Chia seeds. Do we all not know about it and how beneficial it is for us. It is derived from the Salvia hispanica plant and are considered superfoods. They go with anything and everything, whether it is your morning glass of water, puddings, pancakes and parfaits. In fact, they are also used as skin care due to its gelatinous consistency. For this reason, they are often used in vegan baked goods as a substitute for eggs to bind the batter.

But can eating too many chia seeds cause you discomfort? Let's find out:

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, for each 1 ounce or 28 grams, it provides 11 grams of fiber. While fiber is essential for your health, promoting regularity and supporting beneficial bacteria in your gut, it can sometimes cause issues like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas for some people.

This also happens when a high fiber intake is paired with inadequate hydration. This is because drinking water is essential to help fiber pass through the digestive system. Furthermore, those with chronic diseases cause inflammation and a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss.

There are studies that also note that a high fiber intake can help protect against inflammatory bowel disease in long term. However, those who experience flare-ups, must limit their fiber intake for short periods to reduce symptoms.

For most people, these symptoms can be prevented by increasing the fiber intake slowly and drinking water to help it pass through.

Case Studies: Chia Seeds And Choking

Though mostly safe, Chia seeds can also cause an increased risk of choking. There is an increased risk of choking especially with chia seeds, because it swells up as it absorbs a lot of water and can absorb 10 to 12 times their weight. While these properties are helpful during cooking and baking, the same sticky properties can be harmful and could become lodged in the throat.

In one of the cases, a 39-year-old man ate a tablespoon of dry seeds and then drank a glass of water. As a result, the seeds expanded in his esophagus and caused a blockage. He had to be rushed to the emergency room to get it removed. This case study is also featured in the 2017 Case Reports in Internal Medicine. The important thing to remember is that you must always soak chia seeds for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you eat them, and pay extra attention when you eat it.

Other Side Effects

Chia seeds contain a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), this is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, that is found in plant foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are part of the diet which support cognitive function and heart health. However, there are studies that also associate ALA intake and prostate cancer. In a 2014 study by Colleen Pelzer, et.al., that analyzed data from 288,268 men, showed that ALA intake was associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.

Another 2013 study published in the Journal of Cancer Institute showed that those with highest blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids had a higher risk of prostate cancer, compared to those with lower blood concentrations.

However, there are some conflicting point of views too, thus it is best to always consult you doctor.

Once considered purely a North African delicacy, couscous is a processed grain that offers nutritional benefits in form of selenium and plant-based protein. However, this grain contains gluten, making it not suitable for everyone. So, should we consume couscous?

Nutritional Benefits of Couscous

Rich in Selenium

One of the standout nutrients in couscous is selenium. A single cup (157 grams) offers over 60% of the recommended daily intake. Selenium is a crucial mineral with several health benefits—it acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports cellular repair, and reduces inflammation. It also plays a key role in maintaining thyroid health by aiding hormone production and protecting the thyroid gland from damage. Additionally, selenium may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering oxidative stress and preventing plaque buildup in arteries.

May Help Lower Cancer Risk

The selenium content in couscous could also contribute to a reduced risk of certain cancers. Findings from a review involving more than 350,000 participants indicate that higher selenium levels in the blood—primarily from dietary sources—may offer protection against specific cancers. Notably, selenium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and a combination of adequate selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E may lower lung cancer risk among smokers.

Boosts the Immune System

Couscous may give your immune system a boost, thanks again to its selenium content. Selenium enhances immunity by reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune cell function. It also assists in regenerating vitamins C and E, which play a role in strengthening immune responses.

Good Source of Plant-Based Protein

Protein makes up around 16–20% of the human body and is essential for metabolic processes. Couscous provides about 6 grams of plant-based protein per one-cup serving. While it is not a complete protein—meaning it doesn't contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts—it can be paired with other plant-based proteins to form a balanced vegetarian or vegan diet. Diets high in plant-based protein have been linked to lower risks of stroke, cancer, and heart disease-related deaths.

