For overall well-being proper mind management, staying physically active and a healthy and balanced diet are substantial. With foods such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies with nuts, and seeds as well as supplements there are numerous options for nutrients and minerals for your body.
Chia seeds are such an option that are also a popular choice for fitness freaks and health-conscious people. Often there are questions raised regarding this which includes its quality over time such as do Chia seeds expire? How long does it last?
Signs chia seeds show when expired, what happens or is it safe to eat expired chia seeds? This brief but detailed article will answer all these questions. We will be sharing everything you need to know regarding chia seeds.
Firstly let us know what Chia seeds are. In brief, chia seeds are tiny black seeds of the chia plant. The name itself is derived from the ancient Mayan word Chia which means strength, a right label given to its benefits.
The seeds are highly versatile in nature as they can be consumed by many means like soaked, added to porridge, or sprinkled on top of yogurt, salad, or even juices or smoothies.
They are excellent sources of fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids along with antioxidants and help improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, and enhance intestinal health. Fibre makes you feel full hence you’ll be satisfied and not hungry for longer.
How long does Chia seeds last?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions among chia seed enthusiasts. The answer to this is simple: they last very long depending on the storage and healthy environment.
As many claim or believe it has a shelf life of about two to four years which is pretty long and decent for a nutritional option. And you can safely use it till the given time. You can also refer to the pack or do some research if you get a pack of chia seeds from the market.
Factors that affect the quality of Chia seeds
Although it may last long up to 4 years there are also factors that might increase or decrease its quality or shelf life. Keeping them in a cool and dry place like a cupboard would be the ideal environment with the aid to enhance their shelf life.
When kept open and left exposed to heat, light sun, or moisture they might not last long and it’s vulnerable to changes or loss of quality.
Signs of Expired Chia seeds
To know what happens if you eat expired chia seeds you need to understand whether it’s expired or not. To understand how to figure or find out these signs to make sure the chia seeds you have are expired. Two of the most common and important signs include,
- Smell or Odour of Chia seeds: Any smell different from usual is regarded as expired. A smell or odor that’s funky or rancid might be a key sign.
- Change in texture: Another common sign is the change in size or texture. They feel slimy and mushy, remember regular chia seeds would be dry and crunchy so be sure to understand the difference.
Is it safe to eat expired Chia seeds?
Now moving on to the question of whether it is safe to eat Chia seeds that are expired. The truth is eating chia seeds that have just expired may not do any harm but still, I recommend you not to.
It might taste unusual or weird and wouldn’t grant you the nutritional benefits as compared to its prime. If it’s way too old and expired it’s likely not good to eat them especially when it’s moldy or funky smelling.
What happens if you eat expired chia seeds?
To make you more aware and cautious in order to not eat, let’s know what happens if you eat expired chia seeds. Although there is no worst-case scenario you would still encounter some mild digestive issues like bloating, gas upset stomach, and nothing more. Drink sufficient water and lay off the chia seeds for quick and effective relief for your stomach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chia seeds belong to the category of healthy and nutritious options. Do Chia seeds expire, the answer is they do but last for a very long time specifically years.
However, after referring to this article, ensure to consume them in their prime and toss them away when they show signs of spoilage. You don’t need to be worried as well if you ate a few expired chia seeds as it has minimal side effects.
But in case of anything unusual make sure to visit a dietitian nutritionist or any health expert to determine if you have any other issues or if it’s related to your diet.
Since the seeds of chia are very versatile and used in many recipes. Do you have such a unique or healthy recipe you feel like sharing? Do it or find yours soon.
References
- Melo D, Machado TB, Oliveira MBP. Chia seeds: An ancient grain trending in modern human diets. Food Funct. 2019;10:3068–3089. doi: 10.1039/C9FO00239A.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31086922/ - Ashura K-K, Lillian DK, Oscar K, Leonard MR. Nutritional, health benefits and usage of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica): A review. Afr. J. Food Sci. 2021;15:48–59. doi: 10.5897/AJFS2020.2015.
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJFS/article-abstract/310BC7365996
