What you Need to know Before Eating Chia Seeds
Some people could develop allergies to chia seeds, but the chance of this type of allergy is not as high as in peanuts and seafood. In people with allergies, chia seeds may trigger anaphylaxis and other dangerous side effects.
You’re more likely to develop allergies to chia seeds if you already have an immune reaction against mint, menthol, thyme, and oregano. These plants are close relatives to chia seeds and may share some proteins and phytonutrients.
You may experience facial swelling, shortness of breath, and dizziness in case of allergies. These symptoms might not show up immediately after consuming chia seeds. They could take a few hours or days to develop. If you’re unsure or start to experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor before eating chia seeds again and look for medical help if you notice a progressive development of symptoms.
Other side effects you should know about include:
- A reduction of blood pressure is a possible outcome after consuming chia seeds. This is probably something beneficial in most cases. But if you’re already taking blood pressure medications, it might further lower your vitals and cause lightheadedness. In such cases, avoid increasing chia seed intake abruptly or very suddenly.
- If you eat dry chia seeds directly, they might get stuck in your esophageal lining, especially if you try to swallow a tablespoon or a similar measure. Instead of doing that, soak chia seeds before taking them in. Another recommendation would be to sprinkle chia seeds in your foods instead of taking them in directly.
