TikTokers are putting chia seeds in water to help with weight loss, and nutritionists say it could work

Advertisement
TikTokers are putting chia seeds in water to help with weight loss, and nutritionists say it could work
Scott Lorenzo/Sacramento Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
  • Chia seeds in water can help promote natural weight loss, according to experts.
  • The seeds contain healthy fats and can help you feel full faster and for longer.
Advertisement

Drinking water with chia seeds has become a trend on TikTok, with people saying they're using the drink to lose weight and get a dose of vitamins and minerals.

Two experts told Insider that chia-seed water could help curb hunger and promote weight loss, even though it doesn't affect metabolism or increase calorie-burning.

Kerri Ferraioli, a nutritionist, said the elixir could help with weight loss because of its high healthy-fat content and ability to make a person feel full faster and for longer.

She's advised runners in the New York City Marathon to drink the mixture to help them stay hydrated and help with muscle recovery because it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Bonnie Taub-Dix, a registered dietitian, compared the elixir to overnight oats, which have also been described as helpful for weight loss because of their ability to absorb water and increase feelings of fullness.

Advertisement

"Because it has protein and healthy fat, they can make you feel full and last longer in your system without causing your blood sugar to spike," Taub-Dix told Insider.

The fiber-packed chia elixir is easy to make: It involves putting 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in a 10-ounce glass of water. The seeds need three to five minutes to absorb the water and become soft enough to drink - but waiting too long will cause the seeds to solidify.

The fiber in chia seeds slows down digestion, preventing blood-sugar spikes

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids while containing about 100 calories per ounce.

They can absorb almost 12 times their weight in water, a Healthline article said.

When the seeds absorb water, they swell and become soft and gelatinous, making them easy to consume in large quantities. The soluble fiber in the seeds slows down digestion, which can prevent spikes in blood sugar that increase appetite.

Advertisement

Chia-seed water alone isn't a weight-loss method, and too much can cause constipation

The chia-seed elixir can be used to help fend off snacking urges, but it is not a replacement for a balanced diet and exercise.

The high fiber content in chia seeds can also backfire. Consuming too much fiber can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Adding enough water to the drink and consuming enough water throughout the day can help counter side effects.

{{}}