Lemon Chia Seed Water

Keep hydrated with my failsafe lemon chia seed water that’s packed full of goodness and perfect for keeping cool in the hot weather.

When I call this lemon and chia seed water an “internal shower drink”, I don’t mean drinking it while you’re in the shower! In fact, this nifty little drink that’s exploded as a wellness trend recently is packed full of benefits that keep you feeling good and can act as an internal body cleanser.

Lemon water and chia seeds may seem like simple ingredients, but when they’re combined, they become a super-beverage (the cousin of the superfood) that’ll supercharge your hydration goals. I love using chia seeds in recipes – whether that’s making chia seed pudding, adding them to smoothies, using to make my own vegan protein powder, or adding protein to overnight oats. So this chia seed water is one of the easiest ways to use them effectively.

I like to incorporate lemon chia seed water into my rotation of hydrating infused waters and homemade lemonades to keep myself hydrated – especially when it’s hotter outside. It’s particularly good to have in the morning or at mid-afternoon when you’re feeling a lull in energy. There’s no caffeine in this drink, but it certainly feels like it thanks to the natural energy and nutrient boost you’ll get in every sip.

What Do Chia Seeds and Lemon Water Do

Chia seeds are edible seeds native to Mexico and the Southern United States. Over the years, they’ve become a staple of wellness influencers and healthy chefs as a vegan-friendly protein source – but they do so much more than that. Chia seeds in water are:

• High in fiber and protein, which support a happy gut and can help reduce bloating.
• Packed full of antioxidants that help repair cell damage
• High in essential Omega-3 fatty acids that can improve general heart and blood health
• High in magnesium, potassium, and calcium – a serving of this quick hydrating chia fresca has the same amount of calcium in it as a glass of dairy milk.
• Good for fighting inflammation in the body and supporting healthy bones and good digestion.

Those are just the health benefits of chia seeds in water. But you boost it when you add lemon. Lemons are packed full of Vitamin C and are great for helping keep your gut happy and digestion smooth. They’re also high in antibacterial properties that can help flush out toxins in the body.

Lemon chia seed water can even help keep your hair, nails, and skin healthy and help fight infection. Not bad for a three-ingredient drink!

What Is Lemon Chia Seed Water Made of

• Chia Seeds: I prefer to use organic chia seeds, but use whatever you can find at the health food store or grocery store.
• Lemon Juice: I recommend just juicing a few fresh lemons to make this. You can use already bottled lemon juice, but double-check if any extra preservatives or ingredients have been added before using.
• Water: Tap water works just fine, but any kind of still water will work. 

How to Make a Lemon and Chia Seed Water

Juice the lemon. I also like to cut a few thin slices from the fruit to use as decoration in the lemon water.

Mix the fresh lemon juice, chia seeds, and water together. Add the lemon slices too if using. Allow the seeds to soak in the water for 10-15 minutes before enjoying! I like to top my lemon chia seed water with some mint leaves – but you can adapt it to your tastes (see below for more ideas and variations on this recipe).

The texture is not dissimilar to a chia pudding and is slightly thicker than an ordinary liquid – like a gel. I recommend enjoying it fresh, but you can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also serve with ice, but add the ice to the individual glasses, not the larger batch.

Important Reminder: The chia seeds MUST be allowed to soak for at least 10 minutes before you start drinking. Chia seeds with lemon water need time to hydrate – as this is when it’ll be most beneficial for your digestion. You’ll see more impact from the chia seeds if you give them the time to soak up some of the water before enjoying. Resisting temptation for a few minutes will make all the difference!

Optional Add-Ins and Recipe Variations

• Fruit: If you prefer your drink with more fruit, add more slices or some muddled fruit to the mixture. For fruity lemon chia water, I like to use berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries). But choose fruits based on what’s in season and, most importantly, what’s already in your kitchen! Most fruits are well-complimented by lemon, so you can add whatever you enjoy best. To muddle, just add the fruit to a bowl or directly into the glasses and use a muddler or long spoon to gently crush the fruit into a chunky puree.
• Lime juice: Try swapping out the lemon juice for lime juice if you prefer the flavor. Limes are also high in Vitamin C and have similar benefits to a lemon.
• Apple cider vinegar: If you really want to supercharge your drink, use a little apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized) in place of some of the citrus juice. This is going to help your digestion and has numerous anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants.
• Mint: I love fresh mint leaves in pretty much any drink and they’re a great addition to lemon chia seed water. To stop them from overwhelming the flavor of the water, I suggest adding them just to individual glasses/portions rather than directly into the pitcher (if using). Otherwise, you’ll need to replace them every day.
• Warm water: During the cooler months, you can also make this drink with warm water or coconut water and enjoy it with breakfast in the morning. Coconut water is also high in magnesium and potassium, so adds even more nutrients to the chia seeds.
• Sweetener: I enjoy the recipe as it is. But if you need an extra boost (or you’ve got a sweet tooth), try using agave nectar or raw honey. Honey has been shown to promote a healthy gut, boost your immunity, and have some antibacterial properties. It also works great with lemon water for a boost of Vitamin C. 

More Healthful Drink Recipes

• Simple Lemon Water
• Ginger Shots
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Turmeric Tea
• Flavored Water

If you try this chia water recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!