Sabja seeds are among the many remedies that have become immensely popular against weight gain, healthy gut and skin and hair care. A powerhouse of nutrition, these Chia seed lookalikes promote overall health and well-being. However, Sabja seeds are not new to India or Southeast Asia where they have traditionally been used for their medicinal value.
In India, the Sabja Seed plant is known by different names, including Babui Tulsi, Barbari, Gulal Tulsi, Kali Tulsi, Van Tulsi, Barbar, Sabja and Takamariya.
Learn about: Basil patta
Basil seeds: Quick facts
Quite similar to black sesame (kala til) in shape, size and colour, Sabja Seeds come from sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum). They are consumed raw or added to a variety of food items. Even though its use in drinks in India and Southeast Asia is quite common, Sabja Seeds have now become a valuable ingredient across the global food industry. A flavourless thickener that can help stabilise mixtures, pectin-rich Sabja seeds have become a valuable ingredient in the food industry.
Soaked Sweet Basil or sabja seeds in a shot glass with dried seeds in a wooden spoon on a wooden background show concept of health, wellness and diet.
See Also: Chia Seeds Plant
Basil seeds: Nutritional value
Great source of calcium, magnesium and iron
One tablespoon or 13 grams of basil seeds supplies 15% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for calcium and 10% of the RDI for magnesium and iron.
High in fibre
Basil seeds are high in fibre, especially soluble fibre like pectin.
Plant compounds
Sabja seeds have flavonoids and other polyphenols.
Omega-3 fat
About 13 grams of basil seeds carry an average of 2.5 grams of fat. Half of this fat is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat.
Sabja seeds benefit
Close-up shot of dried sweet basil or sabja seeds.
With a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, Basil Seeds are well known for their healing properties. Alpha-linolenic acid-rich Sabja seeds speed up the body’s fat-burning metabolism. Its fibre-rich composition keeps you feeling full for a long duration, curbing the urge for unhealthy snacking. Sabja Seeds offer a variety of benefits, including
- Effective for weight loss
- Detoxifies body
- Minimises body heat
- Promotes digestion
- Regulates bowel movement
- Effective in treating eczema and psoriasis
- Great for hair growth
- Helps treat cough and the common cold
- Promotes bone health
- Great for muscle function
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Has anti-cancer properties
- May support blood sugar control
- May improve cholesterol
Dry organic basil or sabja seed in a wooden spoon on a sack fabric background.
You can use sabja seeds in:
- Lemonades
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Jellies
- Whipping cream
- Soups
- Salad dressings
- Yoghurt
- Pudding
- Cereal
- Pancakes
- Pasta dishes
- Bread
- Muffins
Are Basil seeds and Chia seeds the same?
Sabja seeds are often confused with Chia seeds. However, the two are different with certain similar properties, including a near-match nutritional profile.
Basil seed vs Chia seed
| Nutritional components | Chia Seed | Basil Seed |
| Calories | 60 | 60 |
| Fat | 3 gm | 2.5 gm |
| Omega-3 fat | 2,880 mg | 1.240 mg |
| Fibre | 5 gm | 7 gm |
| Calcium | 8% of RDI | 15% of RDI |
| Magnesium | 8% of RDI | 10% of RDI |
| Iron | 9% of RDI | 10% of RDI |
| Protein | 3 gm | 2 gm |
| Carbs | 5 gm | 7 gm |
Side effects
- High fibre may cause bloating
- Can interfere with blood-thinning medication due to the high Vitamin K component
Indian rose shake consisting of milk, rose syrup, sugar and honey with sabja seeds
Khus drink with sugar, extract of Khus and sabja seeds
Indian dessert Falooda with sabja seeds.
Sweet basil or sabja seed herbs in a garden
Yellow green basil seeds drink with fresh mint leaves
FAQs
What is Sabja in English?
In English, Sabja is known as Sweet Basil or simply Basil. Its highly beneficial seeds are known as dry basil seeds.
Are Chia Seed and Sabja Seed different?
Chia Seed and Sabja Seed are different. In size, basil seeds are slightly larger than chia seeds. However, both have similar nutritional profiles.
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