Sabja or Tukmaria Seeds, also known as Sweet Basil Seeds,  are widely used for flavoring dishes, adding a distinct taste to food. However, beyond their culinary uses, Sabja seeds, also known as falooda seeds, offer substantial health benefits. Resembling black sesame seeds, these small black seeds are comparable to flax and chia seeds in terms of nutritional advantages. Sourced from Sweet Basil (different from Holy Basil, which is common in India praised for its immune-boosting qualities), they are packed with nutrients.

Incorporating these unassuming Sabja seeds into your diet is beneficial for health, as outlined below.

Nutritional Value of Sabja Seeds - Tukmaria Seeds

Sabja seeds are rich in nutrients and immunity-boosting properties. Low in calories, they consist of 42% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 25% good fats. These seeds are high in fiber and an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain significant amounts of minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium, along with vitamins C and folates, making them truly remarkable seeds.

Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds - Tukmaria Seeds

1. Natural Body Coolant

   • Beverages containing Sabja seeds are effective in alleviating summer heat, as they reduce body temperature and have a calming effect on the stomach. These seeds can be incorporated into various drinks like lemonades, coconut water, coconut milk, milkshakes, smoothies, and yogurt.

2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

   • Sabja seeds possess notable anti-diabetic potential due to their high fiber content. Consuming these seeds before meals helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels, proving useful for managing type 2 diabetes.

3. Good for Diabetes Management

   • Individuals with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels meticulously. Consuming Sabja seeds before meals has been shown to prevent blood sugar spikes, aiding in better diabetes management.

4. Relieves Constipation & Acidity

   • Rich in soluble fiber, Sabja seeds absorb water and help soften stools, promoting regular bowel movements. They contain pectin, a prebiotic that enhances gut flora composition and metabolism, easing constipation and reducing acidity.

5. Useful in Weight Loss

   • The high soluble dietary fiber in Sabja seeds promotes a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, regulating bowel movements and detoxifying the body. Pectin further enhances satiety, reduces calorie intake, and improves hindgut health, contributing to weight loss.

6. Aids in Weight Loss

   • With their protein and soluble fiber content, Sabja seeds prolong digestion, curbing hunger and reducing unhealthy snacking, which assists in maintaining or reducing weight.

7. Regularizes Bowel Movement

   • The fiber in Sabja seeds ensures regular bowel movements by drawing water into the large intestine and softening stools. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with heart conditions, as it prevents straining during bowel movements.

8. A Powerhouse of Minerals

   • Sabja seeds are abundant in iron, calcium, and magnesium, crucial for muscle and bone function and maintaining hemoglobin levels necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.

9. May Prevent the Risk of Heart Diseases

   • Containing omega-3 fatty acids, Sabja seeds help improve lipid profiles, blood pressure, cardiac and vascular function, and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

10. Has Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Carcinogenic Properties

    • Rich in plant compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols, Sabja seeds exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, potentially reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

11. Oral Health Benefits

    • With anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, Sabja seeds help treat mouth ulcers, freshen breath, and combat dental issues like plaque and cavities.

12. May Reduce Cholesterol Levels

    • The soluble fiber pectin in Sabja seeds lowers cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the gut.

13. Reduces Stress & Anxiety

    • Sabja seeds have a calming effect on both mind and body, reducing stress, tension, and anxiety, enhancing mood and possibly memory.

How to Consume Sabja Seeds?

Tukmaria seeds can be enjoyed in various ways. It is important to consume them in moderation and drink plenty of water to aid their absorption.

Methods of Consuming Sabja Seeds:

• Soaked in Water: Soak 1 tablespoon of Sabja Tukmaria seeds in a cup of water for 15-20 minutes until they swell and form a gel-like substance, then consume.

• Added to Beverages: Sprinkle a teaspoon of Sabja seeds into drinks like lemonade, fruit juices, smoothies, or milkshakes, and let them swell before drinking.

• Mixed in Yogurt: Combine soaked Sabja seeds with yogurt, fruits, and nuts for a nutritious snack.

• Added to Desserts: Use Sabja seeds as a topping or ingredient in desserts like puddings, ice creams, or falooda for additional texture and nutrition.

• Sprinkled on Salads: Add a teaspoon of Sabja seeds to salads for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.

Other Names: Tukmaria Moti Beej , Sabja Seeds, Tukhmaria tukmaria moti sabja ocimum basilicum tukmaria moti sabja ocimum basilicum, Tokma Dana tukmaria moti sabja ocimum basilicum tukmaria moti beej sabja seeds, Sabza, Tukmariya, Sabje indianjadibooti tukmaria moti be