient) or other digestive issues, should eat chia seeds with care.

References

Mordor Intelligence. Global Chia Seeds Market – Analysis of Growth, Trends and Forecast (2017-2022), Accessed 12/4/2017.
Suri, S., Passi, J.S., Goyat, J. Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica L.) – A New Age Functional Food.4 th International Conference on Recent Innovations in Science Engineering and Management, March 20, 2016.
Koh AS, Pan A, Wang R, Odegaard AO, Pereira MA, Yuan JM, Koh WP. The association between dietary omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular death: the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Eur J Prev Cardiol,2015 Mar;22(3):364-72.
Albert CM, Oh K, Whang W, Manson JE, Chae CU, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Hu FB. Dietary α-linolenic acid intake and risk of sudden cardiac death and coronary heart disease. Circulation,2005 Nov 22;112(21):3232-8.
Lemaitre RN, King IB, Mozaffarian D, Kuller LH, Tracy RP, Siscovick DS. n− 3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, fatal ischemic heart disease, and nonfatal myocardial infarction in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study. Am J Clin Nutr,2003 Feb 1;77(2):319-25.
de Souza Ferreira C, de Sousa Fomes LD, Espirito Santo da Silva G, Rosa G. Effect of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in humans: a systematic review. Nutricion hospitalaria,2015;32(5).
Nieman DC, Gillitt N, Jin F, Henson DA, Kennerly K, Shanely RA, Ore B, Su M, Schwartz S. Chia seed supplementation and disease risk factors in overweight women: a metabolomics investigation. J Altern Complement Med,2012 Jul 1;18(7):700-8.
Nieman DC, Cayea EJ, Austin MD, Henson DA, McAnulty SR, Jin F. Chia seed does not promote weight loss or alter disease risk factors in overweight adults. Nutr Res,2009 Jun 1;29(6):414-8.

How much water should I drink after chia seeds?

‘Just combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with a glass of water (optional: add lime) and drink 30 minutes before meals,’ she says, in addition to explaining they increase feelings of fullness.

Do you need to drink a lot of water with chia seeds?

– The main thing to remember about chia seed water is that no single food, including this one, can take the place of a healthy and well-balanced diet. One of the keys to healthy, sustainable weight loss is a diet that prioritizes a wide variety of minimally-processed, nutrient-dense foods,

This results in a slow rate of weight loss, but it’s less likely than extreme diets to result in regaining the weight later. While chia seed water can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, it’s important not to rely on it for weight loss or any single health goal. Furthermore, don’t consume an enormous amount of it.

Instead, make it part of an overall healthy diet. Generally, one serving of chia seeds is 2 tablespoons (20 grams). If you don’t drink enough water, the high fiber and absorptive quality of chia seeds could potentially increase your risk of constipation if you’re consuming large amounts.

Note that constipation related to high fiber intake is usually associated with not drinking enough water. If you’re new to chia seeds, or any high-fiber foods, be sure to stay hydrated ( 13 ). Plus, the fiber in chia seeds may cause an upset stomach for people who aren’t used to numerous sources of fiber in their diet already.

If you’re new to chia seeds and chia seed water, it may be helpful to start with small amounts and increase from there ( 14 ). Summary Chia seed water is high in fiber, which could cause an upset stomach. Staying hydrated is important when you’re consuming it.

How much water should I drink with chia seeds?

How to make chia seed water – Czerwony recommends putting one or two tablespoons of chia seeds in an eight- to 10-ounce glass of water. If you’ve never consumed the seeds before, you may want to start with a smaller amount to see how your body tolerates them.

What happens if you don’t soak chia seeds?

Chia Seed Alert: Superfood, Yes, But They Landed One Man In The ER October 24, 2014 This article is more than 8 years old. Confession: I eat chia seeds everyday. I feed them to my children. They make me feel full and satisfied and, yes, I’m a sucker for foods touted as “super” even though I know deep down it’s just marketing.

