Sabja (Basil) Seeds: Benefits, Nutrition Facts, Weight Loss, and More

Sabja, also known as Basi, comes from its botanical name of Ocimum basilicum L. This plant is found across the world with wide utilisation in the food, medicines, and cosmetic applications. The seeds of the plant are the most commonly used plant part, however, the nutritional and medicinal properties of the seeds are not extensively studied. The preliminary reports available on the investigation of basil seeds have revealed that it contains high amounts of proteins ( nearly 11.4-22.5 g/100 g), essential amino acids, except sulphur containing amino acid types, and tryptophan. The amount of dietary fibre ( both soluble and insoluble) is around 7.11 to 26.2 g/100 g. The seeds are also known to contain minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Medicinally important compounds such as phenolic compounds are also found in the basil seeds. The reported phenols are orientine, vicentine, and rosmarinic acid.  Considering the presence of nutritious and medicinally important compounds there are several health benefits associated with the consumption of the basil seeds. Traditionally Sabja seeds are used by Indians to treat numerous gastric and acidity related problems. The Ayurvedic system of medicine and many ethno and folk medicine use Sabja for treating ailments. The texture of the sabja seeds is coarse and hard. In order to consume Sabja seeds it is recommended to soak them in water. Seeds become gelatinous after absorbing the water. This gelatinous form of Sabja seeds is one of the main ingredients of the famous Indian dessert that is Falooda. 

Sabja Seeds & its Uses

Sabja seeds have a lot of health and nutritional benefits which include the following:

1. Weight Loss by Sabja Seeds

The Sabja seeds contain a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid. Owing to this sabja seeds are known to possess weight loss properties. Preliminary biochemical investigations have revealed that the seeds contain fibre, which requires time for digestion and prevents hunger pangs. This results in timely consumption of food, that prevents overeating and further leads to weight loss.

2. Sabja Seeds Treats Blood Sugar Levels

The correlation between reduction in obesity and blood sugar levels is a well established fact. Studies have shown that Sabja seeds are known to lower blood sugar levels. As consumption of Sabja seeds leads to lowering of blood sugar, it is attributed to weight loss. 

3. Sabja Seeds for Stomach Related Problems like Constipation and Bloating

Sabja seeds are known to aid in maintaining smooth bowel movement and are a good remedy for celiac diseases. The presence of fibres helps in passing the stools easily. As the digestion and excretion process improves all the gastric problems can be treated by the Sabja seeds. 

4. Sabja Seeds Treatment for Indigestion

Sabja seeds are traditionally consumed and are a well known natural remedy for the treatment of hyperacidity, indigestion, ulcers and heartburn. The Sabja seeds are consumed by soaking in water which refreshes during the intense summer weather. The seeds also help maintain the water levels during summer. It is consumed and used for the treatment of chronic constipation and internal piles  Sabja seeds are known to provide relief from heartburn as the seeds act as a substrate for gastric acids. The gelatinous seeds after imbibing water hydrates the stomach lining and helps combat the heartburn due to acid reflux.

5. Sabja Seeds for Radiating Skin and Hair

The Sabja seeds are used as a mask for the skin. The Sabja seeds face mask is prepared by crushing the seeds in coconut oil and then applying the face mask. The sabja face mask is effective in curing skin diseases such as psoriasis. The phenolic constituents in the Sabja seeds help in rejuvenating the skin due to the antioxidant activity of the phenols present in it. The nutritional constituents in the Sabja seeds are helpful for maintaining healthy skin and hair as wear and tear of cells require nutrients such as iron, vitamin K, and protein and minerals. 

6. Basil Seeds Helps Cure Cough and Cold

Sabja seed is well known for its utility against cold and cough. This is possible because of its antispasmodic property. These seeds soothe the spasmodic muscles and relieve the congestion of the heart due to cough and cold. Also, the Sabja seeds are known to increase immunity. 

7. Other Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds 

The Sabja seeds are used in ayurvedic medicines that help to relieve conditions such as high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol levels, stomach problems, kidney problems, mental conditions such as depression, type II diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. As these seeds contain high amounts of fibre it helps in avoiding unwanted food cravings and good digestion. All these health benefits have caused an increase in the popularity of the Sabja seeds.

Nutritional Components of Sabja Seeds

These Sabja seeds are low in calories which helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. The nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and minerals help in numerous health benefits. Sabja seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which helps in the decrease in body weight and obesity. All lifestyle related diseases such as blood pressure and diabetes are outcomes of obesity. Therefore, controlling body weight by alpha-linolenic acid helps in curing all the related diseases. The antioxidant property of Sabja seeds due to its good phenolic content is responsible for shiny skin and hair. Also, the reactive oxygen species produced by the cellular process decreases causing the cells to function properly. 

Others Uses of Basil Seeds

Sabja/Basil seeds consist of mucilage which has a tensile and deformation capacity so it is used as a material for biodegradable active packaging material for food products. Various researchers have reported that Sabja seeds can absorb selenium, copper, caesium, and strontium. So it is used in the bioremediation of polluted water. The removal of heavy metals helps in decreasing the toxicity of soil and water. 

Conclusion

The Sabja seeds, which are medicinally significant from ayurvedic to chinese medicine perspective are known for their numerous health benefits. Consuming the Sabja seeds after dipping in water helps in curing numerous ailments. Numerous preparations in Indian cuisine include the Sabja seeds. It is a well-known cure for acidity adopted by Indians in almost every household.