Harvard doctor warns: Chia seeds may pose hidden dangers you never knew about

Chia seeds are very popular now. Fitness coaches, health experts, and wellness fans all say they are good for you. These tiny seeds are very healthy, but eating them the wrong way can land you in the hospital.

Chia seeds are very common now. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a stomach doctor from California trained at Harvard and Stanford, explains that chia seeds can have hidden risks. Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds from a plant called Salvia hispanica L., which comes from Central America, as reported by TOI.

Long ago, the Aztec and Mayan people used chia seeds as medicine and for beauty. Chia seeds can also help with quick weight loss because they have a lot of fiber and are very healthy.

Nutritional profile of chia seeds:

Chia seeds have a lot of good things like omega-3 fats, healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They also have antioxidants and special compounds like caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, myricetin, and quercetin.

Nutritional facts for 2 tbsp (28 g) of chia seeds:

• Calories: 138

• Protein: 4.7 g

• Fat: 8.7 g (including 5 g omega-3s)

• Carbohydrates: 12.3 g (10.6 g fiber)

• Calcium: 18% DV

• Magnesium: 23% DV

• Phosphorus: 27% DV

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 15% DV

• Vitamin B3 (niacin): 16% DV

Can chia seeds be dangerous?

Chia seeds are generally healthy for your gut and heart, but consuming them incorrectly can be harmful. “Chia seeds are super healthy, but did you know eating them the wrong way can cause serious issues?” says Dr. Sethi in a video shared on Instagram. The main mistake is eating dry chia seeds without soaking them first.

Dr. Sethi explains,“You have to soak your chia seeds, or you risk this happening inside your body. I'm a gastroenterologist. People have ended up in the hospital after eating dry seeds and then drinking water. The seeds expanded and got stuck in the esophagus, and it had to be removed endoscopically. Even though it is rare, it has happened in people with swallowing issues or other GI conditions”, as stated in the report by TOI.

If not soaked overnight, chia seeds could almost turn fatal, with almost 27 percent water soaking capacity. Doctors say that having unsoaked chia seeds could multiply their numbers in your stomach.

The gel-like structure formed after soaking chia seeds can be consumed directly, says Dr. Sethi according to TOI, and should be started with one teaspoon. The dose can be gradually increased with time

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your diet, especially if you have medical conditions.

FAQs

Q1. Are chia seeds safe to eat?

Yes, chia seeds are healthy, but you must soak them first to avoid choking or digestive problems.

Q2. How should I eat chia seeds safely?

Soak chia seeds in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight before eating for safe digestion.