Comments on: Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/ Dr. Axe is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, expert in Natural Medicine, a speaker for Fortune 500 Companies (Nissan, Whole Foods) and a doctor of chiropractic. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:33:53 +0000 hourly 1 By: Robin https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-31226 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:14:15 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-31226 In reply to Nicole.

I suffered the exact same side effect… I did not connect the chia seeds with my period and consumed chia seeds daily for months. The end result was being hospitalized with extreme iron deficient anemia… I don’t understand why the information regarding this side effect isn’t more easy to locate. I’m 52 & perimenopausal… the chia seeds hit me like a truck! It was literary 9 months finding the culprit of my declining health… non stop doctor visits & test, endoscopy, colonoscopy, massive doses of iron supplements daily… constant blood test. Only by accident did I read chia seeds can have a side effect of making heavy periods… as in I was bleeding to death! Thank you fir sharing your story.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-30676 Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:09:49 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-30676 In reply to Cyn.

Soaking and sprouting the chia allows the body to access the its nutritional profile. Check out this article on it: https://draxe.com/nutrition/sprout/

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By: Cyn https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-30412 Sun, 01 Mar 2015 01:59:16 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-30412 I was recently sent a sample pack of chia seeds to taste and evaluate prior to writing a review. Prior to this, my only experience with chia seeds was in the “Mama Chia” brand of drinks.

Here’s my main question: When I drank the Mama Chia drink (which was yummy, BTW), I noticed that the seeds seemed to go in one end whole and come out the other end still whole. In terms of fiber content, this is great. But I wonder how much nutrition actually stays I the seeds if they’re not getting digested? (At least it SEEMS as if they’re not getting digested.

All instructions that I’ve read say to soak the seeds first in order to develop the characteristic gel. But wouldn’t I need to (for example) grind the seeds in something like a coffee grinder in order to get at the nutrition that’s inside of the seeds first? SHOULD I grind the seeds first? Or is the nutrition being made available through normal digestive processes, despite it seeming as if the seeds are emerging, undigested? (Sorry for being so graphic, but I’m really, really curious about this issue.) Thanks in advance for your reply.

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By: Nicole https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29866 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 17:03:08 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29866 I turned forty a year ago and have been looking to get healthier. I bought Chia seeds on Amazon two weeks ago. I began with 1TBSP soaked and worked up to 2.
I had early bleeding a week before my period. I have always been regular but getting up in years so I thought nothing of it.
Then debilitating cramps that no amount of naproxen would solve came with cycle. Such heavy bleeding I considered hitting the ER! Three days after cycle ended it began again with much pain and clot dropping the size of golf balls!!!
Extreme insomnia. I mean I haven’t slept more than 4 hours in a week!

Further research indicates people of certain age, both sexes, can be extremely sensitive to the high levels of phytoestrogens that are “supposed” to be absorbed or take the place of actual estrogens, but this does not happen with every person and no one has done the research because there is no money in doing so.

Chia seeds sent me into estrogen dominance and my inner lining continued to build without being checked by enough progesterone, hence the pain and clots the size of a puppy! (I tell you I freaked the hell out!)
Anyway, it’s tough to find information on this anywhere but natural websites like detox diva etc.
You can continue to take them with progesterone cream but honestly, anything that causes this much of a change in your hormones is worth a reconsideration.
I was really enjoying the better work outs and babysoft skin but damn man! I will likely have to deal with this bleeding until my next cycle because of these chia seeds.
LOL

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29822 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:49:31 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29822 In reply to sue.

Try soaking a spoonful of chia seeds in water overnight and then consuming them in the morning as you usually do or with a smoothie!

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By: sue https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29805 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 02:33:16 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29805 I have start using chia seeds by adding a spoon full in my morning glass of hot water with lemon before breakfast. How safe it is and I read your reply of some comments that you can soak and probably throw the water and just have chai seed. I am not sure as I drink the water as well.

Please tell me safe way to use it.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29641 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:43:29 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29641 In reply to Rose Vermillion.

Some do well with it while others do not. Listen to your body. Check this out as well:
https://draxe.com/health/ibs-diet-food-cures/

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By: Rose Vermillion https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29517 Fri, 13 Feb 2015 23:10:47 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29517 I have Ulceritic Colitus. How does eating Chia seeds help me? Or does it do more harm because it is seeds and has a high fiber content?

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By: Margaret https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-29513 Fri, 13 Feb 2015 17:01:56 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-29513 I want to point out one very important detail wherein you state that chia can “cure” diabetes…..Sorry, but nothing can “cure” Type 1 diabetics! If it could, trust me, I’d eat only chia seeds forever! It is very aggravating when someone posts something like this on a website because then people tell me (Type 1 diabetic) that I should do this or that or eat this or that because it is “proven” to cure diabetes. Please, make sure that you differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They are named different because they are different. My pancreas does not produce any insulin at all therefore, nothing can ever cure me. Other than that, great article!

