Over the past few years, sabja seeds are considered a superfood due to its remarkable health benefits and ability to be used in different recipes. Like basil seeds, these little black seeds find a place in Ayurveda and the medicine of old. Unfortunately, most people confuse sabja seeds with chia seeds, however there is more to sabja than just being chia’s look alike. In this article, we’ll delve into every aspect that pertains to sabja seeds – benefits, applications, side effects, and chia seeds.
What Are Sabja Seeds?
Sabja seeds, or basil seeds, are derived from the same plant as sweet basil’s scientific name Ocimum basilicum. Vernacularly, sabja seeds are referred to as ‘sweet basil seeds’ or just ‘basil seeds’ in British contexts. These are where the comparison with Sabja seeds ends as these come from a different plant altogether Salvia hispanica which is chia seeds, resulting in different nutritional and soaking characteristics.
These seeds are considered essential in the traditional cuisines of India and southeast asia where they are often added in drinks, desserts, and also medicines. They are also considered to be rich in dietary fiber and essential fatty acids, which is the reason why they are spreading across the globe along with the sabja seeds.
Sabja Seeds vs. Chia Seeds: Are They the Same?
A frequently asked question about health foods is the similarity of chia and sabja seeds and if they are one and the same. The similarity ends there because the two are in fact different in many respects. Here are the differences:
Source: Sabja whole is obtained from the leaves of the basil while the chia seed is taken from Salvia hispanica
Size And Shape: Sabja seeds are black oval shaped seeds which are not only smaller yet more lustrous than chia seeds.
Soaking Time: Sabja seeds quickly swell in water and in most cases only a few minutes because they form a gel-like layer. Chia seed water retention usually takes around 30 minutes.
Flavor: Chia seeds on the other hand are bland and tasteless whereas Sabja seeds have a herbal taste.
Nutritional Facts: Relatively, both contain sufficient amounts of healthy fiber and fatty constituents, but chia seed has extra omega-3 fatty acids – in which case even higher content than sabja seed.
Chia seeds and sabja seeds are both great for the body but if health benefits are to be considered, both should be used in a diet for balance.
Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds
General Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds
Sabja seeds are rich in various nutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients help in providing the following health advantages:
Digestion friendly: The presence of high fiber content in sabja seeds enhances digestion by inducing regular bowel movements as well as relieving constipation.
Blood Sugar Stabilizer: These seeds may assist in blood sugar level stabilization thus are appropriate for type 2 diabetes individuals.
Cooling Effect: Due to these cooling effects sabja seeds can be consumed with drinks during hot weather conditions enriched with this ingredient.
Sabja Seeds Benefits for Skin
Sabja seeds have antioxidant properties which help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are considered beneficial for the skin by many as they reduce the aging signs and assist in maintaining the healthy glow of the skin. The sabja seeds also possess omega-3 fatty acids which help in repairing and moisturizing the skin.
Sabja Seeds Benefits for Weight Loss
Sabja seeds have become trendy among weight watchers as well. They have a lot of fiber which can help reduce appetite as it makes you feel full for longer. It is also simpler to stick to a caloric deficit as they fill the stomach and suppress appetite thus preventing overeating.
Benefits of Sabja Seeds in Different Languages
As is often the case with many edible seeds, people from many cultures appreciate the health benefits of sabja seeds and promote these in different cultures as a health supplement.
Let us give you a brief example:
Sabja Seeds Health Benefits in Tamil: In Tamil family, the readers will come across many native plants that are referred to as ‘sabja vidhai’ which vouches for its cooling effect and its property for aiding digestion.
Sabja Seeds Health Benefits in Hindi: Sabja seeds or common if one says “tukmaria” in Hindi have good influence in medicine especially ayurveda.
There is no other language or customs which will limit the use of sabja seeds in promoting better digestion, fighting stress and helping maintain healthy skin.
Side Effects and Precautions
Sabja seeds possess many health advantages but can be contraindicated for some. The following are some side effects and considerations that should be addressed mostly concerning women:
- Hormonal Effects: Sabja has mild estrogenic effects, thus it is advisable for pregnant and lactating mothers to seek a physician’s advice on its use.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergy to sabja is possible; it is therefore important to use it in moderation to avoid its adverse effects.
- Digestive Discomfort: Sabja seeds when taken in excess may also lead to digestive problems like constipation or bloating which is as a result of the high fiber content.
How to Use Sabja Seeds
Sabja seeds can be used in a wide array of dishes and drinks which makes them suitable in culinary use. Here’s how you can use them:
Preparatory Steps: Before using the seeds, it’s better to soak them in water for about 10-15 minutes till they become jelly like. They are also easy to digest this way.
Mix into Drinks: Since sabja seeds are often swallowed in fresh summer drinks like falooda, lemonade, and even herbal teas.
In Dessert: Thanks to their mildly sweet taste, they are perfect for balancing out the thickness in desserts, curds, and even smoothies.
When it comes to the consumption of sabja seeds, it is important that people eat them after being soaked rather than raw as they get swollen when they reach the stomach structure causing pain when swallowed without water.
Sabja Seeds in Different Languages
Sabja seeds are known by different names in various Indian languages, making it easier to find them locally:
- Sabja Seeds in Hindi: तुकमलंगा (Tukmalanga) or सब्जा
- Sabja Seeds in Tamil: சப்ஜா விதை (Sabja vidhai)
- Sabja Seeds in Kannada: ಸಬ್ಜಾ ಬೀಜ (Sabja beeja)
- Sabja Seeds in Telugu: సబ్జా గింజలు (Sabja ginjalu)
- Sabja Seeds in Marathi: सब्जा बीज
- Sabja Seeds in Bengali: তুলসী বীজ (Tulsi bij)
- Sabja Seeds in Malayalam: സബ്ജാ വിത്തുകൾ
- Sabja Seeds in Gujarati: તુલસીના બિયાં (Tulsi na bija)
By knowing the regional names, you can easily ask for sabja seeds in local stores.
Sabja Seeds Price and Availability
The price of sabja seeds fluctuates based on the geographic location and the brand. Usually, they are inexpensive and available in most supermarkets, health stores, and e-commerce sites. The cost may differ from between $5 to $15 for a pound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sabja Seed?
Sabja seeds or sweet basil seeds are the nutritious seeds of the sweet basil plant and have numerous health benefits while used in several cuisines.
Is Chia Seed and Sabja Seed Same?
No, there are different plants and they also have different compositions of nutrients.
How to Use Sabja Seeds for Weight Loss?
Soak the seeds in water and eat them before meals to suppress appetite.
How to Eat Sabja Seeds?
As these seeds should be eaten after soaking in water, they can be consumed along with drinks, smoothies and added to desserts.
Conclusion
Sabja seeds are indeed a nutritional bomb that comes with many health benefits. Are you wanting to be relieved of stomach problems, are you on a weight loss program, or do you just want something new to add to your dishes? Sabja seeds fit in perfectly. Knowing how to use them and their benefits means you can savor the health benefits they present while trying out different tastes.
So, what are you waiting for? Make sabja seeds a part of your day-to-day life and enjoy their wonderful benefits for yourself!
