Sabja seeds are typically referred to as sweet basil seeds. They also go by many other names including tukmaria or falooda seeds. These are rich in antioxidants and many other nutrients, thus helping in weight loss, controlling diabetes and wellness of hair and skin. Sometimes these black and tear shaped seeds are confused with chia seeds but they are not the same. Chia seeds and Basil seeds have both been in the spotlight recently, largely due to the claim that both of them act as effective agents against weight gain when used as part of a balanced diet. In actual, there is a lot of difference between Chia seeds and Basil seeds and it’s a good idea to get to know both products before committing to use them.
Origin
Chia seeds
- Produced in Central and South Mexico
Basil seeds
- Produced in India and the Mediterranean region
Consumption
Chia seeds
- Can be consumed both raw and soaked. No preparation is needed
Basil seeds
- Can not be eaten without preparation
- They need be soaked for at least a couple of hours before use
Appearance
- Chia seeds are larger than basil seeds, oval in shape and come in different colours like grey, brown, white and black
- Basil seeds are black, tiny and round
Nutritional value (1 tbsp)
Chia seeds Basil seeds
Calories 60 60
Carbs 5 gms 7 gms
Fibre 5 gms 7 gms
Protein 3 gms 2 gms
Fat 3 gms 2.5 gms
Omega 3 2,880 mg 1,240 mg
Calcium 10% RDI 14% RDI
Iron 9% RDI 13%RDI
Ayurvedic properties of basil seeds
- They are sweet in taste
- It pacifies vata dosha and pita dosha
- It might increase the kapha dosha
- Basil seeds are diuretic in nature
Benefits to the body
- Basil seeds are excellent source of minerals
- They include calcium and magnesium in abundance
- Apart from this, basil seeds are a rich source of iron in the body
- It helps you meet the fiber quota of your body
- It may support your gut health
- Basil seeds make you feel full
- May improve cholesterol
- May aid blood sugar control and reduce body heat
- Relieves constipation and bloating
- Treats acidity and heartburn
- High content of vitamins in basil seeds keeps the scalp, hair and skin healthy
- Basil seeds are also known to increase immunity in the body
Weight Loss benefits
- Both chia seeds and basil seeds linked very often with weight loss
- Neither produces sudden and effortless weight loss
- Both however can be used as a very effective aid in weight loss
- You feel more sated after eating both the seeds. Both help to fill you up, thus helping you avoid snacking throughout the day
- When added to water, both chia seeds and basil seeds swell considerably and keep your body hydrated
- Both however are not substitutes for good health. Both of them form part of a healthy diet
Consumption
- Consumption of both have to be in moderation
- You can start with 1 tsp and go up to 1 tbsp
Who should avoid
- Pregnant women or women who are trying to conceive should not basil seeds since they can lower the estrogen levels in the body
- Basil and chia seeds both have to taken in moderation, over dose of both can have some side effects