Basil Seeds: The multifaceted natural coolant!
Basil seeds, also called as sabja seeds, sweet basil seeds or tukmaria are small seeds and are a power house of nutrients. Basil plant is native to tropical countries. The biological name of the plant is Ocimum basilicum L.
This basil plant belongs to genus Ocimum which includes around 50 to 150 types of herbs and shrubs.
As described earlier the seeds are very tiny, pitch black in color and flattish, oval shaped. Almost all the seeds are uniformly colored and shaped.
The plant is used for medicinal as well as for culinary purpose.
Here is some evidence based nutritional potential of basil seeds:
The result of a study showed that basil seeds are a good source of fiber, protein and they contain significant amounts of minerals and phenolic compounds.
Basil seeds are best consumed by soaking them in a liquid medium such as plain water/low fat milk etc. They swell in water or any other liquid and become gelatinous, soft. This could be because of the presence of soluble fiber in them.
A study concluded that basil seed could be added in different foodstuffs for the preparation of value added, healthy and nutritious diets.
Yet, another research concluded that basil seeds are good source of micronutrients and have antioxidant content which is greatly beneficial for human health.
Health Effects of Basil Seeds:
1. Diabetes
The fiber present in basil seeds helps in maintaining the blood glucose levels.
2. Weight Management:
Basil seeds are a great source of soluble fibers. A quality of this fiber is that it increases the time of the food present in the stomach. Thus it remains in the stomach for a longer time. Thus helps in preventing over eating and thus may help maintain weight in return.
3. Relieves Constipation:
Soluble fiber absorbs the water from the foods/liquids you consume and swell up. This helps in increasing the bulk of the feces and make them soft as well. This assists in easy passage of stools and thus relieves constipation and may be helpful in preventing the painful piles.
4. Body Heat Reduction:
In the field of Naturopathy and Ayurveda, the consumption of swollen basil seeds are believed to reduce body heat. Since the seeds are supposed to be cooling in nature and is considered a must during summers.
5. Anti-Aging:
Basil seeds contain a good amount of antioxidants. The antioxidants are known for their defense against the oxidative damage to the body carried out by the harmful free radicals. The reactive free radicals attack the cells, tissues and organs of the body making their functions less effective and is the major cause of early ageing.
Hence 1–2 teaspoons of these seeds can be supplemented to your diet in a day (especially in summers), to experience their health advantages. But do consult a doctor or a registered nutritionist to check if these would be fine for you before starting its consumption or if you are consuming them after a very long time. Basil seeds can be added to the regular drinking water and consumed. Or added to beverages such as low fat milk, buttermilk and any other food preparations such as soups, curries as per your choice.
Important: Please note, that increasing intake of water/fluids is essential if you want to add basil seeds to your diet, for them to function well. Or else, if enough fluid is not consumed, it may have adverse effects such as dehydration or hard stools/constipation etc.
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