Are you tired of trying out different ways of losing weight now and then? Are you tired of being told what to eat or not to eat to lose weight? If the answer is yes, then give the magical Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) a try and witness the wonder.
It is also known as basil seeds, falooda seeds, or tukmaria seeds. It has immunity-boosting properties and is the powerhouse of nutrition. They are an effective natural remedy for various health conditions.
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are often confused with Chia seeds. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are like a water drop in shape and black. They resemble black sesame seeds and have a mild basil flavor. The type that we typically consume comes from Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil. It is used worldwide for seasoning food items, is often added to desserts and beverages. Sweet Basil is different from Holy Basil which is commonly known as Tulsi in India.
Basil seeds have, historically, been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. But their health benefits have been tested and scientifically proven in limited studies.
The health benefits of basil seeds are immense. They aid in losing weight, improve digestive and gut health, cool the body, regulate blood sugar, relieve stress, prevent infections, and reduce inflammations.
How Can Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Induce Healthy Weight Loss?
Consuming Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) is the best way to lose weight healthily and ensure that your body doesn’t fall short of any essential nutrients. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) work most effectively when you consume them after soaking them in water. Soaking them in water makes them soft and translucent. For example, soaking 1-2 teaspoons of seeds in a cup of warm water for 15 minutes can make them easily consumable. Then they can be mixed in salads, soups, green tea, or consumed as it is.
To use basil seeds for weight loss, soak one to two teaspoons of the seeds in a cup full of warm water. Consume them directly after fifteen minutes. You can also sprinkle these seeds in salads and soups or mix them with lemonade or green tea.
With such multifacetedness, it is only exciting to explore some fascinating health benefits of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds). So let’s dive straight in.
Benefits and Uses of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
- Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are a Great Source of Minerals
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron. Magnesium and calcium are essential for muscle function and bone health, while the iron is vital for producing red blood cells in the blood. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are also a vital source of iron for those who do not consume dairy products or meat.
- Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Relieve Constipation
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) regulate smooth bowel movements. They work as a natural laxative and detox for the body. Try adding Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) to a glass of milk before going to bed to regulate your bowels. The presence of volatile oils in the Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) clears the gastrointestinal tract and relieves your body of gaseous substances. Being loaded with fibre, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) treat dysentery, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Aid Weight Loss
Consuming Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) can make you feel full for longer. It is due to the fibre and alpha-linolenic acid, which comes from high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, it boosts the fat-burning metabolism in the body.
- Got Cough and Cold? Take Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) have been a part of ancient ayurvedic and Chinese medicine since time immemorial. They have been commonly used to treat asthma and colds. In addition, the seeds have antispasmodic properties that benefit those suffering from colds.
- Have High Blood Sugar Levels? Try Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
The dietary fibre in Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) is known to have blood sugar controlling properties. Don’t believe it? Soak a tablespoon of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) overnight in water, add it to a glass of toned milk in the morning and drink it. Repeat for a few days, and you will feel the difference in the improved insulin sensitivity.
- Suffering from Skin Problems? Use Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) To Treat Them
Packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) stimulate the growth of new cells. As a result, it improves the texture and health of your skin. If you want to treat skin infections such as psoriasis and eczema, mix a tablespoon of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) and unprocessed coconut oil. Apply it to the affected areas and repeat it for a few days. You will begin to see the difference very soon.
- Feeling Too Hot? Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Reduced Body Heat
If you want to beat the scorching summer heat, then look no further. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) act as a coolant, soothes the stomach, and lowers your body heat.
- Suffering From Premature Hair Loss? Give Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) a Try
The antioxidants present in Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) prevent premature hair loss, stimulate your hair follicles, and facilitate hair growth. In addition, they prevent inflammation in the scalp that is responsible for hair loss.
Make a paste of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) in equal quantities using coconut oil and apply the mixture to your hair. Regular application will help you prevent hair fall.
- Got Inflammatory Pains? Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Could Relieve
The anti-inflammatory agent in Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) relieves aches, swellings, and pains. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines for treating arthritic swelling.
- Combat Stress and Mood Swings With Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) have a tranquilizing and calming effect on your mind. It alleviates tension, stress and stabilizes your mood. A glass of water mixed with a tablespoon of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) could be your quick fix to anxiety. It will stimulate your hormones, boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
- Boost Immunity With Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
The antioxidant-rich Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) offer protection against free radical damage and boost your immunity. However, not much scientific research has been conducted on the benefits or side effects of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds). Therefore, more studies need to confirm these health benefits.
- Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Used as Flavorless Thickener and Stabilizer
The fibrous Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are a valuable ingredient in the food industry. It is used as a flavorless thickener and stabilizer of different types of food. For instance, it stabilizes ice cream and reduces the growth of ice crystals in standard ice cream formulations.
The gum extracted from Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) can stabilize salad dressings, jellies, and low-fat whipped cream. In addition, it can be used as a replacement in mayonnaise and yogurt. At home, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) can be used to thicken soups, sauces, desserts, and beverages.
