BASIL SEED: 9 BENEFITS YOU NEED TO KNOW

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WHAT IS BASIL SEED?

Basil seed is native to India and grown in many regions around the world. As its name, basil seed is from Thai basil plant and similar in size with chia seed. When the seed soaked in water, it will become gelatinous. The mini seed has the floral flavor and is packed with fiber, vitamins, essential fats, and carbs.

Basil seed is  also called tukmaria or sabja seed (Photo: Internet)

One 1 tablespoon of basil seed (about 13 g) contains:

+ Calories: 60 kcal

+ Carbs: 7 g

+ Fiber: 7 g

+ Protein: 2 g

+ Fat: 2.5 g

+ Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,240 mg

BASIL SEED VS CHIA SEED 

Color is the most noticeable difference between basil seed and chia seed (Photo: Internet)

Color

+ Basil seed is jet black.

+ Chia seed is a mixture of many colors including black, gray and white.

Size and shape

+ Basil seed is larger than chia seed.

+ The shape of basil seed is elliptical while chia seed has oval shape.

After soaking with water

+ Basil seed forms a translucent cover outside the seed and do not take much time.

+ Chia seed takes time to absorb and swell up, you may soak it overnight.

How to eat

+ Basil seed can be eaten after soaking in water.

+ Chia seed can be eaten raw or mixed with water.

BASIL SEED - 9 HEALTH BENEFITS 

Despite its small size, basil seed has many benefits for your health 

Detoxifies and refreshes body

Detoxification is the most well-known benefit of basil seed.  According to traditional oriental medicine doctors, basil seeds also acts as a natural body coolant. You can mix this seed with other ingredients like lemonades, coconut water, yogurt, fruit juice, etc. to create refreshing drinks.

Reduces stress

The high content of antioxidants, including flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids, in basil seed have memory-enhancing effects in some. It is also reported to have the ability to reduce stress, tension, and anxiety, leaving us to feel happier. Another effect of its is calming effect on the body as well as the mind.

Improve the quality of sleep

Basil seed is like a natural sedative that is safe for those with insomnia or nervous tension. Drinking basil seed drink helps to relax yourself and sleep well.

Enhances the bone health

Thanks the high number of minerals in including iron, potassium, copper, calcium, manganese and magnesium, basil seed help to improve the mineral density of your bone. It also helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Helps to lose weight

You can use basil seed for weight management purposes. It contains a lot of fiber that helps to create a feeling of fullness. According to many studies, although low in calories, basil seed is rich in nutrient vitamins, and fatty acids. That is the reason why it helps the body reduce cravings, limit the intake of many foods in the main meal. Therefore, using basil seeds to lose weight is one of the methods that you should apply.

Stabilizes blood sugar

Basil seed has the effect to prevent the increase in blood sugar. When blood sugar does not increase suddenly, people with diabetes will be safe and experience fewer complications.

Improves oral health

Some studies show that basil seed also has effective on anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Therefore, it is also used to solve oral problems such as bad breath, mouth ulcers, tooth decay, etc.

If you are having problems with your teeth, after a short time of using basil seeds, you will be surprised about the wonderful change in your health.

Benefits for skin and hair

Due to the effects on anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties; it is used to treat skin diseases. If you are suffering from these skin diseases including psoriasis or parakeratosis, you can use basil seeds in combination with coconut oil to improve the treatment effect.

The regular use of basil seed drink also helps the body to produce collagen and stimulate the formation of new cells. Thereby, it helps to keep the skin brighter and stronger. Other essential nutrients in basil seeds such as iron, protein, vitamin K also have great effect to your hair.

Increases immunity system

As mentioned above, basil seed contains many antioxidants and essential vitamins. Therefore, basil seeds have the ability to protect cell membranes well, fight inflammation against degeneration of the brain and increase the body's resistance.

Regularizes bowel movement

These little basil seeds can work wonders for reducing the excess acid in stomach, relieving stomach cramps and heartburn. It has a particularly powerful laxative effect and bowel movement due to its extremely high fiber content.