Chia seeds: does the time of day you eat them make a difference?

Chia seeds owe their health benefits to their high soluble fibre content. When mixed with liquid, this fibre forms a natural gel that slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, aids digestion and provides a mild feeling of fullness. This unique texture explains why the time of day you eat them can make a difference. 

• In the morning, they help make breakfast more filling 

• At lunchtime, they can be easily incorporated into various dishes and boost their nutritional value; 

• In the evening, when well-hydrated, they promote more comfortable digestion.

Chia seeds also provide plant-based omega-3s (ALA), which contribute to overall dietary balance, as well as essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Several studies show that soluble fibre, when consumed regularly, supports digestive comfort and contributes to a more balanced eating pattern.

You can incorporate chia seeds at different times of the day, depending on the effects you’re looking for.

1. In the morning: When added to porridge, a smoothie or yoghurt, they provide soluble fibre that forms a light gel and helps make for a more filling breakfast. A great way to avoid mid-morning hunger pangs…

2. At lunchtime: they can easily be added to a salad, soup or dessert. Their high fibre and nutrient content makes them a simple way to vary the composition of your meal and add a little extra nutritional value without altering the flavours.

3. In the evening: once properly rehydrated, they blend naturally into compote, plant-based milk or pudding. Their soft texture is then easier to digest and can accompany a light meal at the end of the day.

Chia seeds, in fact, reveal their full potential once they’ve had time to swell: it is in this form that they are best tolerated and offer their digestive benefits.

Spotlight on the Superfood: Organic Chia Seeds

Highly prized for their nutritional qualities and their effect on digestion, these tiny seeds, rich in fibre and essential omega-3 fatty acids, are also a valuable source of protein. Furthermore, these mucilaginous seeds have the unique property of swelling when exposed to liquid, allowing you to create interesting gel-like textures in your recipes!

To incorporate chia seeds at any time of day, make a homemade pudding base that keeps well and takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp chia seeds

• 100 g small oat flakes

• 4 heaped tbsp of coconut flour

• 2 teaspoons of maca powder

• 4 teaspoons of Lucuma powder

• 50 ml of your choice of milk

Discover all the steps in the full recipe for making this homemade chia pudding.

Method: Mix 2 spoonfuls of the base with around 50 ml of milk, leave to thicken for a few minutes, then add fresh fruit, fruit purée or granola as you like.

Laetitia is an editorial communications consultant specialising in creating beauty and wellbeing content. Passionate about natural cosmetics, she works with socially conscious brands that share her vision of authentic and responsible beauty. Always on the lookout for the latest developments, she enjoys analysing trends and innovations in the sector.