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Sabja Seeds: Benefits & Side Effects

Sabja seeds are a tiny powerhouse of nutrients and an effective remedy for many health issues. Basil seeds, falooda seeds, and tukmaria seeds are the other names. Sabja seeds and black sesame seeds resemble each other. Ocimum basilicum is the scientific name for basil seeds. They have an eminent place in ancient medical fields like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) because of their health benefits. Although, there are roughly 60 varieties that belong to the family Ocimum basilicum. Sabja seeds are rich in antioxidants, fiber, carbs, protein, and good fats. They also have excellent water retention quality. They boost the immune system and also regulate sugar levels. This article mainly focuses on several benefits, uses, and side effects of basil seeds.

Nutritional Values in Sabja Seeds:

Sabja seeds are rich in nutrition and immunity-boosting properties. They contain very low calories and have high fiber content. Basil seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They contain a decent amount of minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, and folates. They are also rich in vitamin C. So, sabja seeds are called wonder seeds.

Benefits of Tukmaria Seeds

Tukmaria seeds are a low-calorie food that provides many health benefits, even to people with heart diseases and diabetes. They are the best alternative for chia seeds. These seeds have a great history in the ayurvedic field. Let us know the major health benefits:

Natural Body Coolant

The most prominent health benefit of basil seeds is that they act as a natural coolant for our body. Drinks that contain tukmaria seeds have a soothing effect on the body in the scorching heat of summer. These are famous for reducing the body heat naturally and have a relaxing effect on the stomach. The basil seeds are a part of many summer drinks like falooda, lemonades, smoothies, milkshakes, coconut water, coconut milk, yogurt, etc.

Regulates Blood Sugar Level

Sabja seeds contain essential anti-diabetic properties. They can efficiently regulate diabetes if taken regularly. These have a rich fiber content. If they are given to diabetic people regularly right before their meals, they can prevent the spike in blood glucose levels. For people with type 2 Diabetes, tukmaria seeds are the best remedy that helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Relieves Acidity and Constipation

Basil seeds are abundant in soluble fiber. When they are added to the diet mixed with water, they absorb the water and help in drawing water to the gut. It makes the feces soft and promotes healthy bowel movement. Thus, people with constipation can get amazing health benefits by making the tukmaria seeds a part of their diet.

Basil seeds contain pectin in it with other soluble fibers. Pectin is a substance that provides prebiotic benefits. It is crucial to modulate the composition of complex prebiotics and boost the metabolism of the gut microbiota. Eventually, these seeds increase the number of good bacteria in the gut. Hence, sabja seeds help us in relieving acidity and heartburn to a great extent.

Heals Mouth Ulcers

Sabja seeds are advisable for those who are facing repeated mouth ulcers. They are famous for their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Drinking a glass of soaked basil seeds not only works as a remedy for mouth ulcers but also as a mouth freshener. It eliminates plaque formation and cavity formation.

Deals with PCOS and UTI

Tukmaria seeds are one the superfoods that are rich in essential proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This way, basil seeds became PCOS-friendly foods. They prevent the spike in insulin levels, keep one satiated, do not cause any food allergies, maintain hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Sabja seeds are recommended to those who are suffering from recurrent problems of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). As it is a natural coolant, it can drain out toxins from kidneys and fight infections that soothe complications like burning sensation and pain. They can be consumed regularly as a home remedy for infections like UTIs.

Treat Cough and Cold

Basil seeds have antispasmodic properties. They comfort the spasmatic muscles and soothe them. The antispasmodic property present in the tukmaria seeds helps control the uncontrolled cough and boosts the body’s immune system. Sabja seeds are a great source of minerals that are essential for a healthy body.

Fight Stress and Anxiety

Sabja seeds have a relaxing effect on the body and mind. Consumption of basil seeds can reduce stress, tension, and anxiety. Thus, makes the mind stress-free and happy. They are rich in nutrients like flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins. These perform an anti-oxidant activity that has some memory-enhancing effects.

Weight Loss

Sabja seeds have a prominent role in ayurvedic medicines to eliminate conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, depression, and metabolic imbalances. Basil seeds have weight loss properties. They swell after soaking in water and release digestive enzymes. These enzymes suppress the appetite and help reduce unwanted overeating.

Tukmaria seeds are low-calorie foods high in nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium along with multivitamins. They are rich in alpha-linolenic acid that performs stimulation of the fat-burning metabolism in the body. These vitamins and multivitamins help boost strength and metabolic rate, which makes people more active and motivates them to exercise. All of these excellent benefits encourage weight loss and can fight obesity.

Side Effects of Basil Seeds

Sabja seeds are mostly safe for consumption. However, some exceptional cases result in causing side effects. The side effects of sabja seeds are:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Acid reflux
  • Loss of appetite
  • Acne
  • Abdomen pain
  • Low blood sugar level

These side effects mainly occur because of the overdose of the seeds or exceeding the dosage. The side effects also depend on the health condition of the people. People who are following medication for a particular disease must be cautious while taking the basil seeds. They must consult their doctor before adding them to their diet. Pregnant women and children are recommended to avoid tukmaria seeds. Children cannot gulp sabja seeds if they are not properly mixed in water. Basil seeds can reduce the estrogen levels in the body, so pregnant women are not advised to take them.

Basil oil is famous for slowing down blood clotting. This is why it is not wise to consume sabja seeds who are recovering from surgery or a wound. People who have to undergo surgery must stop using sabja seeds for at least two weeks before the surgery. As the side effects are different for different people consult your doctor for advice before consuming.

So, sabja seeds have many advantages if we add them to our daily diet. As well as they also have some side effects which are not the same for every individual. If you have the above situations, it is better to avoid these. Else, take advice from your healthcare provider before adding them to your diet.

Written by Jagannadh Ch