Many of us think that chia seeds and basil seeds are the same but there are a lot of differences in the two. We’ll look at a detailed comparison between chia seeds and basil seeds. Both these seeds are not only different in terms of looks, shape, taste but most importantly they differ as far as the nutritional value is concerned. This comparison of the two will help you decide which one is better for you. You’ll also be able to decide which one is better for weight loss
- Chia seeds are not native to India, so they don’t have any other name or a hindi name
- Basil seeds on the other hand are also called falooda seeds, sabza, tukmaria and a number of other names
Origin of these seeds
- Basil seeds are produced in India and the mediterranian region
- Chia seeds on the other hand are produced in Central / South Mexico
- Basil are locally produced. That’s why they are cheaper as compared chia seeds which are imported
Looks and texture
- Basil seeds are black, tiny and many people confuse them with black sesame seeds or kalonji
- Chia seeds are larger than basil seeds, oval in shape and come in different colours like grey, brown, white and black
Nutritonal value 1 tbsp
| Chia seeds | Basil seeds | |
| Calories | 60 | 60 |
| Carbs | 5 grams | 7 grams |
| Fibre | 5 grams | 7 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams | 2 grams |
| Fat | 3 grams | 2.5 grams |
| Calcium | 10 % RDI | 14 % RDI |
| Iron | 9 % RDI | 13 % RDI |
How to consume chia seeds and basil seeds ?
- Basil seeds can be eaten without preparation
- These get soaked and get gel like consistency in few minutes
- Chia seeds can be consumed both raw and soaked
- Preparation is needed as these take longer that is minimum 45 minutes to overnight to soak
- Basil seeds swell up immediately on being mixed with water
- Chia seeds take more time to absorb water
- Basil seeds form a translucent coat around the seed and appears much longer in size as compared to chia seeds
- Chia seeds have the unique ability to form a gel by soaking over 10 times water than it’s weight
Taste of the seeds
- Chia seeds are tasteless
- Basil seeds are slightly sweet
Daily consumption
- Consumption of both have to be in moderation
- You can start with 1 tsp and gp upto 1 tbsp
What do we know
Chia seeds
- Chia seeds are a good source of protein and omega 3
- They contain naturally low carbs and high fibre that aids in digestion
- Chia seeds promote energy and endurance
- They help to stabilise blood sugar levels
- They are high in calcium and magnesium
- High in healthy fat
- Chia seeds are highly recommended for weight loss
- Chia seeds help maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Help lower cholesterol and promotes improved cardio vascular health
Basil seeds
- Basil seeds are high in fibre and iron
- They are locally available at a reasonable price
- Has cooling effect and soothing properties, it is one of the best body coolant
- Has a soothing effect on stomach and hence useful in combating acidity
- Promotes healthy skin and hair
- Acts as a detoxifying agent and cleanses blood
- Functions as a diuretic and aids digestion
- Helps to improve quality of blood
- Basil seeds have more fibre and are thus better for constipation
Weight Loss
- Both chia seeds and basil seeds are often linked with weight loss
- Neither produces sudden and effortless weight loss
- Both however can be used as a very effective aid in weight loss
- You feel satiated after eating both the seeds
- Both help to fill you up thus preventing you from avoiding snacking through out the day
- When added to water, both chia seeds and basil seeds swell considerably and help keep your body hydrated
- Both however are not substitutes for good health, both of them form part of a healthy diet