In recent years, people are using chia seeds for weight loss some people are also referred to as miracle seeds. There are several claims concerning the health advantages, including that they may aid in weight loss. Can they, however, actually help you lose weight? Continue reading to learn more.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are a type of seed that has been used to treat a variety of ailments.
Chia is a Mexican mint plant that belongs to the mint family. Chia seeds are pseudo-grain that are taken like entire grains. That they’re carbohydrate-rich seeds from a plant that isn’t grass. Chia seeds swell and create a thick gel when exposed to liquid.
Chia seeds were once considered a mainstay of Aztec and Mayan diets, but they were eventually outlawed due to their religious ceremonial usage. They’ve had a little following over the previous century or so, but have recently resurfaced as a possible superfood.
The people who are doing the keto diet, keep chia seeds on their rundown in light of the fact that it’s low in carbs but loaded with fiber, causing them to feel fulfilled.
How to Use Chia Seeds for Weight Loss
Because chia seeds have a mild flavor, they may be used in a variety of dishes. They may be mixed with almost any drink, including juice and water. Just combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with a glass of water and drink 30 minutes before meals.
Before eating chia seeds, check to see if they’ve fully grown. If you have trouble swallowing, chia seeds should not be eaten dry. Dry chia seeds may grow in the esophagus and produce an obstruction, according to Dr. Rebecca Rawl.
Remember that the more chia seeds you use and the longer they rest, the thicker the finished result will be. If the texture of chia seeds bothers you, combine them until you have the consistency you want.
Smoothies, oatmeal, salads, yogurt, soups or gravy, muffins, homemade bread, baked goods in place of eggs, chia pudding, etc are the most common food items prepared using chia seeds.
Here are some tips for incorporating chia seeds into your diet for weight loss:
- Add them to your breakfast. Chia seeds can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.
- Sprinkle them on your lunch or dinner. Chia seeds can be sprinkled on salads, soups, or pasta dishes.
- Make chia pudding. Chia pudding is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy chia seeds. To make chia pudding, simply mix chia seeds with water, milk, or juice and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
9 Easy Recipes Made by Chia Seeds
1. Smoothie with Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 banana (1 banana)
- 1 pound of blueberries
- chia seeds (2 tbsp.)
- 1 tablespoon yogurt (Greek)
- 1 cup soy/full-fat milk
How to Prepare
Toss the banana into a blender after peeling it.
Combine the blueberries, Greek yogurt, full-fat/soy milk, and chia seeds in a large mixing bowl.
Blitz it in a blender, then pour it into a glass and enjoy.
2. Pudding with Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat milk/almond milk
- chia seeds, 4 teaspoons
- 2 tablespoons honey (organic)
- 12 teaspoon extract de vanilla
- nutmeg (12 teaspoons)
How to Prepare
Except for the chia seeds, combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
Pour into a glass jar after stirring in the chia seeds.
Refrigerate it for four hours to give it a pudding-like texture.
3. Tea with Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- Chia seeds (2 tbsp.)
- 1 teaspoon tea (green)
- 1 quart of water
- Lime juice (two teaspoons)
- 14 tsp. brown sugar
- Wedges of lime
- Cubes of ice
How to Prepare
Soak the chia seeds in water for a few minutes.
Bring a cup of water to a boil, then remove the heat immediately as it begins to boil.
Allow 2 minutes for cooling.
Steep for 3-4 minutes with a teaspoon of green tea.
Pour the tea into a glass using a strainer.
Allow it to cool for another 5 minutes before refrigerating it for 15 minutes.
Lime juice, brown sugar, chia seeds, ice cubes, and lime slices should all be added.
Enjoy your refreshing chia iced tea this summer.
4. Chia Muffin
Ingredients
- a third of a cup of almond milk
- 1 cup oats, rolled
- 1 banana (mashed)
- 12 cup sugar (brown)
- 14 cup granulated sugar
- 13 cup ghee/vegetable oil
- chia seeds, 2 12 teaspoons
- 2 teaspoons soda bicarbonate
- flour (two cups)
- apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp
- a quarter teaspoon of salt
- a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon
- nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
How to Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and oil a muffin tin.
Keep the almond milk and apple cider vinegar whisked together and set aside.
Combine the flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing basin.
To the apple cider vinegar and milk mixture, add the mashed banana, both types of sugar, and the oil. Mix thoroughly.
Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Bake for 20-25 minutes with one to two teaspoons of batter in each muffin form in the pan.
