Flax and Chia Seeds (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I eat chia and flax seeds everyday? ›

Naturally rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this duo is great for the heart, brain, skin, and cellular health. Thanks to their high fiber content, flax and chia seeds keep you feeling full longer, prevent constipation, and help manage weight and sugar balance as well.

Overall, both flax seeds and chia seeds seem to reduce hunger and appetite. However, because of their higher soluble fiber content, flax seeds may be slightly more effective at doing so. However, more studies directly comparing the two are needed.

To relieve constipation, though, you'll need to consume 1 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day. Flaxseed oil and whole seeds might not be as effective. You can stir flaxseed into oatmeal, soup, or cereal for added fiber. Or, add ground flaxseed to yogurt or smoothies.

About 2 tablespoons of chia seeds pack nearly 10 grams of fiber. And although fiber is an essential nutrient for gut health, a side effect of fiber is gas and bloating, according to Mount Sinai. "Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds.

Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Both morning and night can be good times to consume flaxseeds. However, some people prefer having them in the morning as they might aid in digestion throughout the day. Others find that taking them at night helps promote a feeling of fullness and aids in digestion overnight.

You can also experiment with a variety of alternative ways to include flax seeds in your regular diet. Does flaxseed help lose belly fat? Not only are flaxseeds essential for anyone trying to lose belly fat, but they are also excellent for anyone who frequently has to bloat.

Could you eat chia seeds and flaxseeds together? You can eat chia and flax together, as they both provide a wide array of nutrients including fiber, plant protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Adding flaxseeds to chia adds the benefits of lignans, which chia seeds do not have.

Combining chia seeds with cinnamon water creates a powerful drink that aids in weight loss, boosts metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes overall well-being. This homemade remedy is rich in nutrients essential for a healthy body.

Beneficial drinks for constipation include prune juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. However, some constipation relief over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also come in a drink format.

What does flaxseed do to your colon? ›

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that flaxseed contains fiber. As an undigestible carbohydrate, fiber adds bulk to stool and makes it easier to move through the digestive tract. For many people, fiber-containing foods like flaxseed help to relieve constipation.

Linseeds can act within 12 – 24 hours but may take 2 – 3 days to reach the maximum effect. 5. It is common to see Linseeds in the stool – this is normal. It is important to drink around 2 litres of fluid in a day as too little fluid can cause constipation and Linseeds need fluid to make them work properly.

Flaxseed is quite safe but sometimes its overconsumption may lead to many side-effects. These are basically gastrointestinal side-effects which can lead to increase in the number of bowel movements, gastric trouble, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Ask your doctor before taking flaxseed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Men with prostate cancer should ask their doctor before taking flaxseed. People with a bowel obstruction, inflamed bowel, or narrowed esophagus should not take flaxseed. It is high in fiber and could make the condition worse.

Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, lower your odds of getting heart disease.

Flaxseeds have vitamin B and vitamin C which help reduce hair fall, increase hair strength and growth. Chia seeds are powered with zinc and copper, help in preventing thinning of hair and helping hair growth,” Dr Pandey mentioned.

They help in regulating the female hormones and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Chia seeds are also good sources of zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. All these have benefits for female fertility in the following ways: Producing healthy eggs and red blood cells.

“Flax seeds are especially beneficial for women. They are known to help women's fertility by boosting the chances of conception. These seeds also support normal ovulation and restoration of hormonal balance. These are good for post-menopausal women as it protects them from cardiovascular issues,” shares Kaul.