Chia vs Basil Seeds : Difference, Nutrition, Benefits for Weight Loss

Chia Seeds vs Basil Seeds for Weight Loss

Chia seeds and Basil seeds have both been in the spotlight recently, largely due to the claim that both of them act as effective agents against weight gain when used as part of a balanced diet. However, there exists a lot of confusion amongst people about the two. Some people even think that they are one and the same. In actual, there is a lot of difference between Chiaseeds and Basil seeds and it’s a good idea to get to know both products before committing to use them. Let’s look at the differences in the two.

Origin

• Chia seeds
• Produced in Central and South Mexico
• Basil seeds
• Produced in India and the Mediterranean region

Consumption

• Chia seeds
• Can be consumed both raw and soaked. No preparation is needed
• Basil seeds
• Can not be eaten without preparation
• They need be soaked for at least a couple of hours before use

Appearance

• Chia seeds are larger than basil seeds, oval in shape and come in different colours like grey, brown, white and black
• Basil seeds are black, tiny and round

Nutritional value (1 tbsp)

	Chia Seeds	Basil Seeds
Calories	60	60
Carbs	5 gms	7 gms
Fibre	5 gms	7 gms
Protein	3 gms	2 gms
Fat	3 gms	2.5 gms
Omega 32	880 mg1	240 mg
Calcium	10% RDI	14% RDI
Iron	9% RDI	13% RDI

Taste

• Chia seeds
• Chia seeds are tasteless
• Basil seeds
• Basil seeds taste slightly sweet

Benefits to the body

• Chia seeds
• Help maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar level
• Help lower cholesterol and promotes improved cardio vascular health
• Basil seeds
• Function as a diuretic and aid digestion
• Also helps improve quality of blood
• Basil seeds have more fibre, hence better for constipation

Price

• Basil seeds being locally produced are cheaper compared to chia seeds which are imported

Weight Loss benefits

-Both chia seeds and basil seeds linked very often 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 more sated after eating both the seeds. Both help to fill you up, thus helping you avoid snacking throughout the day
• When added to water, both chia seeds and basil seeds swell considerably and keep your body hydrated
• Both however are not substitutes for good health. Both of them form part of a healthy diet

Other Names

• Chia seeds do not have any other name
• Basil seeds on the other hand are called falooda seeds, subza, selasih or tukmaria

Consumption

• Consumption of both have to be in moderation
• You can start with 1 tsp and go up to 1 tbsp

On Soaking in Water

• Chia seeds
• Chia seeds take time to absorb water
• Chia seeds have the unique ability to form a gel by soaking over 10 times water than it’s weight
• Basil seeds
• Basil seeds swell up immediately on being mixed with water
• It forms a translucent coat around the seed and appears much larger in size as compared to chia seeds

Bottomline

• Chia seeds
• Good source of protein and omega 3
• Naturally low carb and high fibre thus aids in digestion
• Promotes energy and endurance
• Helps to stabilise blood sugar levels
• High in calcium and magnesium
• High in healthy fat
• Highly recommended for weight loss
• Basil seeds
• High in fibre and iron
• Locally available at reasonable orice
• Has cooling and soothing properties, it is one of the best body coolant
• Has soothing effect on stomach and hence useful in combating acidity
• Promotes healthy skin and hair
• Acts as a detoxifying agent and cleanses blood