Basil
seeds and Chia seeds have both been in the spotlight recently; largely due to
the claim that they act as effective weight-loss aids, when consumed as part of
a balanced diet. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion between the two;
with some people even thinking they are one and the same.
CHIA SEEDS
BASIL SEEDS
The few differences
between the two varieties are:
Chia seeds are from
the Salvia Hispanica plant – a relative of mint. They have been
incorporated into peoples’ diets since ancient times. The
word “chia” actually comes from the Mayan word for
“strength”. Aztec warriors ate them in preparation for battle, and
their messengers would fuel up with them before long distance runs. Plus, the
Tarahumara Indians of Mexico ate them for energy before hunting by running
their prey to exhaustion.
The Basil seed is a
cousin of the chai and is often found in Asian drinks and desserts.
The seeds actually look quite different when you compare them. Basil
seeds are black, tiny and shaped almost like a minute grain of rice. Chia seeds
are a little bit larger, more oval in shape, and come in a variety of colours;
including grey, brown, white and black.
BASIL SEEDS CHIA SEEDS
Both seeds offer certain nutritional benefits, but it’s generally
thought that Chia seeds are ‘better’ for you; as they contain antioxidants,
fibre, calcium, protein and many other key minerals. However, Basil seeds contain
plenty of iron.
This is the really significant difference. Basil seeds cannot be eaten
raw. Instead, you’ll need to soak them for at least a couple of hours in water.
However, Chia seeds can be consumed both raw and soaked; depending on how you
want to use them.
Chia seeds help to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar
levels in the body. Studies conducted on animals also indicate that they help
lower cholesterol and promote improved cardiovascular health. Basil seeds, on
the other hand, function well as a diuretic and aid digestion. The richness of
the iron in basil seeds also helps to improve quality of the blood.
Basil seeds derive (unsurprisingly) from the basil
plant; which is native to both the Mediterranean and India. Chia seeds, on the
other hand; hail from Mexico and Guatemala.
Basil seeds are more readily
available, and as a result, are generally cheaper than Chia seeds, which need
to be imported all the way from Central America.
They also absorb up to 12 times their
weight in water, so they expand in your stomach and make you feel full so you
don’t eat too much. Hence they are also very hydrating.
When mixed with a liquid, they get a gel-like
consistency, so you can drink them through a straw and swallow them
whole. You can also add them to your favourite baked goods, mix them into
oatmeal, add them to parfaits, or blend them with shakes.
CHIA PUDDING
BASIL DRINKS
In my next health blog I will share some detailed benefits and uses of chia seeds. If you would like to know about any other superfood and how to use them leave it in the comments below, I would love to review it!!
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