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-28392 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:44:32 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-28392 In reply to SR.

I throw it away

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-28388 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:40:38 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-28388 In reply to Mel.

Check out these tips: https://draxe.com/health/coronary-heart-disease/

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By: SR https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-28216 Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:55:21 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-28216 When soaking chia seeds or dry beans etc should we throw the soaked water to get rid of enzyme inhibitor or retain that water as it has nutrients?

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By: Mel https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-28196 Wed, 14 Jan 2015 23:30:23 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-28196 I just started taking Chia seeds. I have put in an inquire to my personal doctor as to his knowledge. My problem is I have heart failure. A pace maker/ defibrillator is in my chest. My Atrial Fib and Ventral Fib was addressed a little when I was in the hospital because of a ruptured aneurysm on my aorta.
I am told that my chances were less than 7% and if I came through I would most likely be a vegetable. This was March 28,2014, I went back to work 4 weeks later. In may I turn 75 years old.

interested in if I can do anything to help my heart health more than exercise and eating healthy. Take or do not take Chia seeds. I do take a baby aspirin each day.

Thanks for your input

Mel

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By: Maxine Slater https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-28106 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:52:22 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-28106 i started taking small amounts of chia seeds, then yesterday used a Tbs. in the morning. I wanted to try using them instead of psylium supplements for bowel regulation, and had been taking a tablespoon of that both morning and night. Yesterday’s dose of chia was the first time I went without any psylium at all. Today I have had cramps and have made numerous trips to the bathroom, with just a small amount of feces each visit. No diarrhea. I am wondering if the chia will work for me, should I take more or less of it, and do I still need the psylium also? I have high blood pressure, and diabetes that is very well controlled. Also take a statin. Would apprecaite your advice ASAP! Thanks.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-27693 Fri, 02 Jan 2015 22:20:17 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-27693 In reply to Melissa.

They have different benefits. They are higher in omega 3’s but lower in fiber

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-27616 Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:29:13 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-27616 In reply to Nick Carita.

You can try chewing as it’s a natural tendency but it’s ok if you end up swallowing them

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By: Melissa https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-27274 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:57:21 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-27274 What about Chia seed oil capsules? Is it just as beneficial?

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By: Nick Carita https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-27259 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:49:31 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-27259 OK, sort of odd question, but I seriously have no clue… When you add soaked chia seeds to freshly made green juice (or any for that matter), do you swallow the seeds whole, or do you chew them? I wasn’t sure since the outside of the seeds have a gelatinous covering.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-27092 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 02:32:45 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-27092 In reply to Nahida.

Check these out:
https://draxe.com/health/lose-weight-fast/
https://draxe.com/fitness/hiit-workouts/

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By: Barbie https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26895 Tue, 02 Dec 2014 04:34:43 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26895 HI!

I like to add chia seeds to a mix of almond/coconut milk, oatmeal, honey and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and vanilla extract) then, I like to add a couple scoops of oatmeal and some honey into the mix and let it set overnight in the fridge. It makes a wonderful morning treat! Very filling and well, “moving”!

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By: Nahida https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26796 Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:44:11 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26796 Hi there I want to lose belly fat is that ok to start my day with chia seed and limon juice …. After pregnancy I can’t get rid of it pls I need ur answer

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26668 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:11:49 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26668 In reply to margaret.

It would be very rare that this would be from the chia

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26519 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:03:05 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26519 In reply to Olivia Gonzalez.

Try eating another piece of food or drinking water to help them to the stomach. Also, make sure you are taking small bites and thoroughly chewing your food before you swallow.

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By: margaret https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26309 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 15:42:35 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26309 I really like having chia, but I have noticed that i end up getting petechiae and easily break blood vessels in my hands from normal activity. Is that normal?

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By: Olivia Gonzalez https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26212 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 10:39:16 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26212 After eating chia seeds I feel something is stuck in my esophagus. Could this be possible? And if so what do you suggest.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-26022 Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:49:10 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-26022 In reply to Alexa franks.

Yes. They’re also great when added to a smoothie!

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25931 Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:52 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25931 In reply to Laurinda.

2 tbsp

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25930 Tue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:20 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25930 In reply to Debi.

Chia is highly fermentable which is great if you have lots of good bacteria present. If you have bad bacteria, you would want to avoid things that ferment to avoid feeding the bad bacteria. After the bad bacteria are starved, I would look at adding it back in. I would consult with a doctor of functional medicine to determine if a low fermentation is right for your case.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25848 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:08:43 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25848 In reply to Jon.

