Basil which is also known as great basil, comes from the Lamiaceae family. It is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia.
Basil seeds are not just for growing a basil plant, You can also consume these seeds. They look like sesame seeds and are black in color. There are various other names for the basil seeds like – Sabja, and Tukmaria seeds. Basil seeds have a history of use in ayurvedic medicine.
Health benefits of consuming basil seeds regularly-:
- Good source of minerals -: In basil seeds, you will find enough calcium and magnesium which helps in your bone health and muscle function. Basil seeds can be an important source of iron as well as calcium, which is also helpful for those people who don’t eat meat or dairy products.
- Helps to meet fiber quota -: By consuming 1 tablespoon of basil seeds you can get 7 grams of fiber.
- Helps to feel full -: Basil seeds have pectin which may retard stomach emptying and it also increases hormone levels that give a sense of fullness. It can be used as a weight-loss strategy, still, it is not fully sure whether eating basil seeds to curb appetite helps in weight loss.
- May help in controlling sugar level -: People who are dealing with diabetes can take this measure for controlling the sugar level. Take (3/4 tablespoon) of basil seeds with water after each meal for one month, and you will see tremendous results.
- May help in improving cholesterol -: Pectin may help in reducing blood cholesterol, as it absorbs the cholesterol.
- Acts as a natural body coolant -: These seeds can be added to drinks, which gives great relief from the extremely hot heat of summer. The basil seeds are also known to reduce body heat and have a soothing effect on the stomach. These seeds can be added to the drinks like lemonade, coconut water, coconut milk, Milkshakes, etc.
- Oral health benefits -: Basil seeds have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, which are beneficial in curing mouth ulcers. We can also consume it as a mouth freshener. It also prevents bad breath, plaque, and cavities.