Very Easy to Prepare

Often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, couscous is made from whole-wheat flour and is quick to prepare. Most supermarket versions are pre-steamed and dried; they only require the addition of boiling water or broth followed by fluffing with a fork. Light and fluffy when cooked, couscous easily absorbs the flavours of other ingredients and pairs well with salads, meats, vegetables, or other grains like quinoa and brown rice.

Things You Should Consider Before

High in Gluten

Couscous is made from semolina, a product of durum wheat, and therefore contains gluten. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Could Raise Blood Sugar Levels

With 36 grams of carbohydrates per cup and minimal protein, couscous may cause blood sugar spikes—particularly a concern for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. Combining it with protein-rich foods or those high in soluble fibre can help mitigate this effect.

Lower in Some Key Nutrients

While couscous contains small amounts of fibre, potassium, and other nutrients, it falls short compared to other whole grains like quinoa, oats, or brown rice. Foods such as avocados, bananas, and potatoes are richer sources of potassium, which supports healthy blood flow and may reduce the risk of stroke.

The Takeaway

Couscous, with its high selenium content, offers several health benefits, including immune support and a potential reduced risk of cancer. However, it may not be suitable for everyone—especially those with gluten intolerance or blood sugar concerns. For those who tolerate gluten, couscous remains a convenient, versatile grain option worth including in a balanced diet.

Thinking about taking supplements to boost your well-being quest? You're not the only one. As worldwide sales of supplements are expected to exceed $230 billion by 2027, they've become the face of preventive health. But experts are now sounding the alarm about a less obvious risk—the silent effect they have on your liver.

From daily vitamin pills to herbal powders that claim to deliver everything from healthy skin to improved concentration, supplements are frequently perceived as benign. But the reality is, when taken excessively or without instruction, they may be doing more damage than good—particularly to one of your body's most critical organs: your liver.

Your liver is your body's biochemical sorting center. It sifts through everything from food to poisons to medicines—and, yes, supplements.

As per Dr. Karan Rajan, a well-known UK surgeon and educator with more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram, even natural supplements undergo liver metabolism. "That means your liver breaks them down with enzymes, which impacts how hard it has to work," he says. When your liver is overwhelmed, your liver cannot detoxify the body effectively, and there is a higher risk of inflammation, scarring, or worse—acute liver injury.

In a recent case cited by Dr. Rajan, a female patient developed organ failure following consumption of supplements aimed at hair and nail growth. "Just don't turn your liver into a science fair project gone wrong," he cautioned in a now-famous video.

What Constitutes a Supplement?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements comprise:

Vitamins: A, C, D, B-complex

Minerals: Magnesium, calcium

Herbal compounds: Elderberry, ginger

Botanical powders: Green powders, turmeric blends

Probiotics: Live bacteria or yeasts that aid digestive system health

Supplements have been a daily fill for many people. Be it vitamin C as an immunity boost during the flu season or B12 for that energy drive, individuals look toward pills in anticipation of a good meal. Without proper checks and balances, the practice tends to go downhill fast into becoming a health risk.

The risk isn't necessarily in the supplement itself—but in the amount you take and how it affects other substances in your body.

"More isn't always better," warns Dr. Rajan. "Excessive doses of even simple vitamins like vitamin A can cause liver damage or brain pressure."

Other risks that are known include:

Vitamin D overdose: Can increase blood levels of calcium, leading to kidney issues and changed mental status.

Unregulated herbal mixes: May create unknown chemical interactions, especially if you’re taking multiple at once.

Drug interactions: Supplements like St. John’s Wort can interfere with antidepressants or blood thinners.

With so many supplements flooding the market, choosing a safe one can feel like a gamble. Flashy packaging and bold health claims are not enough.

Dr. Rajan suggests checking for third-party certifications. Labels such as (e.g., USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab) mean that the product has been independently tested to be of good quality, purity, and accuracy of ingredient descriptions. Although no certification can absolutely ensure 100% safety, it significantly lessens your risk of taking something potentially toxic to the liver.