I may be crazy, but I’m also trendy: chia seeds are everywhere, in energy bars and smoothies, atop yogurt parfaits and at the core of crunchy kid snacks.
Good Morning America called chia seeds the,
And they really are good for you: “a rich source of fiber, protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids,” according to an But this week, my chia euphoria took a hit.

“Despite potential health benefits, chia seeds may pose a risk if they are not consumed properly, according to new research,” said the, A case report presented by a North Carolina GI doctor describes a scary case of chia seeds gone bad: a 39-year-old man spent several hours in the emergency room under anesthesia after eating no more than a tablespoon of dry chia seeds followed by a glass of water.

The seeds, which can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water, apparently expanded post-ingestion and completely blocked the man’s esophagus, according to the doctor who handled the case, Rebecca Rawl, MD, MPH, a gastroenterology fellow at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I spoke to Rawl, and she told me the story of the chia seed blockage — believed to be the first report of its kind.

She presented her, titled “Watch It Grow: Esophageal Impaction With Chia Seeds,” earlier this week at the American College of Gastroenterology’s annual meeting in Philadelphia. It began innocently enough, she said: The man arrived at the hospital and said he had this feeling of pain at the top of his stomach and couldn’t swallow anything — “not even his own saliva.” Hospital staff took him in for an upper endoscopy and the imaging clearly showed the culprit: puffed up chia seeds.

What did it look like? Rawl said: It was a gel of these seeds, the consistency was similar to Playdoh — not solid, but not a liquid. That’s what made it very difficult to remove the obstruction — we initially tried using an adult endoscope.We tried to push the mass or gel of chia seeds through to the stomach.

But because of the consistency, the seeds would just go around the scope. After trying unsuccessfully with a variety of other medical implements to move the sloshing mass of seeds, Rawl said she switched to a neonatal or baby endoscope with a smaller diameter: “And we were able to get past the obstruction to see what was ahead and we used the tip of instrument to push a few seeds at a time into the stomach,” she said.

The Michael Pollan-y moral here would go something like this:
Beware Chia.Eat Them Wet
Chew A Lot.
A more nuanced moral, from Rawl, also urges caution:

“Nobody should be eating these seeds dry,” said Rawl, who has never personally eaten a single one of the tiny, oval-shaped seeds. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Let them expand fully in some kind of liquid first — especially for people who have this sensation of food getting stuck.

And of course, added Rawl, whose primary research focuses on irritable bowel disease, anyone who has recurring swallowing problems — whether from hot dogs or chicken or chia — should see a doctor.
But seeds — “which come from a species of flowering plant in the mint family native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala” — are already so pervasive in the foodosphere, it may be hard to get that “proceed with caution” message across.
, one of my go-to health coaches here in the Boston area told me she loves, loves, loves chia seeds. Here’s her response to the quasi-ominous medical report:

Chia seeds live up to their superfood name. They are high in Omega 3’s (healthy fat that is an anti-inflammatory), they are an antioxidant, contain important micro-nutrients like magnesium, calcium and manganese and they are also loaded with protein. But possibly Chia’s biggest claim to fame is its fiber content.

In 1 oz of chia seeds there are 11 grams of fibre – including both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is the kind of fiber that acts like a scrub brush in your colon. Soluble fibre absorbs water so it creates bulk and it makes us feel full. The interesting thing about Chia seeds is that it can absorb A LOT of water – claims vary from 8-27X their weight in water, which makes it a great food to add to your diet if you’re looking to feel satisfied for a long time without needing to eat a lot – as in trying to lose weight.

Chia seeds are also great at keeping dehydration at bay because it holds so much liquid. However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they’ll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage.

I can imagine, although I’ve never seen it happen, if you ate a lot of chia seeds without any liquid and they got stuck in your throat or windpipe, it could cause a blockage.
But so could flax seeds, which also absorbs water and become gelatinous.
But the fact that you could choke on chia seeds – really, you could choke on any food – should definitely NOT be a reason to avoid them.

Chia seeds (and flax seeds) have huge nutritional benefits, and should definitely be included in a healthy diet. But, they should be eaten accompanied by a liquid, either while eating them or allowing them to soak in advance. My favorite recipe: I must say, after reading about the medical case, I’ve taken a bit of a chia seed hiatus.

