If you are health conscious or at least trying to be so, you must have heard people suggesting that you include a variety of seeds in your diet. Seeds – be it chia, sunflower, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, etc. – are natural superfoods that provide essential nutrients to our body. One of these is sabja seeds, also known as basil seeds, which are acclaimed for their nutrient profile. Just soak them for a few minutes and they are good for consumption. And the best part is that these seeds do not contain any calories! (Yes, you read that right!) But have you ever wondered why everyone tells you to soak sabja seeds first and then consume them? Why can’t you eat them raw? If this question is roaming in your mind, then you have landed on the right page!
Also read: How to make summer special Sabja Seed halwa for a delicious and nutritious breakfast
Health coach @yogwishi explains why it is not advisable to eat sabja seeds without soaking them. And honestly, the reason might surprise you. Read on to know more.
Know the difference between sabja seeds and chia seeds.
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How are Sabja seeds different from Chia seeds?
Now before we discuss why you should not eat sabja seeds raw, let’s get our basics clear – what is the difference between sabja seeds and chia seeds? Due to their appearance and properties, people can often get confused between sabja and chia seeds. However, it is quite simple. If you look carefully, sabja seeds are dark black in colour while chia seeds have a mix of black, brown, white and sometimes gray. In terms of taste, sabja seeds taste similar to basil while chia seeds have no taste of their own. However, both seeds are used to enhance the nutritional value of dishes.
Why should you not eat sabja seeds without soaking them?
Digital creator and health coach @yogwishi has shared a video on his Instagram handle explaining why you should not eat sabja seeds without soaking them. Sabja seeds look like tiny black teardrop-shaped dots that swell up when they come in contact with water or liquids. If you eat sabja seeds without soaking them, they can swell up in your food pipe and cause you to choke. This can lead to a health emergency.
Watch the full video below:
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The best way to include sabja seeds in your diet is to soak a tablespoon of these seeds in water for about 15 minutes. Drink this water after meals.
health benefits of sabja seeds
Sabja seeds have many health benefits, which is why people like to include them in their daily diet. Some of these are:
- Sabja seeds help in reducing body heat during summer days.
- People suffering from diabetes can benefit from Sabja seeds as they slow down the body’s metabolic rate and keep blood sugar levels in check.
- If you have constipation issues, sabja seeds can help in smooth bowel movement.
How to Consume Sabja Seeds for Weight Loss?
If you are trying to lose weight, sabja or basil seeds can be extremely beneficial for you. Since they are difficult to chew, it is best to eat sabja seeds after soaking them in water. All you need to do is soak one to two teaspoons of sabja seeds in a cup of warm water. This will help the seeds release digestive enzymes.
Since sabja seeds have no taste of their own, you can add them to various recipes to enhance their nutritional value.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here are 4 recipes to try with sabja seeds:
1. Milkshake
Boost the nutritional value of your milkshakes and smoothies by adding sabja seeds to them. Add other fruits and syrups to make your drinks tastier.
2. Lemon water
Give your regular lemonade a makeover by adding a spoonful of sabja seeds to it. Believe me, your body will thank you later.
3. Salad
Add a teaspoon of sabja seeds to your daily salad with your favourite vegetables. This is a great way to include sabja seeds in your daily diet.
4. Sweets
Yes, you can add Sabja seeds to your sweet treats. Add Sabja seeds to your halwa along with nuts and seeds. You can also add them to falooda and kheer for a fun look and feel.
Also read: Summer Diet: Sabja (Basil) Seeds Kheer Can Be A Perfect Dessert Option This Season
Do you eat sabja seeds every day? Let us know in the comments below!