How to Take Supplements the Right Way?

So does it mean you must abandon supplements altogether? No. Properly planned, supplements can be useful. Here's how to do it safely and responsibly:

1. Talk to a Healthcare Professional First

Don't start adding anything to your routine without first talking to a physician or registered dietitian. They can check whether you actually need it, particularly if taking prescription meds such as statins, antidepressants, or anti-epileptics.

2. Get Your Blood Work Done

Beginning a new supplement? Have your doctor perform liver function tests (LFTs). This establishes a baseline and allows you to track how your liver reacts over time.

3. Consult Expert

This FDA and NIH-supported database contains in-depth case reports on how drugs and supplements impact the liver. Supplements graded Grade A, B, or C need to be treated with additional caution.

4. Don't Mix Multiple Supplements

Taking more than one herbal supplement or taking high doses of several vitamins at once can have synergistic toxicity. Unless prescribed by a professional, keep it simple and concentrated.

Supplements aren't bad in themselves—but taking them without knowing how they'll affect your liver might be very bad indeed, sometimes causing irreversible damage. As consumer interest increases, so should awareness and prudence.

We've all rolled our eyes at our parents' dinner table lectures, “Eat your veggies, they'll make you smarter!” But what if they were right all along? Think about it, can a bowl of leafy greens really protect your memory? Could that sugary snack or burnt barbecue actually speed up brain aging? From the power of omega-3-rich fish to the silent damage from ultra-processed foods, we're breaking down the science behind food and cognitive health.

When it comes to brain function, Harvard Health Publishing explains that following a strategic and healthy diet is key to a healthy brain. A diet filled with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats rather than foods that are filled with saturated fats and added sugars.

Can Food Slow Down Your Brain Aging?

Leafy greens like kale spinach collards and broccoli are rich in nutrients like vitamin K that is necessary for brain health and slow down cognitive decline. Fatty fish also has omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower the levels of beta-amyloid in our blood, which is a protein that clumps in our brain and cause Alzheimer's disease.

However, what are some foods you should avoid for your brain health?

Dr. Ramon Velazquez, a neuroscientist and advisor at Mind Lab Pro, has highlighted five common food categories that could be silently damaging to our brain over time. He explained that the dietary choices we make in our youth can significantly influence our cognitive function as we age.

Super-Processed Foods

Those quick and easy meals and snacks often have lots of extra stuff that isn't good for you. Dr. Velazquez warns that eating a lot of these foods might make your brain age faster. He says they can cause swelling that hurts the connections between your brain cells. He suggests eating whole foods like fruits, veggies, and plain meats instead.

Fish

Fish can be good for your brain, but some big fish that live a long time can have too much mercury in them. Mercury is a poison that can hurt your brain. Dr. Velazquez says it can get into your brain and mess with how it works, which can cause problems with thinking later on. It's better to avoid fish like shark and swordfish.

Burnt Food

That tasty char on grilled food makes bad components called AGEs. Dr. Velazquez says these AGEs can cause swelling in your brain and might even be linked to the stuff found in people with Alzheimer's. He suggests cooking food in ways that don't burn it, like steaming or boiling.

While Dr. Velazquez warns about burnt food, another expert says it's okay sometimes if you mostly eat a balanced diet with lots of good stuff. They say enjoying a little burnt food now and then is fine if the rest of your diet is healthy.

Fake Sweeteners

Dr. Velazquez says that some fake sweeteners might change the good bugs in your stomach in a way that causes swelling. This swelling could then hurt your brain and maybe even increase the chance of brain problems later. He suggests trying natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead and trying to eat less sweet stuff overall.

Too Much Alcohol

While some people like to drink to relax, too much alcohol can really hurt your brain. Dr. Velazquez says that drinking a lot for a long time can actually make your brain shrink. It especially hurts the part of your brain that helps you make decisions and think clearly. So, it's best to drink only a little, if at all.