And at $19.99 for a 15-ounce package at my neighborhood Whole Foods, maybe I’ll go seedless for a little while longer. Reporter Rachel Zimmerman previously reported on health and the intersection of health and business for WBUR. She is working on a memoir about rebuilding her family after her husband’s suicide.

: Chia Seed Alert: Superfood, Yes, But They Landed One Man In The ER

Is it OK to swallow chia seeds without chewing?

Eating Chia Seeds Can Be a Choking Risk – Though they’re safe for most people, chia seeds may cause an increased risk of choking. So make sure you consume them carefully, especially if you have difficulty swallowing. This increased risk is because dry chia seeds swell up and absorb about 10–12 times their weight in liquid when they are exposed to water ( 13 ).

These gelling properties can be useful when it comes to cooking or baking, but they have the potential to be unsafe, as chia seeds can easily swell up and become lodged in the throat. One case study discussed a 39-year-old man who had a dangerous incident with chia seeds when he ate a tablespoon of dry seeds and then drank a glass of water.

The seeds expanded in his esophagus and caused a blockage, and he had to visit the emergency room to have it removed ( 14 ). Always make sure you soak chia seeds for at least 5–10 minutes before you eat them. Those with difficulty swallowing may need to exercise extra caution when eating them.

Is it OK to leave chia seeds in water overnight?

How long do chia seeds need to be soaked? – The longer time your chia seeds are soaked in liquid, the more hydrated and jelly-like they become. The ideal time to soak your chia seeds in water or nut milk is between 20 minutes to two hours. You can also soak the mixture overnight for a softer and creamier texture, and work better as an egg substitute.

Can diabetics eat cucumbers?

Health Benefits – The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cucumber provide significant health benefits. For example, cucumber skin is full of beta-carotene, which is part of the reason for its rich green color. The carotene family of pigments are important provitamins,

Your body can convert beta-carotenes into vitamin A, which is a critical vitamin for keeping your eyes and skin healthy.
Other health benefits of cucumber include: May Aid Weight Management Cucumber is a super-low calorie food,
An entire cucumber, generally defined as being 8.25 inches long or 300 grams, only has 45 calories.

Cucumbers are more than 96% water, so they’re filling and nutritious but not calorie-dense. This high-water, low-calorie combination is great for weight management. Studies have shown that eating foods with low energy density, or few calories per gram, is connected with weight loss in people who are obese.

Cucumbers are the very definition of a food with a low energy density, so adding them to your diet may help you maintain or reduce your weight.
Rich in Antioxidants Cucumbers are full of nutrients that act as antioxidants.
These antioxidants may have particularly powerful effects, according to some studies.

One such study tested the power of cucumber powder and found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increases the amount of antioxidant activity in the body. While more studies should be done, cucumber root is a safe way to get more dietary antioxidants easily.

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop.

For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.

Which is better for diabetics chia seeds or flax seeds?

A Chia Pet for diabetes? – Harvard Health ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Like swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, Chia Pets begin appearing every December on late-night television and in the gift aisles of many stores.
Full disclaimer: I bought one for the Yankee Swap at Harvard Health Publication’s annual Christmas party.) Water these ceramic figures and they sprout a green “fur” from seeds embedded on the surface.

Silly? Sure, that’s why they are such a hit. What you might not know is that the seeds may someday be a real gift for people with diabetes. Chia seeds come from a plant formally known as Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family. It gets its common name from the Aztec word “chian,” meaning oily, because the herb’s small, black seeds are rich in oils.

It was a staple food for the Aztecs, and legend has it that their runners relied on chia seeds for fuel as they carried messages one hundred or more miles in a day.
Chia seeds contain more healthy omega-3 fats and fiber than flax or other grain seeds.
They are also a good source of protein and antioxidants.

Some preliminary research indicates that chia seeds could—I stress the “could”—help people with diabetes control their blood sugar and protect their hearts. Studies in animals show that a chia-rich diet lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol.

