Tadpole water is growing in popularity on TikTok, but while the name sounds far from vegan, the beverage is completely plant-based. Tadpole water is simply a mix of water, chia seeds, and lemon juice, and its strange name comes from the way the chia seeds look in the water—like little tadpoles.
And much like frog larvae, they’re also pretty slimy, too, which means many people don’t actually enjoy drinking it that much. And yet despite this, TikTok creators are racking up thousands, if not millions, of views on their tadpole water videos. Why? Because they claim it helps with weight loss.
Can tadpole water actually help you lose weight?
Chia seeds are extremely absorbent. In fact, they can absorb up to 12 times their weight in water. This means that when you drink tadpole water, the chia seeds will fill up your stomach, and this might make you feel fuller for longer and make you less likely to reach for other snacks.
This, in turn, might help you lose weight. Chia seeds are also a very good source of fiber, which is important for slowing down digestion, and also helps to promote a feeling of fullness.
“Claims that this lemony chia seed water helps support weight loss may not be that far-fetched,” writes Hazel Flight, who leads the nutrition and health program at Edge Hill University, for The Conversation. “Tadpole water can help you to feel fuller for longer, which could help reduce appetite and overall calorie intake.”
@princessnaipie | TikTok
However, some experts have expressed concern that the trend could lead to disordered eating. Many TikTok creators have claimed that tadpole water has made them lose several pounds over only a few days, and some commenters on these videos claim that the drink takes their hunger away.
Research suggests that losing too much weight too quickly can lead to health problems, including nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, fatigue, dizziness, and menstrual irregularities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you want to lose weight, you should aim for around one to two pounds a week and maintain it at a “gradual, steady pace.”
Emily Leeming, PhD, MSc, RD explains for Women’s Health that tadpole water shouldn’t be used as a meal replacement, but instead as part of a healthy balanced diet. “Regularly skipping meals in favor of this slimy drink can lead to nutrient deficiencies and low energy levels, and your long-term health will suffer,” she warns.
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Leeming also notes that if you’re going to try the drink, you should soak the chia seeds first for at “least 15 minutes before drinking,” or else they may absorb liquid in your intestines, which could lead to painful bloating or constipation.
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The health benefits of chia seeds
The main ingredient in tadpole water is, of course, chia seeds, which aside from weight loss, come with plenty of health benefits.
The tiny, oval-shaped seeds are packed with nutrients including fiber, protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants, which are potent plant compounds that help to protect the body from harmful free radical damage. Over time, this free radical damage can increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Plus they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. “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,” explains Flight. “There’s also evidence to suggest that chia seeds can help lower blood pressure as well as reduce blood sugar and inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.”
Emani Corcran
But you don’t need to drink tadpole water to reap the benefits of chia seeds. You can enjoy them in the traditional Latin American lemonade drink, chia fresca, for example. It’s similar to tadpole water, but it often includes a sweetener, like agave nectar or sugar, too, which makes it more pleasant to drink.
You can also enjoy chia seeds in breakfast puddings, açaí bowls, smoothies, pancakes, and so much more. Find our guide to preparing tasty recipes with chia seeds here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