5. Quinoa Chia Salad
Ingredients
- 12 cups of Quinoa
- soaked chia seeds (about 2-3 teaspoons)
- 14 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup vegetable stock
- 14 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 12 cup kale, chopped
- a quarter-cup of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 12 tsp. black pepper
- season with salt to taste
How to Prepare
In a pan, combine the quinoa and vegetable stock. Cook, covered until the quinoa is tender.
Fluff it with a fork and place it on a platter.
Combine the chopped vegetables, chia seeds, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Combine all of the ingredients and distribute them on top of the quinoa.
Lightly combine and eat!
6. Chia Fruit and Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt with blueberries
- chia seeds (2 tbsp.)
- 1 sliced plum
- 12 orange slices 1 peach sliced Mint leaves
How to Prepare
In a dish, toss the cut fruits.
Add the blueberry yogurt and mix well.
Add the chia seeds, stir everything up thoroughly, and top with mint leaves.
7. Chia Protein Bar
Ingredients
- 12 cup dates
- 4 teaspoons water-soaked chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon seeds from melon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 12 teaspoon extract de vanilla
- cinnamon, a pinch
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (dark)
How to Prepare
In a mixing dish, combine all of the ingredients.
Place the mixture in a baking pan. Spread it out and press it down before cutting it into squares.
Refrigerate for 2 hours to make the texture chewier.
8. Chia Seed Almond Milk
Ingredients
- a pound of almonds
- 500 milliliters of milk
- a quarter teaspoon of cardamom powder
- a few saffron threads
- 1 tbsp soaking chia seeds
- Cubes of ice (optional)
How to Prepare
Soak the almonds in water for four hours.
Toss them into a blender after peeling them.
Saffron and green cardamom powder should be blended together.
Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan.
Add the almond mixture while it’s still boiling.
Remove the milk from the heat after 2 minutes of simmering.
Allow 10 minutes for cooling.
Before serving, stir in the chia seeds and ice cubes.
9. Chia seed Banana Pancake
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp oat flour
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoons soaked chia seeds
- a pinch of cinnamon
- Toppings: berries and maple syrup/honey
How to Prepare
Using the back of a fork, mash the banana.
Combine the flour and ground oats in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Combine the milk, cinnamon, and chia seeds in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Add a spoonful of batter to a hot nonstick skillet.
Cook each side for two minutes.
Place the pancakes on a platter with the berries and maple syrup/honey on top.
Do Chia Seeds Really Help With Weight Loss?
There are numerous claims on the internet that chia seeds help you lose weight and suppress your appetite.
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. This can make it easier to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some of the ways chia seeds can help with weight loss:
- They are high in fiber. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about 10 grams of fiber, which is about 40% of the recommended daily intake. Fiber helps to slow down the absorption of food into the bloodstream, which can help you feel full for longer.
- They can help you feel fuller. When chia seeds are mixed with water, they form a gel-like substance that can help you feel fuller for longer. This is because the gel-like substance takes up space in your stomach, which can help to suppress your appetite.
- They can help you burn more calories. Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help boost metabolism and increase calorie burn.
Chia seeds provide about 10 grams of fiber in two teaspoons. That’s around 40% of the daily recommended amount. Weight reduction has been related to fiber-rich diets. According to a 2015 study, consuming 30 grams of fiber per day can help you lose the same amount of weight as a more sophisticated diet.
However, there’s a catch. The excitement isn’t backed up by research. There is just a little human research on the effects of chia seeds on weight loss.
Before their first and last meals of the day, 90 overweight or obese people were given either a placebo or 25 grams of chia seeds combined with water for the research. Unfortunately, there was no effect on body mass, body composition, or disease risk factors as a result of the findings.
Chia seeds also have a high calorie and fat content. There are 138 calories and 9 grams of fat in two tablespoons (1 gram saturated). Chia seeds, when eaten in moderation, can help you feel more satiated and less prone to overeat. You may, however, exceed your daily calorie restriction if you eat too many during the day.
The Research by Annals Of Internal Medicine has proven the validity of the above-given information.
You might want to have a look at the following article Chia induces clinically discrete weight loss and improves lipid profile only in altered previous values. They give positive results on the research done on chia seeds for weight loss. After successive experiments done on chia seeds, they have come up with a verified and concrete finding.
Chia caused a substantial intragroup weight loss (-1.10.4 kg; p0.05), with a bigger reduction among obese participants (-1.60.4 kg; p0.00), but no difference when compared to PLA. The CHIA group had a waist circumference reduction of 1.90.6 cm (p0.05), but only the intragroup. There was a decrease in total cholesterol (p=0.04) and VLDL-c (p=0.03), as well as an increase in HDL-c (p=0.01), but only in the groups who consumed chia flour and had abnormal baseline readings. Triglycerides, blood glucose, and LDL-C levels in both groups were unchanged.
