The chia seed is excellent for health and has exceptional nutritional characteristics. However, in some very rare cases, often when they are misused, they can cause some undesirable harmful effects, usually without major consequences, but it is best to know what these adverse effects are and when can they occur.
Before starting, it is important to note that there is no evidence that chia seeds can produce side effects or drug interactions with prescribed medications. It is only a supposition and a precaution, not a real contraindication. A study has even shown that consumption of 50 g of chia daily for 12 weeks, has no negative effect.
If you respect the recommended dosages, there will be no problem:
- For adults: 25 to 50 g per day
- For children: 5 to 10 g per day.
The anticoagulant effect of chia seeds:
Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3, an essential fatty acid that has mild anti-coagulant properties and liquefies blood.
In itself, there is no danger, but an overdose of anticoagulants can lead to excessive bleeding or worse, hemorrhage. People taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, aspirin or Coumadin should take this into consideration before consuming chia. This is often the case for people who will undergo surgery.
People with hemophilia, that is to say suffering from blood clotting problems, are also in this case. We advise consulting the opinion of a doctor before making a cure for chia seeds.
The hypotensive effect of chia seeds
Chia seeds have mild virtues against hypertension, ideal to help lower the diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which is beneficial for most people, it is even often why they are consumed. Indeed, a Canadian study, conducted by St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, shows that chia seeds are potentially capable of lowering diastolic blood pressure.
However, for people with low blood pressure, or under hypotensive treatment, this property should be taken into account in order not to cause harmful effects on health. See the advice of a doctor or pharmacist if you are in this case.
Allergy to chia seeds
These are very rare cases, but there are cases of allergies to chia seeds, which are then logically contraindicated. If you are allergic to flaxseed, sesame or mustard, then you may be allergic to chia seeds. Check List Of Food Allergies.
The reactions to this type of allergies are very varied:
- Most often benign: hives, rashes, redness and watery eyes.
- But in very rare cases more serious: vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, anaphylactic shock.
If you have any doubt, consult a doctor. Generally, people with allergies know it, it should not be too dramatic either.
Classical gastrointestinal problems:
Indeed, chia seeds are very rich in soluble fiber. According to the organizations, a diet with an excess of fiber can cause diarrhea and flatulence, if you consume too much in a short time.
In addition, the seeds are very absorbent, up to 25 times their weight in water. If you consume large amounts of alcohol without drinking enough, they absorb fluids in the stomach and can produce cramps. In this case, they can lead to general dehydration.
There is one case, a 40-year-old American, who developed intense dysphagia, that is to say, worries to swallow and swallow, following the consumption of chia and after drinking a glass of water to make to lower the seeds in the stomach. The seeds, in contact with water, formed chia gel that would have caused the symptom. This is the only case in the world, and it must be said that this man is asthmatic, has many allergies and has already suffered from dysphagia.
If you have a swallowing problem, do not eat dry chia seeds, rehydrate them before.
The high vitamin content of chia seeds
What? They are full of vitamins and that poses a problem? Yes, if you take dietary supplements or vitamin supplements, this can lead to overdose and some harm, depending on the vitamin overdose.
Conclusion
To conclude this potentially anxiety-provoking article, it should be put into perspective: chia seeds are excellent for health in the vast majority of cases, people who should not eat are, or should, already be aware of this restriction.
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