Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds, also called tukmaria or basil seeds, are black seeds that look like chia seeds and have a variety of health benefits. They are indigenous to India, but they are not to be confused with Tulsi, or holy basil. Protein, essential fatty acids, carbs, and fiber are all abundant in Sabja seeds. They are calorie-free, which is surprising. Sabja seeds are exceedingly tough and must be boiled before eating. As a result, it's preferable to eat them after soaking them in water for a few minutes to render them more viscous. Sabja seeds come from sweet basil, or Ocimum basilicum, which is commonly used as a spice. Because they come from the sweet basil plant, they're called sweet basil seeds.

Benefits of sabja seeds

Aids in weight loss

Sabja seeds are known for their weight-loss properties due to their high alpha-linolenic acid content. Since they are high in fiber, they keep you feeling full for a long time, prevent unpleasant cravings, and aid weight loss.

Controls blood sugar levels

It modulates the transformation of carbohydrates to glucose and slows down the body's metabolism. Even those with type 2 diabetes are advised to use it.

Relieve constipation and bloating

Sabja seeds help to naturally cleanse your body by supporting regular bowel motions. It contains a volatile oil that acts as a stomach cleansing and aids in the elimination of gas from the digestive tract.

Treat acidity and heartburn

Sabja seeds help to neutralize the acidic effects of HCL in the body, reducing acidity and heartburn. The water content soothes the stomach lining and relieves the burning feeling because we consume the seeds after they've been soaked in water.

Good for skin and hair

We can get the benefits of Sabja seeds for the skin by blending smashed Sabja seeds and coconut oil and spreading it to the affected area. This helps to cure skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. It also has a number of other benefits, such as supporting your body in producing collagen, which is required for the generation of new skin cells. Sabja seeds have been proven to be beneficial to hair health due to their high iron, vitamin K, and protein content, all of which are essential for long and strong hair. They are also good for the skin and hair since they contain antioxidants.

Cure cough and cold

The antispasmodic effects of sabja/basil seeds are another benefit. These seeds help to relax and reduce muscle spasms. The antispasmodic property contributes in the treatment of whooping cough as well as the immune system's strengthening. Basil seeds are high in nutrients that your body requires to stay healthy.

Reduces stress

Sabja seeds are one of nature's most effective stress relievers. As previously stated, they offer excellent relaxing effects on our bodies that are akin to aromatherapy in certain ways. As a result, integrating these seeds into your daily diet leads to less stress, enhanced mental clarity, increased mental strength, and an improved mood.

Regulates body heat

Sabja seeds can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping our bodies cool during those warm summer days. It has excellent cooling effects and can quickly reduce body heat. As a result, it is employed as a bodily coolant. Simply soak a handful of fresh sabja seeds in a glass of water for a few hours before drinking it plain or with milk. When combined with rose petal water or jam, they become even more effective (Gulkand).

How to prepare sabja seed water?

The most frequent way to use Sabja seeds is to make a water infusion. It's the simplest approach to get a nutrient-dense boost from those seeds. Toss 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds into a cup of warm water and soak for 15 minutes. A gelatin-like translucent, gray-colored film surrounds each seed as it swells and becomes soft, while the center stays black. Each seed increases in size by three times its original volume. Always keep the 1:1 ratio in mind, as using too little water can result in a ball of seeds. You can pre-soak the seeds in plain water, but warm water causes the seeds to swell entirely, allowing them to release the majority of their essential nutrients, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes. As a result, the sabja seed water infusion is the healthiest and most nutritious beverage ever created. You can, however, drain the soaked seeds and use them in a variety of other ways.

Sabja seeds and weight loss

If incorporated in a weight loss diet, sabja seeds, according to health experts, can help us lose considerable amounts of body fat. When soaked in water, sabja seeds can swell up to 30 times their original volume or size. It gives the seeds a gelatinous texture and turns the drink into a filling one with least calorie consumption. In short, the high fiber content of these seeds can keep us fuller for longer and significantly reduce our hunger.

Side effects of sabja seeds

Sabja seeds have been found to be fully safe for moderate ingestion and to be well accepted by humans. But, while sabja seeds have a lot of advantages for our health and looks, they also have a lot of drawbacks. Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, loss of appetite, headache, acne, thyroid imbalance, choking hazard, and other negative effects of excessive sabja seed use are all possible.

They have an effect on the body's estrogen levels, which can promote menstruation and cause major difficulties in pregnant and breastfeeding women. As a result, people should always seek medical advice before incorporating sabja seeds into their diet. They're also high in vitamin K, which can interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.

Take Away

Sabja seeds are well-known for their life-enhancing properties. They not only keep your skin and hair healthy, but they also provide a number of additional health benefits that are necessary for living a healthy life. Although basil seeds offer many nutritional benefits, you should consult a doctor before including them in your diet.