Is chia seed water a magic weight loss potion? According to proponents of a viral TikTok health trend, drinking this super seed steeped in H2O may be the key to preventing overeating and ultimately succeeding in weight loss.
The TikTok user @happyandhealthyolivia shared the hack as part of her popular series “TikTok Health Trends That Actually Work.” The brief video has been viewed more than 17.7 million times since 2021 and includes a demonstration on how to make the purported weight loss beverage. “Just combine 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of chia seeds with a glass of water (optional: add lime) and drink 30 minutes before meals,” she says, adding that the mixture increases feelings of fullness.
Another user, @kanipark, claims that chia seed water has a number of health benefits. “Drinking chia seed water in the morning can give a boost to your digestion and improve bowel movement,” she writes, calling it “great for your protein intake, heart health, bone health, blood sugar control, digestion, weight loss, and inflammation.” It should be noted that these claims are not substantiated by scientific research, although chia seeds are indeed full of fiber, protein, good fats, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and antioxidants, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As for the taste, according to @kanipark, “It doesn’t really taste like anything, but it doesn’t taste good, either. But if I drink this whole thing I know that I will be full because it is super thick.”
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