Did you think the chia seeds were harmless? A visceral surgeon warns After taking care of a patient victim of a potentially fatal digestive “cap”. In question: a frequent, and yet avoidable error.
Dr. Alexandre Mensierspecialist in digestive surgery, alert: it should not be Especially not consuming these dry seedsthat is to say without having allowed them to soak beforehand. If mentioned, a patient accustomed to consuming it changed their habits. He swallowed a large amount of seeds, Without rehydrate themthen drank a glass of water. Result: they inflated in its esophagus until they cause severe obstructionrequiring emergency medical intervention.
Dry chia seeds, a trap for the digestive tract
“”This patient almost died because of chia seeds“, Says the surgeon. The man regularly consumed these superfoods, but this time, he took them in too large quantities, and dry. Very quickly, chest pain appeared. The diagnosis made to the emergency room: a gelatinous cap in the esophagusformed by the seeds in contact with water.
Dr. Mensier recalls a little known fact: the chia seeds can absorb up their weight in water up to 27 times. An absorption capacity which, if not anticipated, can transform a healthy breakfast into surgical emergency.
The accused practice? This popularized drink on the networks, nicknamed “tadpole water”, which consists in swallowing a spoon of chia seeds before drinking a large glass of water. A simple recipe but high risk.
How to consume the safe chia seeds?
No question of banning these seeds of your diet. Well prepared, they are extremely beneficial. It is still necessary to respect some simple rules:
- Never consume them dry;
- Let them swell at least 30 minutes in a liquid (water, milk, yogurt, etc.);
- Favor a soaking all night For an optimal gelled texture.
Amateurs can integrate them into a pudding, smoothie or morning muesli. This allows you to enjoy their nutritional properties safe for the digestive tract.
Superi-feeds with impressive benefits
Rich in fiber (34.4 g/100 g), Chia seeds promote intestinal transit and prevent constipation. Their content in omega-3 (especially ALA) makes it an ally of choice for cardiovascular health. On the mineral side, they even beat the milk: more calcium, potassium and magnesium with equal weight.
Finally, they contain the 9 essential amino acidswhich makes it a source complete vegetable protein. As the nutritionist Raphaël Gruman reminds us: “Chia seed proteins are self-sufficient, no need to associate them with another cereal “.