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How far would you go to lose weight? Maybe cut down on sugar? Take up the ? Well, some TikTokkers are so eager to drop the pounds that they’ve taken the extreme sounding measure of drinking “tadpole water”.

Don’t worry, it’s not quite as bad as it seems. The trend doesn’t actually involve downing a glass of frog larvae. Rather, some social media users are chugging a viscous mixture of water, lemon juice and chia seeds. The appearance and consistency of the concoction is similar to a glass of frogspawn.

Tadpole water fans say it helps them to feel fuller and lose weight but others find the slimy texture .

So, is this trendy drink worth the trouble? What’s the science behind the social media claims?

Claims that this lemony chia seed water helps support weight loss may not be that far-fetched.

Chia seeds are , which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness and regulates blood sugar. The fibre in chia seeds is mainly soluble, which forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, and providing a steady flow of energy. So tadpole water can help you to feel fuller for longer, which could help reduce appetite and overall calorie intake.

And that’s not all. Chia seeds could also be a beneficial addition to a . The seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of ,
which are beneficial for . Omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower triglycerides – a type of blood fat that’s our main source of energy and essential for good health but can raise the risk of heart disease at high levels. There’s also evidence to suggest that chia seeds can help lower blood pressure as well as reduce blood sugar, inflammation and improve . They also contain a significant – making them a great plant-based for vegetarians – and they’re .

Chia seeds contain numerous (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and vitamins A and C), including , which help the body to fight harmful free radicals reducing oxidative stress – an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body that leads to cell damage – which may lower the , such as cancer and heart disease. Chia seeds are higher in some minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, than .

Chia seeds can absorb up to in water, so lemon chia seed water helps to promote the , and hydration.

is essential for health. It is involved in virtually of the human body, including , , circulation, lubrication of joints, transportation of nutrients to cells and aids in the removal of . Water also – breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and preventing constipation. also highlights that sufficient water intake and helps support the immune system.

Adding lemon juice to chia seed water not only makes the drink more palatable but it can also supplement some of the health benefits of the other ingredients. Lemon juice is , which can help boost the immune system, enhance iron absorption, aid digestion and improve skin health. Lemon juice can also by helping to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Words of warning

But, before you jump on the TikTok tadpole water bandwagon, there are reasons to be cautious.

The gelling properties of chia seeds can be . If eaten dry, chia seeds can expand in the oesophagus and cause a blockage so always soak the seeds for 15-30 minutes before consumption.

If you suddenly start drinking lemon chia seed water and your gut isn’t used to a , then you might find the drink causes , including constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. People with inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease should approach lemon chia water with caution: it can cause flare ups.

Also, eating chia seeds can cause interactions with some medications. For example, eating chia seeds the activity of blood pressure medications, which could lead to low blood pressure.

Finally, although rare, the proteins in chia seeds can trigger an . Symptoms may include itching, swelling, hives or even difficulty breathing.

Overall, however, chia seeds are a versatile and valuable addition to a healthy diet that can easily be incorporated into a , including smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt and baked goods. The seeds can even be used as an in vegan recipes.

However, as with everything in life, moderation is key. Overeating chia seeds can lead to . And there’s no need to endure the sensation of drinking slime if tadpole water makes you gag. You can get the same health benefits by adding chia seeds to healthy foods you already eat – and drinking throughout the day to stay well hydrated.

So, there’s no need to glug the fake frogspawn unless you really want to.

Hazel Flight does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.