Why you should never eat dried chia seeds: the consequences will be disastrous

The trend of using chia seeds has been growing in recent years. They are added to smoothies, yoghurt, milk, or even a variety of soups. Chia seeds are actively used as a dietary ingredient. The seeds are rich in omega-3, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so they can burn excess fat, according to nutritionists.

However, be sure to soak chia seeds before consuming them. About the disastrous consequences of eating dried seeds told the publication Ifl Science.

A 39-year-old man came to the emergency room with severe upper abdominal pain. He was physically unable to swallow anything (including his own saliva). It turned out that, having heard advice about the health benefits of chia, he had eaten a tablespoon of dried seeds and drank a glass of water.

Indeed, chia seeds are a source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. People perceive them as an effective tool for weight loss.

One of the properties of chia seeds is that when added to water, they form a hydrogel capsule that absorbs water. This causes a quick feeling of satiety. However, in the case of the man who ate the dried seeds, a blockage occurred - the chia expanded after the immediate consumption of water and caused a blockage in his esophagus.

"First, we tried to use an adult endoscope. We tried to push a mass of chia seeds into the stomach. But because of the consistency of the seeds, we couldn't do that; they just expanded, continuing to block the esophagus," said physician Rebecca Roll.

After many attempts to try to dislodge this gel mass, the team used a neonatal gastroscope to push a small amount of chia seeds into the stomach. The doctors did this until a giant "ball" of chia seeds ended up in the stomach.

This is a very rare case, but by no means should you eat chia seeds dry, it is better to let them expand completely in liquid before consuming them.

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