The following pdf is the spectacular paper published by the Department of Nutrition, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, Department of Physical Education, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, Research Laboratory of Applied Physical Training to Performance and Health (LETFADS), Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. By the dint of hard work and time investment, they finally resulted in the given outcomes.
The current study found that supplementing with 35 g of chia flour per day for 12 weeks resulted in a substantial reduction in body weight and waist circumference, but this reduction was only seen in the intragroup analysis and was clinically distinct. Furthermore, supplementation increased blood concentrations of TC, VLDL-C, and HDL-C, but only when participants with aberrant baseline levels for these variables were evaluated.
Our findings show a decrease in body weight after eating chia, which was not shown in earlier research that looked at body composition after eating that meal.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are small, black or white seeds that have been cultivated for centuries by the Aztecs and Mayans. They are a good source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Chia seeds have a number of health benefits, including:
Improved heart health: Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are beneficial for heart health. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart function.
According to a 2012 analysis, ALA-rich meals and supplements may lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. High ALA levels, however, have been linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest in at least one research.
Half of the 16 researchers looked at agreed that ALA has health advantages, while the other half disagreed. It is necessary to do further investigation.
Weight loss: The high fiber and protein content in chia seeds can promote a feeling of fullness and satiety, which may aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Improved blood sugar control: Chia seeds can help stabilize blood sugar levels due to their high fiber content, which slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This can help to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Reduced risk of cancer: Chia seeds contain antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. Some research suggests that chia seeds may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.
Improved gut health: The soluble fiber in chia seeds can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can help to improve gut health and digestion.
Bone Health: Chia seeds are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which play a vital role in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Versatility in Culinary Use: Chia seeds are incredibly versatile and can be easily incorporated into various dishes, such as smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, and baked goods.
Nutrient Powerhouse: Chia seeds are loaded with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are crucial for overall health and well-being.
4.7 grams of protein are found in two tablespoons of chia seeds.
They also don’t contain gluten. For persons with celiac disease or whole-grain sensitivity, this makes them a popular protein source.
Below is a verified chart that proves the health benefits of Chai seeds-
Nutritive Value Of Chia Seeds (100g)
NUTRIENTS | VALUE |
Energy | 486kcal |
Protein | 16.5g |
Total Lipid | 30.7g |
CHO | 42.1g |
Dietary fiber | 34.4g |
Calcium | 631mg |
Iron | 7.7mg |
Magnesium | 335mg |
Potassium | 407mg |
Sodium | 16mg |
Zinc | 4.6mg |
Folate | 49µg |
Source: USDA
FAQ
What is the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss. However, some people find that drinking chia seeds in the morning can help them feel full and energized throughout the day. Others find that drinking chia seeds before bed can help them feel full and sleep better.
Ultimately, the best time to drink chia seeds is whatever time works best for you and your schedule.
Which is better: flax or chia seeds?
Flax and chia seeds are both good sources of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. However, there are some key differences between the two seeds.
Flax seeds are a good source of lignans, which are plant compounds that have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Chia seeds are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Flax seeds have a higher fiber content than chia seeds. This means that flax seeds may be more effective at helping you feel full and satisfied. However, flax seeds can be difficult to digest, especially if you are not used to eating them.
Chia seeds are easier to digest than flax seeds. They also have a more neutral flavor, which makes them easier to add to food and drinks.
Can I eat flaxseed and chia seeds together?
There is no harm in eating flaxseed and chia seeds together. In fact, eating them together can give you the benefits of both seeds.
If you are new to eating flaxseed and chia seeds, it is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount you eat over time. This will help you avoid any digestive problems.
You can add flaxseed and chia seeds to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and other foods and drinks. You can also grind them up and use them in baking or cooking.
Conclusion
When you first begin your weight-loss journey, you will almost certainly hear about chia seeds as a terrific meal to ingest to help you achieve your weight-loss objectives. Chia seeds are recommended by many influencers, publications, and physicians to those who desire to reduce weight successfully.
When it comes to reducing weight, it’s all about paying attention to your whole diet and exercise regimen, not about eating more (or less) of one single meal. However, in recent years, chia seeds have shown encouraging benefits in those who have been trying to lose weight.
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Indrani is a passionate health and wellness enthusiast who has dedicated her life to helping others live their best lives. With a background in sports science and nutrition, Indrani has a deep understanding of how diet and exercise impact overall health. She started her health and wellness blog to share her knowledge and inspire others to make positive changes in their lives.
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