I drank chia seeds in water every day for a month – the benefits were instant Leave a comment

As someone who’s passionate about staying hydrated and eating whole foods that help keep me full, I was ecstatic to hear about the benefits of chia seeds in water.

I already knew that chia seeds were highly nutritious — and chock-full of essential nutrients like fibre and protein — but if I loved eating the superfood with things like yoghurt and overnight oats, why shouldn’t I enjoy drinking it in water like I’d seen people doing on TikTok?Since then I’ve been drinking my chia seeds and water beverage every day around noon, when I typically get my first blood sugar “slump” of the day and start feeling the dehydration from my morning commute a few hours prior.

At first, I was amazed: I really did feel fantastic. I felt a major difference in not just my hunger level but in my energy and satiation levels too, and now that it’s been a few weeks, I’m more clear-headed, alert, and get random bursts of energy — even at times of day during which I’d previously been sentenced to the sofa. It’s also helped immensely with gas and bloating, which I’m unfortunately very prone to.

Best of all? I no longer get that dreaded feeling in my chest and stomach when I’ve accidentally waited too long to eat and start to fade, so it seems to be helping my blood sugar levels as well.

Obviously, no two people are alike, and the benefits of chia seeds in water might be different for you than they are for me. That said, both doctors and dieticians do endorse them. “Chia seeds are high in fibre and healthy fats, with little to no starch, making them an excellent choice to help keep you full and prevent glucose and insulin spikes,” Ali Chappell, PhD, MS, RD, a PCOS expert, reproductive endocrinologist, and founder of Lilli Health, tells GLAMOUR.

Want to learn more? Ahead, see everything (else) you need to know, from the nutritional content to how and when to drink it, straight from doctors and dieticians.

“Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a variety of health benefits,” says Alma Simmons, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “These key elements are fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals — calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium — and antioxidants.”

Fibre

“Fibre helps to support a healthy gut microbiome, promotes regular digestion, and can lower the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and blood sugar control,” Simmons explains.

Protein

“Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and maintaining muscle mass. It also helps with satiety, which reduces cravings and promotes healthy weight management,” she continues.

Omega-3 fatty acids

According to Simmons, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. They also support cognitive function and mental health.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium

“Calcium supports strong bones and teeth, magnesium helps maintain healthy muscle function and a steady heart rhythm, and potassium is important for regulating fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals,” says Simmons. “These minerals together contribute to overall physical well-being.”

Antioxidants

Finally, antioxidants play a key role in preventing cellular damage, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and ageing-related conditions, says Simmons. “They also support skin health and immune function.”