Basil Seeds or Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) have been used in cold beverages in India and Southeast Asia. For example, a cold beverage-like dessert called falooda is made with rose-flavored syrup, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds), and milk. In addition, a few food manufacturers in the US and Europe sell bottled beverages made with Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds). The seeds add plenty of healthy fibre to the drink and make it a bit chewy.
- Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) Are a Great Alternative to Chia Seeds
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are a little bigger than chia seeds. But both have similar nutritional properties. The nutritional difference is that chia seeds contain twice the omega-3 fat but less fiber than Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds).
Both Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) and Chia seeds swell up and form a gel when soaked. However, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) swell larger than chia seeds.
Nutritional Benefits of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are low in calories. Therefore, it makes them the most desired ingredient for those who want to lose weight. Though rich in carbohydrates, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) provide high protein, fibre, and other necessary nutrients.
- Rich In Carbohydrates
Every 100 grams of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) carry 42% of carbohydrates. They provide instant energy to the body and fuel metabolism. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) aid the functioning of the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system. Regular consumption of these seeds improves digestion, soothes stomach ailments, and keeps harmful cholesterol levels under control.
- Protein-Rich Seeds
Every 100 grams of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) have 20% of protein. They are a natural, vegetarian source of protein. Consume them daily to strengthen bones, muscles, and skin. The seeds stimulate hormones, enzymes, and other body chemicals to better the body’s functioning.
- High On Fibre
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are high in fibre. Just 4 grams of these seeds contain more fibre than a whole bulb of lettuce or spinach. This makes the seeds an ideal choice for those dealing with stomach issues. It curbs hunger pangs and keeps you satiated for longer hours. In addition, the seeds improve good cholesterol and prevent chronic conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancers related to the stomach.
- Low On Calories
These tiny black seeds have a negligible amount of calories. So add these seeds to your daily diet. It prevents joint disease, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and various types of cancer.
- Ample Amounts of Vitamin E
One of the main components of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) is Vitamin E. It is known to slow down premature aging signs, improve vision, and is a potent antioxidant. In addition, drinking Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) water hydrates the skin from inside. As a result, it heals wounds faster, reduces skin itching, soothes psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions, and prevents skin cancer.
Side Effects of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are full of health benefits for individuals who can tolerate it. But it is suggested that you consult your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming it. Intake of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) does not pose any threat to the health of an individual. But an overdose is likely to result in side effects such as abdominal discomfort, headache, nausea, acid reflux, loss of appetite, etc. Daily, an average individual must not exceed consumption beyond a tablespoon.
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are not recommended for children. If not mixed well in water, children may choke on the seeds. In addition, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) can reduce the estrogen levels in a woman’s body. It is, therefore, not recommended for lactating or pregnant women.
If you have recently undergone surgery or have been wounded, you must not consume Sabja/Basil seeds as they can slow down blood clotting. Also, since Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are high in fibre content, they can cause bloating.
Common Varieties of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are widely used for cooking. They have many varieties with slightly varying flavor profiles. The primary type of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) for herbal tea and supplements is called the Holy Basil. The other variants of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) include –
- Sweet Basil
It is the most popular and widely grown Basil used in Italian dishes. It has a licorice-clove flavor and is commonly sold in a dried form.
- Bush or Greek Basil
This variant has a mild flavor but a strong aroma. It is often substituted for sweet Basil. It forms a compact bush, has small leaves, and grows well in a pot.
- Thai Basil
Thai Basil has an anise-licorice flavor. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian and Thai dishes.
- Cinnamon Basil
It has a cinnamon-like aroma and flavor, and it is native to Mexico. It is commonly served and seasoned with spicy, stir-fried vegetables or legumes.
- Lettuce Basil
This variant has large, wrinkled, and soft leaves with a licorice-like flavor. It is often used as a seasoning in salads or tossed with tomatoes and olive oil.
Buying, Growing, and Storing Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) and Leaves
Fresh Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) and basil leaves have a robust flavor. But dried seeds and leaves are convenient to store and less expensive. As a result, sweet Basil is used most widely. It can be found in Asian food stores, local mandis, or weekly bazaars.
Alternatively, those who are fond of gardening can plant them in their kitchen gardens. Unfortunately, Sabja or Basil is sensitive to cold. So, make sure they get optimum sunlight exposure throughout the day.
To store them well and ensure they last longer, put fresh basil stems in a jar with tap water. It will keep the leaves fresh for a few days. If you have many fresh Basil leaves, you can dry the leaves under the sun and store them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Avoid disintegrating the leaves until you need them. This will help preserve their aroma, flavor, and essential oils.
The Bottom Line
Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) are recognized for immense health benefits. They keep your skin and hair healthy and offer several health benefits required for a healthy lifestyle. Recently, Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) have gained popularity for their ability to aid in weight loss. This is because they are high in fibre, rich in minerals, and plant-based omega-3 fat.
With benefits galore, what are you waiting for? Grab some Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) and get started with a healthy weight-loss regime.