Soaking and sprouting the chia seed before consumption aids in digestion

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25840 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:02:18 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25840 In reply to Peter.

I have had patients add chia to their children’s diet and have them do great but would consult with your physician first

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By: Alexa franks https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25520 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:50:07 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25520 ive been consuming my chia seeds by putting about a teaspoon of them in a glass of water and drinking them. Is this okay?

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By: Suzanne https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25376 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 06:10:14 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25376 In reply to DPR.

I am borderline diabetic and would like to know what you put in your smoothy for breakfast along with your chia seeds

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By: Radar https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25370 Sat, 08 Nov 2014 02:43:30 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25370 Try Chia seed pudding. It very good. Various recipes I use almond milk and Chia. let it set overnight is best.

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By: Centeya https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25334 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:14:51 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25334 In reply to stephanie.

Most reliable and best chia seeds you can find…

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By: Laurinda https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25333 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 09:09:17 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25333 What is the size of a serving? Is it about 30g raw seeds, before soaking them? Does one need to get rid of the enzyme inhibitors by throwing off the initial soaking water? Otherwise I guess the enzyme inhibitors would simply leech into the soaking liquid which one would then consume.

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By: Debi https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25331 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:28:24 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25331 Chia is disallowed on the low fermentation diet and SCD. is that accurate given all the research on the benefits that you listed here. I was disappointed to see that chia is not allowed if one is trying to rebalance the digestive bacteria to improve digestion. Do you have helpful comments? Much appreciated…

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By: Peter https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25289 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:23:06 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25289 In reply to Peter.

I see that my comment above is not complete. My question was, Is it ok to give chia seeds to a two year old?

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By: Peter https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25273 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:25:50 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25273 I soak chia seeds overnight in water and have them in the morning. My 2 year old begs to have some

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By: Wendy https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25264 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:13:13 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25264 In reply to stephanie.

HI, Amazon.com and grocery/Health food store may have Chia etc. I like Barlean’s brand of organic Chia. I put some Chia on rice and along with dehydated onion and pepper,,,and stir it around. Then no need to soak or grind etc to eat them. Best wishes.

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By: Jon https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-25259 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:47:08 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-25259 I’m assuming in order to get the most out of the nutritional value of chia seed, the seeds must be ground into flour. Chia in my experience is not digestible as a whole seed. You would only be getting the omega’s if you put them in tea or do not grind them into flour for baking.

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By: audrey https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-24758 Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:07:25 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-24758 I have low globulin blood serum. I’m beginning to think that chia seeds are implicated. I have been taking 1 or 2 dessertspoons a day in the morning. I feel fine but my glob count is 17 when the minimum OK range starts at 25 and I have read you should start to worry big time when it hits 15. The other thing that I think might be causing it is the high PH water that I drink – might be affecting my stomach’s ability to digest food.
I feel pretty good generally so not too worried, but it would be nice to get back to 25 which is probably about my normal level.

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-24646 Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:10:09 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-24646 In reply to Carlos lugo.

I’m not sure based on that information. I’d consult with your physician.

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By: Carlos lugo https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-24495 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 03:32:02 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-24495 Dr. Axe. .? I, suffer from several chronic illnesses; such as CKF, Diabetes T/2. Hi-B/P
CHF, Gout and Obesity. My last lab numbers are improving. I am currently on a low potassium and phosphorus diet under nutrionist and dietician monitoring. I have gone from 56 into 44 size pants. Currently Following strict medication compliance. Based on your knowledge and experience would it be wise for me to consume chia-seeds. Thank you.

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By: Michelle https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23529 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 15:06:06 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23529 In reply to stephanie.

Costco has a big bag of the Nutiva chia seeds for $10. That’s where I get mine. Cheap!

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23506 Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:38:28 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23506 In reply to Tanya.

Before

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23450 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:26:35 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23450 In reply to Robyn.

I think soaking seeds are always a great thing to do.

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By: Robyn https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23417 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 04:08:49 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23417 I bought black Chia, do i have to soak these or can i just use them straight from the packet. I just put them straight on the roast pork before cooking. Should i of soaked them first. Thanks

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By: Tanya https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23406 Sun, 12 Oct 2014 02:03:54 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23406 When u eat 2-3tbs is that before or after they have been soaked?

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By: Dr. Josh Axe https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23313 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:12:12 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23313 In reply to kori.

I would leave them in the fridge.

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By: kori https://draxe.com/nutrition/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/#comment-23287 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:13:35 +0000 https://draxe.com/?p=17362#comment-23287 One question would be, is it ok to soak for over 2 hours and if so do you need to refrigerate after or just leave set out and add to food as needed? I have used chia seeds for quite some time now, but did not know about the soaking tip, so I want to ensure I am getting the best benefit…Thank you

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