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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Eating Chia Seeds 

They are a nutritional powerhouse of food, but not if you eat them incorrectly, where they can become a negative for your health. Want to avoid the most common mistakes when eating chia seeds? Read on.  

Introduction

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Fibre is rich, but too much will make your digestive tract uncomfortable. Begin with minimal quantities, such as 1-2 tablespoons daily, and build up incrementally.  

1. Eating Too Much at Once  

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While you can eat naturally dried chia seeds without soaking them, they may cause them to swell in your throat or stomach, causing discomfort. Washing them in water or liquid for 10 to 15 minutes is always done.  

2. Not Soaking Them  

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Although savoury, chia seeds are calorie-dense. Eating large portions will add calories to your diet that you don’t need. Be careful to measure your servings. 

3. Ignoring Portion Sizes  

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Chia seeds are healthy but won’t give your body the full complement of nutrients it requires. Please don’t use them to replace a balanced diet; they are only supplements.  

4. Relying On Them Alone for Nutrition 

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If you don’t mix chia seeds in your food, they will be hard to swallow. Split them up and sprinkle them over. To make them easier to consume, mix them well into yoghurt, smoothies, or oats.  

5. Consuming Them Without Mixing  

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Chia seeds can round out your diet in the best possible way when they’re eaten correctly. However, if you make these mistakes, these foods will not provide their full range of health benefits safely or effectively. 

Conclusion

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