Sabja or basil seeds are valued as a superfood, the plethora of essential nutrients present in it is well known to effectively reduce weight and assure you with a host of healing health benefits. Sabja seed is also called as sweet basil, it also goes by several vernacular names like falooda seeds, takamaria /tukmaria or sabja ginjalu in Telugu, sabja vithai in Tamil. It is a native to India and other South-East Asian countries.
The tiny black tear-shaped seeds belong to the Ocimum basilicum family and mostly misted up with chia seeds. Ayurvedic medicine strongly vouches by sabja seeds for its indispensable medicinal properties and health benefits. This herb grows in a tropical climate and it has been in cultivation for more than 5000 years and forms a vital ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and Indian cuisines.
Sabja seeds immensely rich in fibre keeps you satiated, curbs appetite and prevent you from overeating. These tiny seeds are low on calories, high in protein, while soaked sabja seeds render just 40 calories for every two teaspoons which have been hailed to promote weight loss. These wonder seeds are beneficial in reducing body heat, regulating blood sugar, promoting digestion and improving skin and hair health.
Sabja seeds are a good source of healthy omega 3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid ALA) which aid to burn excess fat in the body. As per the study published in The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, regular addition of linolenic acids has proven to stimulate fat loss.
Sabja seeds are also power-packed with vital vitamins A, B-complex, E and K and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron offers numerous health benefits. Furthermore, sweet basil is also a storehouse of antioxidants triggers the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
Wellness Incentives Of Eating Soaked Sabja Seeds
The nutrient profile of sabja seeds greatly improves when soaked in water and consumed. The seeds bulge when immersed in water, forming a translucent white coating and enlarge twice by their size. Soak two teaspoons of sabja seeds in a cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes. Soaking in warm water enables the seeds to raise up releasing antioxidants and digestive enzymes. The sweet seeds generally do not possess any taste, however, renders a good texture and make the dishes dense in nutrients. Sabja seeds are added to desserts, breakfast cereals, smoothies, drizzled over kulfi, ice-creams, lemonade and also garnished over pasta or soup for its crunchy texture.
Promotes Weight Loss
Sabja seed is a good addition to weight loss diet plan . The goodness of omega 3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) in sabja seeds is valuable in boosting fat metabolism and burns the excess fat. These seeds loaded with fibre keeps you satiated, curbs appetite and averts unhealthy food cravings. To lose those extra kilos, have a teaspoon of soaked sabja seeds on an empty stomach in the morning regularly.
Reduces Body Heat
Sabja seeds are prized as one of the best body coolants. These tiny little seeds are added to sherbets, lemonade, milkshake as these seeds are well-known to cool the body. It serves as a wonderful drink to beat the sweltering summer heat.
Improves Digestion
Sabja seeds work as a natural laxative agent which offers relief from digestive problems like constipation, indigestion, flatulence and bloating. It is also effective to detoxify the system and regularize the bowel movement. Have a cup of milk with one teaspoon of soaked sabja seeds regularly, the volatile compounds help to ease the gas build up in the intestine and promotes digestion.
Treats Cough And Cold
The strong antispasmodic property of sabja seeds calm the spasmatic muscle contractions and relaxes which aid in controlling cough. The richness of flavonoids and antioxidants in sabja seeds facilitates to trigger the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
Cures Mouth Ulcers
Sabja seed is a proven natural remedy for treating mouth ulcers as these seeds exhibit potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Soaked sabja seeds also works as a mouth freshener. In addition, it is also helpful to clear plaque and dental cavities.