The recipe is not new, but from time to time it reappears on TikTok promising true “miracles”, like the fast weight loss. The duo water + chia It's simple to prepare, but does it guarantee as many benefits for weight loss?
The mixture consists of two tablespoons of chia, half a lemon and a glass of water. Before drinking the potion, it is recommended that the drink “rest” for a while until it becomes more gelatinous.
In videos on social media, users not only record themselves preparing the drink, but also drinking it and giving post-drinking updates – even showing whether it worked or not. But what do the experts say?
Does water with chia help you lose weight? Real benefits of the recipe
You can already imagine the answer: alone, water with chia is not capable of making us lose weight. After all, what will really help is the old combination of habits such as healthy eating, physical exercise, stress control, quality sleep… And so on. But then, what is it for?
“Chia is a seed very rich in fiber, omega-3, proteins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc”, explains the nutritionist Clariana Colaço.
“It is also rich in B complex vitamins. It can be consumed in salads, fruits, dairy products, breads and cakes. In addition to being super healthy and versatile, it adds flavor and texture to food.”
It is for reasons like these that chia is considered a superfoodand the benefits only increase with daily consumption. According to the professional, the fibers present in chia help to reduce cardiovascular diseases and regulate the glycemic index of foods.
“Vitamins and minerals together increase immunity, disposition and overall health. All are super oxidants, promoting cell renewal. Furthermore, complex B contributes to the beauty of nails, hair and skin”, he continues.
And for constipation, does it work?
According to the nutritionist, chia water is a mixture of chia with water to hydrate the seeds. The ideal is a mixture of 1 tablespoon to 1 glass of 250 ml of water at room temperature. Lemon is optional: it can be added or replaced with another food to add flavor and add other benefits.
“This mixture forms a gel that, when consumed, slows digestion, promoting satiety in our body. Therefore, it is recommended to take it when you wake up to help with good intestinal function, or before main meals to increase satiety and reduce appetite, which leads to weight loss”, explains Clariana.
In other words, there are, yes, advantages to the mix. However, a lot of attention is needed. According to the nutritionist, the mixture is beneficial, but never in isolation. Chia naturally has fiber that facilitate bowel functionHowever, alone it does not work miracles.
“It should always be associated with adequate water intake throughout the day. In addition to the high consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes, which are also rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. And always combined with physical activity. It is a set of healthy actions that help overall health, in addition to intestinal health”, says the professional.
In other words, if you deal with constipation frequently, know: chia water alone will not solve the situation. A healthy gut works as long as you:
- Follow a diet with foods rich in fiber, such as chia
- Drink adequate amounts of water (at least 2 L/day)
- Consume fruits, vegetables and legumes
- Practice physical activities frequently
