CHIA SEEDS HAVE been a pantry staple for health-conscious cooks for years, but most people are still missing out on their myriad benefits. Spoiler: These tiny seeds are absolutely packed with nutrients, making them a powerhouse ingredient you can add to a range of dishes
But unlike some buzzy nutritional foods, chia seeds actually have solid scientific research to back up their health halo. In fact, a recent study found that these seeds can do your health a solid on a range of fronts, including lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, and even helping you to lose weight
Here’s the deal with chia seeds, plus why nutrition experts are all about them
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Meet the experts: Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Christy Brissette, RD, nutritionist and owner of 80 Twenty Nutrition; Danbee Kim, MD, nutrition expert and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
What did the study find?
The study, which was published in the journal Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediatorsin 2024, analyzed data from 14 clinical trials that involved 835 people
Overall, the study found that adding chia seeds to your diet could help lower cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease, control blood pressure, and help manage weight. Specifically, researchers noted a drop in LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, and a “notable” drop in triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease) in individuals who consumed more chia seeds. This was actually apparent in people who ate both higher amounts—more than 35 grams—and lower amounts—less than 35 grams—of chia seeds.
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
Chia seeds have a lot going for them. Fun fact: The Aztecs dubbed them ‘running food’ because they were used as a vital energy Christy Brissette, RD, nutritionist and owner of 80 Twenty Nutrition
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For starters, these tiny seeds are a goodour digestive health, Brissette says. “Not only does it help you stay regular [with bowel movements], the fiber in chia seeds can help you feel more full and support weight management,” she says
The soluble fiber can also prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes and help trap cholesterol to remove it from your body
Chia seeds are also nutrient-dense, providing plenty of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. “The omega-3s they contain contribute to anti-inflammatory benefits and may support heart health by improving lipid profiles,” says Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. “Additionally, their antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress.”
A 2022 scientific analysis found that the antioxidants and polyphenols in chia seeds may help to lower the risk of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers
How do chia seeds impact the body?
Chia seeds can do a few things for you. “Chia seeds absorb water and form a gel, which slows digestion and can promote fullness, potentially aiding weight management,” Keatley says. Note: Because chia seeds absorb liquid, just be aware that eating them dry in large amounts could cause digestive issues, like bloating and gas
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Of course, it’s hard to say that adding any one food to your diet will cause a big change in your health. But when coupled with other healthy lifestyle habits, chia seeds have the potential to add a lot of perks to your life MD, nutrition expert and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. These health benefits could include:
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Help with weight management
Lower bodily inflammation to help protect against chronic disease
Help with diabetes blood sugar management
How much chia should I consume?
There isn’t a universally recommended dose for chia seeds. Nutrition experts generally recommend aiming for a tablespoon a day. If you end up having more than that, great. If you’re consuming less, don’t worry, you’re still getting plenty of nutrients and reaping the health benefits
Just remember: “To prevent digestive discomfort, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” Dr. Kim says
What are the best ways to eat chia seeds?
Chia seeds are surprisingly versatile, Brissette says. She recommends sprinkling them on yogurt, oatmeal, or acai bowls. “They’re also great on top of salads or on avocado toast, or as chia pudding,” she says
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Brissette even uses chia seeds to replace eggs in baking. “Just mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water,” she says. “Let it sit for five minutes, and it will form a gel, and then add to your wet ingredients.”
Dr. Kim also suggests adding whole or ground chia seeds to smoothies, juices, pancake batter, and baked goods like muffins and bread
Are there any risks or side effects?
Chia seeds can cause bloating or gas if you’re not used to a high-fiber diet, Keatley says. So, start slow before ramping up consumption. And since chia seeds absorb liquid and expand, eating them dry could even pose a choking hazard, Keatley says
Chia seed allergies do exist, so if you have one, stay away from this health food. (If you’re unsure, Dr. Kim says that chia seed allergies tend to overlap with sesame seed allergies.)
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Dr. Kim also recommends being aware that chia seeds may alter the effects of some medications, including those used for diabetes and blood pressure, as well as blood thinners. They may also interact with some supplements you’re taking. The fiber and phytic acid in chia seeds “may reduce zinc, calcium, and iron absorption,” Dr. Kim says. Basically, if you’re on one of these medications or take a supplement, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor before adding a steady stream of chia seeds to your diet.
If you don’t have chia seeds in your diet right now, nutritionists recommend giving them a try. “I’m a chia seed superfan,” Brissette says. “They’re nutritional rock stars.”
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