Amazing Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Think Sabja (Basil seeds) and this thought ought to cross the mind. These tiny, minuscule seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients and an effective natural remedy for numerous health conditions. In short, the health benefits of Sabja seeds are many!

Sweet basil is commonly used for seasoning worldwide. Sweet basil is different from Holy basil or Tulsi which is popularly used in India for its immunity-boosting properties.

Sabja seeds are black in colour and droplike in shape. Their appearance resembles black sesame seeds and they have a mild flavour of basil.

# Acts as a Natural Body Coolant

Drinks including sabja seeds provide great relief from the scorching heat of summers. Sabja seeds are known to reduce the body heat and have a soothing effect on our stomach. These seeds can be part of a variety of drinks like lemonades, coconut water, coconut milk, milkshakes, smoothies, yoghurt etc.

# Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Sabja seeds were proven to have eminent anti-diabetic potential.

# Sabja seeds are high in fibre

When sabja seeds were regularly given to diabetics just prior to meals, it prevented the spike in blood glucose levels. Thus, sabja seeds were found to be useful in maintaining blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 Diabetes.

# Relieves Constipation & Acidity

Sabja seeds are rich in soluble fibre. When these seeds are added to our diet with a good quantity of water, they absorb water and thus help in drawing water to our gut. This results in the softening of faeces and promotes daily bowel movement. Thus, people suffering from constipation get tremendous relief by making sabja a part of their daily diet.

Sabja seeds contain pectin among many other soluble fibres. Pectin is proved to have prebiotic benefits. It is thus important in modulating the composition and metabolism of the complex gut microbiota and thereby increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut.

# Useful in Weight Loss

Sabja seeds are high in soluble dietary fibre and help a person feel full and satisfied. They also regulate our bowel movement and thus help in cleansing our body from accumulated toxins.

The soluble fermentable fibre pectin is helpful in increasing satiety and decreasing caloric intake and adiposity while on a high-fat diet. It also produces a fermentation environment more likely to promote hindgut health.

# A Powerhouse of Minerals

Sabja seeds are a rich source of iron, calcium and magnesium.

Calcium and magnesium are required for optimal functioning of muscles and bone. Iron is needed to maintain haemoglobin levels, which is a protein required to transport oxygen in the blood.

Sabja seeds are the best source to increase iron and calcium levels in case of deficiency.

# May Prevent the Risk of Heart Diseases

Sabja seeds contain an average of 2.5 grams of fat per 1-tablespoon. Of this fat, about half 1,240 mg per tablespoon is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat.

The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids include effects on lipids, blood pressure, cardiac and vascular function, eicosanoids, coagulation, and immunological responses. They thus decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke, and their complications.

# Has Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Carcinogenic Properties

Sabja seeds are a good source of plant chemicals like flavonoids and polyphenols. Flavonoids are the largest group of phytonutrients, known for their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties coupled with their capacity to modulate key cellular enzyme function.