Sabja seeds and chia seeds are both popular for their numerous health benefits. One of the most prominent of them is their weight loss properties. Both chia seeds and basil seeds are excellent additions to your diet. However, chia seeds are more advantageous as they contain high fibre content, omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Extracted from the Salvia hispanica plant, chia seeds are rich in fibre, protein, and other antioxidants and nutrients. Sabja seeds or basil seeds are also fibre-rich and contain minerals and plant-based omega-3 fat. However, these seeds are different from each other in many ways. In the following table, we will discuss the 28 grams of both chia and sabja seeds contain:
Nutritional Content | Chia Seed | Sabja Seed |
Fat | 8.6g | 2.5g |
Calories | 137 | 60 |
Protein | 4.4g | 2g |
Fibre | 10.6g | 7g |
Carbohydrate | 12g | 7g |
As we can see from the above table, sabja seeds contain less fat and calories than chia seeds, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Moreover, both the seeds form a gel-like consistency when soaked, further enhancing weight loss.
Although both chia and sabja seeds are beneficial for weight loss, chia seeds hold a slight edge over sabja seeds. Fibre has been associated with aiding weight loss. Since chia seeds contain more fibre and protein per ounce, they facilitate muscle maintenance, weight loss and metabolic health.
Sabja or basil seeds provide several health benefits. Here are the following:
● Good Source of Minerals
Basil seeds are packed with minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals help maintain red blood production, bone health, and muscle function.
● Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar
Studies have shown their usefulness in controlling blood sugar levels. For example, people with type 2 diabetes were administered 10 grams of basil seeds for a month after every meal. Upon examination, they showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels post-meal.
● Supports Gut Health
These seeds contain a compound known as pectin. According to various Pubmed research, this compound has prebiotic effects that help maintain a healthy gut.
Chia seeds were historically used daily by the Mayans and Aztecs due to their medicinal properties. Some benefits of it in the modern era are:
● Antioxidant-Rich
Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin. They help neutralise your body's free radicals, which damage cells. Moreover, they may have anti-cancer properties as well.
● Packed With Bone Nutrients
These seeds are calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus-rich. These minerals are essential for maintaining bone health. Eating chia seeds daily may aid in weight loss and enhance bone health.
● Easy to Incorporate in Diet
They are small, round, and black in colour. They can be easily incorporated into any recipe and eaten dry as a garnish. Chia seed pudding and oatmeal are popular ways to consume this superfood.
Weight loss is a long journey, but it must not be complicated. You can achieve your ideal weight by making necessary dietary changes and incorporating chia or sabja seeds.