Sabja seeds, also known as tukmaria and basil seeds look similar to chia seeds and also offer great health benefits. These are native to India and are different from holy basil, which is also known as Tulsi. Sabja seeds are very rich in protein, carbs, and essential fats, and are loaded with fiber. Also, they have no calories.
Sabja seeds are hard and cannot be eaten raw. They are best to consume after soaking in some water, which makes these more gelatinous. Moreover, sabja seeds come from the family of sweet basil and Ocimum basilicum, which are commonly used for seasoning. As these come from sweet flavored basil plant, they are very commonly called sweet basil seeds.
The ultimate benefits of sabja seed in Ayurveda as well as Chinese medicine have been quite known for a long time. It is in the recent years that the benefits of sabja seed have been recognized.
How to use sabja seeds for weight loss?
Sabja seeds are loaded with different nutrients and are also considered the excellent way for weight loss without falling short of the essential nutrients which your body needs. These seeds are effective when they are eaten after soaking in water. When the sabja seeds are soaked in some water, the water quickly makes them translucent as well as soft.
To use the sabja seeds for effective weight loss, soak two teaspoons of these seeds in one cup of warm water. Then consume them after 15 minutes. You may also use these seeds in soups and soups, or even mix these with the lemonade or green tea.
Health benefits of sabja seeds
Sabja seeds have numerous benefits that include, but aren’t limited to the following:
1. Helps in weight loss
Packed with alpha-linolenic acid, the sabja seeds are well-known for their super weight loss benefits. Since they are rich in fiber, these keep you full for long time, keep you away from unwanted cravings, also assist in weight loss.
2. Controls the blood sugar levels
It brings down the metabolism of the body and also controls the conversion of carbohydrate into glucose. It is thought to be very good for type 2 diabetes.
3. Helps relieve constipation & bloating
Sabja seeds detox the body just by regulating the smooth bowel movement. It also contains some volatile oils which help relieve gas from the gastrointestinal tracts and acts as a stomach cleanser.
4. Treats acidity & heartburn
Sabja seeds also help to neutralize the acidic effects of hydrochloric in body, which could bring relief from heartburn and acidity. As the seed is consumed after soaking in water, water content helps soothe stomach lining and relieves you of burning sensation.
5. Good for the skin & hair
Sabja seeds benefit for the skin could be accomplished by simply adding some crushed sabja seeds to the coconut oil and then applying it on the impacted area. It will help in treating several skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. Consuming sabja seed regularly helps the body to secrete more collagen, which is actually required to produce new skin cells.
Also, sabja seeds are proved to be very beneficial for the healthy hair because they are rich in iron, vitamin K, and proteins that are needed for strong and long hair. The antioxidant property of the sabja seeds also benefits the skin and hair.
6. Helps cure cough & cold
Another sabja seed benefit is due to its antispasmodic properties. These seeds relieve spasmatic muscles and also help them relax. Also, the antispasmodic properties help control whooping cough. These also aid in the strengthening your body’s immunity system.
Side effects of sabja seeds
You could consume the sabja seeds with the fear of this interacting with the other medications. Though the seeds have little to almost no threat and can be tolerated by most of the individuals, it’s suggested to talk your healthcare provider. Also, if the seeds are consumed in very limited quantity, these don’t have any threat. However, overdose of the sabja seeds pose some side effect. Daily recommended dosage should not exceed one tablespoon, although it might differ from persons to persons. The sabja seed side effects can be vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, acid reflux, acne, headache, loss of appetite, abdomen discomfort. Sabja seeds could also lead to low blood sugar levels in some people.
Most healthcare professionals do not advise taking sabja seeds for pregnant women as well as children. Children can choke on seeds in they’re not mixed properly in water. Since sabja seeds are often believed to lower the estrogen levels in the body, It’s generally not recommended for the pregnant women. As basil oils and extracts could slow blood clotting, it’s not usually recommended for the consumption if you had surgery and are wounded. If you have scheduled surgery, then you should stop using basil for at least two weeks just before surgery. Since the side effects of the sabja seeds can vary from person to another, it’s recommended to talk to your healthcare providers before consuming them.
