Sabja: A Magical Seed for Acidity, Heartburn, Constipation, Diabetes and More

Today we want to speak to you about the power of a magical seed. It may seem very small, but its nutritional benefits are tremendous. We are not referring to chia, flax, or fenugreek seeds (though each has its benefits). The magical seed that we want to highlight today is sweet basil seed or tukmaria, popular as sabja in Hindi. These black seeds look like chia seeds but are different.

You can buy these seeds from your local grocer or shop them at our sustainable platform, You Care Lifestyle here. They come from the sweet basil plant (different from the holy basil or Tulsi plant). When you soak sabja seeds in water, they instantly swell up and have a gelatinous coating around them. If you have relished the delightful Indian milkshake falooda on a hot summer day, you have probably consumed these seeds in it mixed with milk and ice cream.

The power and magic of a tiny seed. Photo Credits: Pixabay

What are the many benefits of sabja or sweet basil seeds? Let us dive straight into them:

• Did you know 4 grams, which is a little less than a spoon of the sabja seeds, has more fiber than a whole bulb of lettuce?
• Are you struggling with unexplained cravings? When soaked in water, sabja seeds release digestive enzymes that keep you full for a longer time. Consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of sabja mixed with water 30 minutes before lunch or dinner. It can prevent you from overeating, boost digestion, and keep you full faster.
• Ayurveda sings praises of these seeds and encourages people to add them to their daily meals.
• When paired with flax seeds and walnuts, it can be a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids for vegetarians.
• Have two teaspoons of sabja seeds mixed with water before bedtime or after waking up. It can regularize bowel movements and ease constipation over time.
• The sweet basil seeds also contain an oil that relieves gastrointestinal discomfort and cleanses your system.
• Sabja is also a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in the Omega-3 fatty acids. Research points out that ALA can help boost fat burn and metabolic activity.
• Sabja works as a natural coolant for the body. So, if you are struggling with acidity, it can be a great addition to your water in the summers.
• It can play a massive role in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Thanks to its rich fiber content, it prevents spikes in your blood sugar levels if consumed minutes before your meals. But do not overdo it. You can go into hypoglycemia. Keep your healthcare professional in the loop before adding it to your diet.
• Do you struggle with eczema and psoriasis? Crush the sabja seeds in a pestle into a fine powder and slowly cook it in two tablespoons of gently warm coconut oil for about a minute. Once done, let the oil cool down. Use it as a topical application in eczema or psoriasis-affected areas. Try this for at least 15 to 20 days to experience its magic.
• Sabja seeds are rich in iron, protein, Vitamin A, K, magnesium, manganese, and folic acid. These properties make them super powerful when dealing with colds and sore throats.
• It is high in protein, carbs, and essential fats and low in calories.
• These seeds can provide immediate relief from acidity and heartburn too. When soaked in water and consumed, they neutralize the excess acids eating into your stomach lining.
• It boosts collagen production to keep your skin supple and healthy. The rich antioxidants and flavonoids in sabja fight wrinkles and fine lines too.
• Loaded with iron, vitamin K, and protein, it is excellent for hair health. It can effectively reduce hair fall and help you reach your luscious hair goals.
• It is also considered effective in managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid function, and relieving menstrual cramps.

Want to beat the heat and boost your immunity. Try this Sabja Refresher today.

Sabja Refresher

Serves – 1
Preparation time – 5 minutes
Total time – 3 to 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp sabja or basil seeds
• 1 tsp organic jaggery powder or honey to taste or as per availability
• 1-inch grated ginger
• 8 mint leaves, crushed well
• A glass of water

Method:

1. Soak sabja seeds in water for 10 minutes.
2. Grate or crush the ginger and mint in a pestle.
3. Add all the ingredients into a glass of water with lemon juice and organic jaggery powder or honey.
4. Garnish with mint leaves. Enjoy.

Who should be careful while consuming sabja?

• Do not consume raw sabja seeds, especially for young children. It may be a choking hazard.
• If you are pregnant, do not add sabja to your diet until your nutritionist or doctor allows you to do it because it can lower estrogen levels.
• Similarly, if you have estrogen-driven cancers or estrogen-dominant health conditions, sabja seeds can fluctuate your estrogen levels if consumed the wrong way or excessively.
• If you are on any medication currently, check with your doctor or nutritionist before adding it to your meals. It may react with other medicines you may be taking.
• Ensure adequate consumption. Do not overdo sabja seeds. You may experience side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, acidity, acne breakouts, discomfort in the abdomen, etc.
  If you have undergone surgery or are in the process of wound healing, avoid eating sabja seeds because they can slow down blood clotting.

Disclaimer: Always make an informed decision. Consult your healthcare provider or integrative nutritionist before trying anything new. You can’t go wrong with the gifts of nature when respected and used the right way and not abused.

What are the other nutritious and power-packed seeds you can explore for good health? Check out this video: