What You Need To Know About TikTok's Chia Seed Water Trend
There's no shortage of flat-out dangerous TikTok ideas trending during any given week. The New York Post recently published a list of nearly two dozen crazes on the video-sharing platform that have caused their share of harm, such as landing users in the hospital. Among the alarming ideas was a challenge to take large quantities of Benadryl to induce hallucinations, while another entailed choking oneself to briefly pass out.
Thankfully, other content shared on the app is useful and healthy, such as chia seed water, a drink of warm water and soaked chia seeds (as well as lime and honey for flavor) that's currently taking over the digital platform. A search for "chia seeds for weight loss" on TikTok pulls up more than 230 million views, as well as countless videos extolling the virtues of the superfood seed. Unlike some questionable health hacks on the app, chia seeds do have beneficial properties that can be confirmed by dietitians. Dr. Alicia Shelly spoke with Shape and indicated that although weight loss isn't necessarily a direct result of consuming chia seeds, the food does help promote satiation thanks to its high level of fiber. In other words, it may make you feel full so you're less likely to mindlessly snack.
What health benefits do chia seeds offer?
Nutritionist Kerri Ferraioli shared with Insider that she recommends chia seed water to marathon runners for hydration and as a restorative aid for muscles, due to their high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. Chia seeds' superfood properties don't stop there: Healthline reports that they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. Although chia seeds are often praised for their high fiber content, it is important to remember to incorporate fiber slowly into the diet in order to avoid digestive discomfort, Harvard Health Publishing explains.
Besides chia water's healthy qualities, there's another reason why it's probably trending on TikTok: It looks cool. Thanks to the seeds' ability to soak up to 10 times their mass in water, they puff up, soften, and form a gel-like substance in the liquid (via Good Housekeeping). For best results, Tiktok user @happyandhealthyolivia recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in a glass of water, adding a squeeze of lime juice for tang, and leaving it to soak for about 30 minutes. While you shouldn't necessarily expect instant weight loss by sipping on this concoction, it can be a good way to tide you over between meals.