And a white-seeded variant of chia, called Salba, helped diabetic volunteers control their blood sugar, as well as their blood pressure and new markers of cardiac risk, such as C-reactive protein.
The results were published in the journal,
Before you rush out to buy Salba, which is sold online and in health food stores, keep in mind that it worked only slightly better than wheat bran (which is less expensive and easier to find).

In addition, the study was small (20 volunteers), lasted for just 12 weeks, and the results haven’t yet been replicated. The real message of this work is that cutting back on highly refined grains (white bread, white rice, etc.) and (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, chia, and more) is good for people with diabetes and almost everyone else.

Numerous studies show that eating more whole grains and foods made from them and cutting back on highly refined grains is an excellent way to fight heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Coupling that with the stress reduction you get from watching a Chia Pet’s fur grow could really make a difference! As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. : A Chia Pet for diabetes? – Harvard Health

Does chia spike blood sugar?

Eating Too Many Chia Seeds May Cause Interactions With Some Medications – While chia seeds are safe for most people, you may want to moderate your intake if you are taking blood sugar or blood pressure medications. That’s because eating too many chia seeds could potentially interact with the effects of some of these medications.

Diabetes Medications 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 ). In most cases, eating moderate amounts of chia seeds can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check.

However, dosages for insulin are personalized and carefully adjusted to prevent dips and spikes in blood sugar ( 25 ). Eating an excessive amount of chia seeds could cause blood sugar levels to decrease and may require adjustments in the dosage of your diabetes medication.

Blood Pressure Medications In addition to lowering blood sugar, chia seeds are effective at reducing blood pressure. In one study, eating chia seeds for 12 weeks decreased blood pressure, along with markers of blood sugar and inflammation ( 26 ). This is because chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to work as a blood thinner and may decrease blood pressure.

A study in 90 people with high blood pressure found that taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements for eight weeks decreased systolic blood pressure by 22.2 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 11.95 mm Hg, on average. However, the people in this study were also on dialysis, so these results may not be applicable to the general population ( 27 ).

Which is better for diabetics chia seeds or flax seeds?

Like swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, Chia Pets begin appearing every December on late-night television and in the gift aisles of many stores.
Full disclaimer: I bought one for the Yankee Swap at Harvard Health Publication’s annual Christmas party.) Water these ceramic figures and they sprout a green “fur” from seeds embedded on the surface.

It was a staple food for the Aztecs, and legend has it that their runners relied on chia seeds for fuel as they carried messages one hundred or more miles in a day.
Chia seeds contain more healthy omega-3 fats and fiber than flax or other grain seeds.
They are also a good source of protein and antioxidants.

And a white-seeded variant of chia, called Salba, helped diabetic volunteers control their blood sugar, as well as their blood pressure and new markers of cardiac risk, such as C-reactive protein. The results were published in the journal, Before you rush out to buy Salba, which is sold online and in health food stores, keep in mind that it worked only slightly better than wheat bran (which is less expensive and easier to find).

Numerous studies show that eating more whole grains and foods made from them and cutting back on highly refined grains is an excellent way to fight heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Coupling that with the stress reduction you get from watching a Chia Pet’s fur grow could really make a difference! As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

How many chia seeds do you need a day?

7. Easy to incorporate into your diet – Chia seeds are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet. They taste rather bland, so you can add them to pretty much anything. You don’t need to grind, cook, or otherwise prepare them, making them a handy addition to recipes.

They can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, or added to oatmeal, pudding, smoothies, and baked goods. You can also sprinkle them on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables, or rice dishes. Plus, they work wonders in homemade fritters as a binding agent. Given their ability to absorb water and fat, you can use them to thicken sauces and as an egg substitute.

A Great Diabetic Breakfast Idea: Chia Seed Pudding vs Oatmeal!

They can also be mixed with water and turned into a gel. The seeds appear to be well tolerated. Still, if you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, you might experience digestive side effects like bloating or diarrhea if you eat too many seeds in one sitting.