Gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab says he doesn't drink chia water: Here are 5 ways he takes them instead

Chia seeds are best consumed soaked, as their high-fibre content needs water to benefit the gut. As such, drinking chia water, that is, chia seeds soaked in a glass of water, is one of the simplest and most effective ways of consuming them.

Also Read | Do hot dogs increase your risk of cancer? Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi shares 8 foods he avoids as a gut doctor

However, not everyone likes the texture of the chia water. Dr Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist and health content creator who specialises in digestive, liver, pancreatic, and nutritional health, is among them.

Taking to Instagram on August 16, he shared five other ways that he takes his chia seeds that require a bit more effort but are far more delicious. “It’s not that chia water isn’t healthy. Chia seeds are packed with fibre, and drinking enough water as you increase chia and fibre is important. I just don’t like the texture of chia floating in plain water,” he clarified.

The five ways to have chia seeds, as shared by Dr Salhab, are presented as follows.

Store-bought jams are usually loaded with sugar and are not the healthiest food to indulge in. However, Dr Joseph Salhab’s chia seed jam is different. Here is how it is prepared.

Healthy ice cream is what dreams are made of. Dr Salhab’s chia ice cream turns that into a reality. Here’s how to make it.

A bit off the beaten path, but according to the gastroenterologist, chia seeds pair well with applesauce as well. The recipe is as follows.

This is a more popular way to consume chia seeds. The steps to prepare are as follows.

Nut butter is tasty and nutritious on its own, and this recipe introduces fibre to the mix.

“You don’t need chia water to get more chia seeds and fibre into your diet. Eat them however you actually enjoy them—and remember to drink enough water,” noted the gastroenterologist.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. Dr Joseph Salhab is a gastroenterologist providing services in central Florida. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton Campus, and has been in practice for over a decade. He has expertise in treating gastroenteritis and upper GI endoscopy, among other conditions.

Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all.