Dietitian and nutritionist Lauren Manaker set out to discover whether chia seeds deserve their reputation as a superfood or if they are, as she put it, “just fancy birdseed.”
For one week, she ate chia seeds every day and carefully observed the changes in her body.
Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant and are known for their high content of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
According to researchers at Harvard Health, adding them to your diet may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, support digestion, and aid in weight management.
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However, some critics argue that the benefits are overstated and that chia seeds can even cause digestive discomfort if not consumed properly.
How she conducted the test
Before starting, Lauren Manaker was well aware that chia seeds can absorb up to twelve times their own weight in liquid.
To avoid any issues, she made sure to soak or mix them with liquid before eating.
She began by adding them to Greek yogurt and later moved on to chia pudding made with milk and maple syrup, a combination she described as quick, satisfying, and surprisingly filling.
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She also sprinkled the seeds over salads and blended them into smoothies to see whether any noticeable changes would appear.
After a few days, she began to observe some clear effects.
The results after seven days
The first and most obvious change, Lauren Manaker noted, was a significant improvement in digestion.
She experienced more regular bowel movements and felt fuller for longer after meals.
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Her energy levels remained steady throughout the day, with fewer sugar crashes and snack cravings.
There was, however, one minor downside. The tiny seeds often got stuck between her teeth, teaching her never to leave home without dental floss.
By the end of the week, Lauren Manaker concluded that chia seeds genuinely live up to much of their hype.
She praised their versatility, mild taste, and nutritional value, calling them an easy way to boost daily intake of fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
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Still, she emphasized that no superfood is a “magic bullet” for perfect health.
Balanced eating remains key, but chia seeds can be a simple and effective addition to a healthy routine as long as you remember to stay hydrated.
This article is based on information from LadBible.com.
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