Chia seeds are often hailed as a superfood because they are packed with fiber, omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. However, it is important to be aware that chia seeds can actually cause some side effects in certain situations. Here’s what you need to know before you go overboard with chia in your diet.
1. Digestive Discomfort & Bloating
Why it happens: Chia seeds contain an extremely high amount of fiber. Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds provide over 10g of fiber. If your body is not accustomed to consuming high amounts of fiber, it can result in bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or even constipation.
Tip: Start with small amounts of chia seeds and remember to drink plenty of water to aid digestion.
2. Choking Hazard
Why it happens: Chia seeds have the ability to absorb up to 10–12 times their weight in water. If you eat them in their dry state and fail to drink enough liquid, they may swell up in your throat and pose a choking risk.
Tip: Always soak chia seeds in water or mix them into wet foods like smoothies or yogurt before consuming.
3. May Interfere with Medications
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Meds: Chia seeds have a natural tendency to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which is generally beneficial. However, if you are already taking medication for these conditions, chia seeds’ effect may cause dizziness, weakness, or even dangerous drops in blood pressure or sugar levels.
Tip: It is important to consult your doctor before incorporating chia seeds into your diet regularly, especially in large amounts, if you are on medication.
4. Potential Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some people may experience itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming chia seeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to stop consumption immediately and seek medical advice.
5. Overconsumption Can Lead to Nutrient Imbalance
Consuming too many chia seeds may result in certain issues:
- They can block the absorption of iron or zinc.
- Excessive fiber intake from chia seeds can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
- Adding too much chia to every meal may lead to weight gain.
How to Enjoy Chia Seeds Safely:
- Stick to 1–2 tablespoons of chia seeds per day.
- Soak the seeds in water or mix them into liquids before consuming.
- Gradually increase your intake if you are new to high-fiber foods.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking sufficient water.
Bottom Line:
Chia seeds are undeniably healthy, but it is crucial to understand that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Listen to your body, take it slow, and use chia seeds wisely to enjoy their benefits without experiencing any side effects! 🌱💧
9 Celebrity Fathers Who Raised Their Kids Alone
In the modern world, it’s easy to find moms who raise their kids on their own, while fathers who perform this task alone are a rare thing. Nevertheless, the tendency is there and men are sometimes seen taking full responsibility for the upbringing of their kids.
Bright Side collected the stories of celebrity fathers who, due to different circumstances, were raising their kids alone. Some decided to raise their kids by themselves, others — after a divorce with the spouse, and the last group had to live through some tragic events.
1. Liam Neeson
10 years ago, Liam Neeson’s wife Natasha Richardson fell down and hit her head while skiing at a ski resort and died after several days. Neeson stayed alone with their 2 sons Daniel and Micheal, ages 12 and 13. It took a lot of time for the family to overcome this tragedy but they managed to cope with the loss. Liam Neeson dedicated his life to his kids and never married again.
2. Pierce Brosnan
After marrying actress Cassandra Harris, Pierce Brosnan adopted her 2 kids: Charlotte age 9 and Chris age 8. 3 years later, they gave birth to their own son Sean. Later the Brosnan family experienced a tragedy — Cassandra died from cancer. Since then the actor has been raising their kids alone without any intention to get married again. But in 1994, he met a journalist Keely Shaye Smith whom he married officially in 2001. They have 2 sons — Dylan and Paris.
3. Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage’s son, Weston, was born in 1990. The actor wasn’t officially married to the child’s mother and the couple soon broke up. Cage was required to give his ex-girlfriend a house in Hollywood in order to have the right to raise his son alone. Today Weston is 28 years old, he is a musician, and is also starting his career in acting. In 2005 Cage had another son.
4. George Lucas
The creator of the legendary Star Wars saga, George Lucas, has been raising 3 adopted children for many years on his own. Amanda was adopted together with his spouse and she stayed with her father after the divorce. Later he also adopted another daughter, Katie and son, Jett. By the way, they all were filmed in small parts of Star Wars. George Lucas didn’t get married again until 2013. His spouse is the chairwoman of DreamWorks Animation and the president of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson. After their marriage, the couple soon gave birth to a daughter.
5. Al Pacino
Al Pacino is the father of 3 kids yet he has never been officially married. His eldest daughter, Julie was born in 1989, and in 2001, actress Beverly D’Angelo gave birth to their twins — Olivia and Anton. The couple broke up after several years, but the parents managed to keep their common child custody which is why their kids spend an equal amount of time with both their father and their mother. The actor has always tried to schedule his working hours so that he could spend more time with his kids.
6. Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell is raising 2 sons: 16-year-old James and 10-year-old Henry. James’s mother is the model Kim Bordenave, but Farrell’s and her relationship didn’t last long. Nevertheless, Colin said that he would provide for his son for life. In 2009, Farrel had his second son Henry. His mother is a Polish actress whom Colin broke up with very quickly.
7. Lenny Kravitz
After his divorce, the musician Lenny Kravitz started to raise their daughter Zoë alone. He had lived with his spouse Lisa Bonet for 3 years. The parents had equal rights to their daughter, but when Zoë turned 11, she moved to live with her father full time. Today Zoë Kravitz is a famous actress and model. This father and daughter often appear at social events together.
Cristiano Ronaldo has many kids. His first son was born by a surrogate mother in 2010. His name is also Cristiano. In 2017, the athlete became a father to 2 twins: daughter Eva and son Mateo. Now he is getting ready for his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez and recently they gave birth to their daughter Alana Martina.
9. Norman Reedus
The star of The Walking Dead TV series, Norman Reedus, has been raising his son Mingus alone for many years. He had been dating supermodel Helena Christensen for about 5 years, but their relationship fell apart. The couple shares joint custody of their son, however, he has lived most of his life with his father in Los Angeles. Today Mingus is 20 years old. Several years ago, Norman Reedus started dating actress Diane Kruger and in 2018, they had a daughter.
Which of these stories impressed you most of all? Please tell us about it in the comments!
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