When it comes to healthy eating, chia seeds top the list. These little black seeds are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. People like to use chia seeds in many ways, including in bread, salads, as an egg substitute in vegan dishes, and in drinks like chia seed smoothies.

However, one interesting fact is that soaking chia seeds can enhance their nutritional value. When you soak chia seeds in water, they absorb the water. They can rise up to 12 times their size and turn into a jelly-like mixture like tiny tapioca pearls.

Soaked Chia seeds are a trendy drink that some people try for their potential benefits of reducing hunger and helping them lose weight. It gained popularity on social media. 

In this article, we will discuss whether drinking soaking chia seeds overnight helps and if it has any side effects. We will also tell you how to make and use chia seed water to stay healthy. Moreover, we share some other alternatives you can try.

Why Soaking Chia Seeds is Good for You?

Chia seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. These fibers are packed with essential nutrients, making them harder for your body to use. However, soaking chia seeds in water or other liquids breaks down the fibers and makes it easier for your body to absorb those nutrients.

Soaking chia seeds in water will provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals such as:

1. Calcium
2. Magnesium
3. Vitamin B 
4. Zinc. 

Also, chia seed soaking can slow down your stomach to absorb nutrients. When chia seeds absorb water, they form a gel that can improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

If you have stomach problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it can really help.

Another good thing about soaked chia seeds is that they hydrate your body. Chia seeds are tiny hydrophilic – they can absorb much water, usually ten times more than their weight. It can help you feel full for longer and more hydrated during the day.

Soaked Chia seeds- a great help for your digestion 

Chia seeds are high in fiber and good for your digestion. Soaking chia seeds in water softens the outer layer, allowing it to break down and absorb all the nutrients faster.

Also, soaking chia seeds in water becomes a gel-like substance, which helps you feel full and satisfied for longer. It can help control your weight and blood sugar.

Soaking chia seeds can boost resistance to some harmful substances in your body even better. These toxic compounds are free radicals and can cause serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.

Soaking chia seeds in water or overnight for at least 30 minutes effectively protects your body from these free radicals, which means they are healthier for you to consume

Soaking Chia Seeds Boosts Antioxidants

Antioxidants are like fighters in your body, protecting your cells from free radical damage. Chia seeds are full of antioxidants. When you soak them in water, the antioxidant capacity increases.

A study in the Journal of Food Science found that soaking chia seeds throughout the day improved their antioxidant properties by 30 percent.

Not only does spreading help stabilize food, but it also effectively protects our cells from particles.

Potential health benefits of Soaked chia seeds

No studies have specifically analyzed the health benefits of chia seeds. However, some health benefits of drinking chia seeds and water separately exist. 

Help Lower Blood Pressure

Chia seeds have an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid, which can help lower blood pressure. 

Antioxidant Properties

Chia seeds also contain a specific type of antioxidant, “caffeic acid,” which can help reduce inflammation in the body. 

Good for Heart Health

Chia seeds are beneficial for your heart because they are rich in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid.

Supports Bone Health

ALA can also help maintain strong, healthy bones. Blood sugar control: Chia seeds can help control normal blood sugar levels, according to a study. 

Possible Skin Benefits

The fatty acids in chia seeds can help to moisturize dry skin and hydrate your skin in general.

While chia seed juice provides these benefits, they can also be obtained from other foods and beverages. So, if you’re not a fan of chia seed juice, there are other healthy options. But if you want, you can add it to a balanced diet. 

When is the Best Time to Use Soaked Chia seeds? 

Everyone is different, but the best time to use soaked chia seeds depends on what works best for you. Eat them during the day and avoid overeating later. Drinking in the evening will help curb your cravings for late nights.

But if you’re hungry after a long break, it’s better to load your body with healthy foods than rely solely on chia seed water.

Soaked Chia Seeds vs. Dried Chia Seeds: Which One is Better?

Both soaked and dried chia seeds are good for you, but soaking them comes with a few other benefits.

As mentioned earlier, adding chia seeds to water is even better for your body to absorb nutrients, work on digestion, and boost its antioxidant capacity. However, if you like the texture of the dried chia seeds or have a hurry up, eating them dried is far better. They are still healthy and tasty.

Soaking chia seeds in water can make digestion easier for some people. This is because soaking softens the hard outer layer of the seed, which can be difficult for some people to digest. Also, soaking chia seeds in water can release enzymes that make it easier for your body to absorb and use the nutrients in the seeds.