Consume chia seeds at suhoor to take precautions against thirst and hunger

Sivas University of Science and Technology faculty member Prof. Dr. Tolga Karaköy stated that chia seeds have a high water-retention capacity, emphasizing that they create a feeling of thirst reduction and satiety when consumed at suhoor, especially during the month of Ramadan.

HOW TO CONSUME CHIA SEEDS?

The South American-origin chia plant is consumed raw in diets, by adding chia sprouts and seeds to salads, and by adding them to drinks. In recent years, it has also been consumed by adding it to cakes, snacks, bread, and cookies. Known for its high water-retention capacity in the body, chia seeds stand out as an effective solution against thirst, especially during the month of Ramadan. When chia seeds are consumed at suhoor by mixing them into yogurt or milk, they turn into a gel consistency in the stomach, slowing down water absorption and providing a feeling of fullness for a long time.

CAN HOLD 27 TIMES ITS OWN WEIGHT IN WATER

Karaköy stated that the chia plant is not widely grown in Turkey but can be found in markets, saying, "Because this seed both keeps you full and its seeds can hold 27 times their own weight in water, it maintains a moist area in the stomach, reducing the rate of the body's water loss. It can be supportive for people who want to fast but struggle due to health problems."

VERY RARELY FOUND

Karaköy stated that chia seeds have come to the agenda again due to the month of Ramadan, saying, "The chia plant is one of the plants originating from South America. It is a plant that has been used as food since 3500 BC. It was first recorded in Fray Bernardino de Sahagun's 'the Florentine Codex'. People have been consuming it as food since 1500 BC. It was used in folk medicine and as food by the Aztecs and Mayans. Due to the month of Ramadan we are in, chia seeds are a plant seed that has come to the agenda with its feature of reducing water loss in the body.

We usually have the chance to consume chia seeds by adding a small amount to yogurt or milk at suhoor. Immediately after consumption, the seeds turn into a gel consistency in the stomach due to their structure. After the seed turns into a gel consistency, it reduces water absorption in the intestine and ensures that the stomach remains moist. Chia seeds are not a seed widely grown in our country, but we have the chance to find them in various markets. It is one of the seeds that can support those who have health issues but want to fast in terms of reducing thirst," he said.

EXPERT SUPERVISION IS IMPORTANT

Saying that chia seeds both keep you full and prevent the water loss the body experiences, Karaköy said, "We see that chia seeds are seeds that dietitians prescribe to be included in diets, especially for people with weight problems, as they are known to keep you full. Chia seeds, which have a high starch content, have a very high water-retention and absorption capacity. It is not right to use too much of the chia plant seed; if we use too much, various interactions will occur. It is of great importance that it is consumed under expert supervision. Excessive consumption by saying it has beneficial properties or its interaction with various drugs can harm the constitution and the body. Chia seeds are a plant that can also be grown in Turkey. However, it needs to be consumed to be valued. Because there is no consumption habit for this plant in our country, it is not a plant that is grown very much," he said.

News Source: 12punto