Chia seeds - contraindications

Chia seeds are a relative novelty on the shelves of our specialized stores for vegetarians and adherents of a healthy lifestyle . However, for Latin American countries, for example, Mexico, this is quite a familiar product - satisfying and affordable. From this article you will learn whether chia seeds are useful or not.

Properties of chia seeds

Seeds of chia are the seeds of Spanish sage, which have a rather interesting composition. Among their advantages, you can call a large amount of fiber - it is missing in the diet of modern man, and additional sources will never interfere. Especially recommended from this point of view are chia seeds for those who suffer from constipation or eat few vegetables and fruits.

Another strength of this product is the abundance of vitamins: A, B1, B2, PP and K are present. There are also a lot of minerals - phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, copper, selenium, manganese and some others. This allows you to take chia seeds as an additional source of nutrients.

Also in these seeds there are rare acids omega-3 and omega-6, which are usually recommended to be obtained from fatty fish or directly from fish oil. Thanks to them, the work of the whole cardiovascular system is improved, blood composition is improved and pressure is normalized.

Another property for which this product is valued is its ability to perfectly saturate. The fact is that chia seeds can absorb a lot of moisture and swell 12 times, so they effectively fill the stomach and create a feeling of satiety.

Let's consider, what influence give seeds chia at the regular use in the moderate quantity:

• improves the general condition and function of the digestive system;
• in combination with proper nutrition, chia seeds allow to speed up weight loss somewhat;
• the work of the cardiovascular system and blood composition improves (in particular, the level of harmful cholesterol decreases);
• Due to the large amount of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, teeth and bones are strengthened.

However, it should be noted that excessive consumption of seeds can harm the body because of their high caloric value. The damage and benefit of chia seeds stand side by side, and it is important to use them competently so as not to damage your health. Moreover, before using them, it is worthwhile to see a doctor, since these effects occur only if there are no underlying diseases.

Contraindications of chia seeds

Damage to chia seeds can cause damage to the body if they are used in spite of contraindications. Their list includes the following:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcer, gastritis, colitis, etc. (in these seeds a lot of rough fiber, which can aggravate the condition of the mucosa);
• chronic and acute diarrhea - in this case, again the cornerstone is the abundance of fiber, which already gives at least a soft but laxative effect;
• propensity to flatulence, bloating, increased gas production - another contraindication, because, like many foods rich in fiber, chia seed gives such an effect;
• the propensity to allergic reactions and especially the allergy to sesame - an obvious contraindication, since chia seeds quite often cause a reaction - from rashes on the skin to diarrhea;
• The use of chia seeds is prohibited in parallel with the administration of aspirin or anticoagulants;
• Since the chia seed has the ability to lower blood pressure, hypotension should be avoided.

There are currently no studies on the effect of chia seeds on pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under the age of 7, so these categories of people are not recommended for using chia seeds.