Sabja is what Indian people would call basil plant. In Indonesia it is called kemangi, the leaves often eaten raw (unprocessed) with other fresh salad (cabbage, green beans, and a few slice of cucumber) as companion to main food such as fried fish, or roasted chicken. There are many varieties of sabja plant, all of which used frequently in Asian cuisines. (See also : Benefits of Fennel Seeds for Breats Enlargement)
Farmers cultivated sabja plant mostly for its edible leaves, but the seed should not be left behind. According to scientific researches, sabja seed contains healthy substances and properties which proven to be very useful as folk medicine. In this writing, you will learn something new about health benefits of sabja seed. Some benefits will even sound bizarre or unusual to you, so keep reading to find out!
Nutrition Facts and Chemical Composition of Sabja Seed
Without further ado, the list below are for substances and nutrients found in 100 g serving size of sabja seed :
- 94 kJ Energy
- 2.65 g Carbs
- 1.6 g dietary fiber
- 0.64 g fat
- 3.15 g protein
- 264 μg (33%) Vitamin A equiv.
- 3142 μg (29%) beta carotene
- 0.034 mg (3%) thiamine (vitamin B1)
- 0.076 mg riboflavin (B2)
- 0.902 mg niacin (B3)
- 0.209 mg (4 percent) pantothenic acid (B5)
- 0.155 mg vitamin B6
- 68 μg folate (B9)
- 11.4 mg choline
- 18.0 mg vitamin C
- 0.80 mg vitamin E
- 414.8 μg vitamin K
- Minerals
- 117 mg calcium
- 0.385 g copper
- 3.17 mg iron
- 64 mg magnesium
- 1.148 mg manganese
- 56 mg phosphorus
- 295 mg potassium
- 0.3 μg selenium
- 4 mg sodium
- 0.81 mg zinc
- 92.06 g water
Units : μg = micrograms, mg = miligrams, IU = International Unit
So, now that we have learned about nutrition facts of these seeds, let’s continue to health benefits of sabja seed (Also read : Health Benefits of Bull Testicle) :
1. It supports weight loss
These black-colored seeds are reported to be supportive in burning body fat. This is possibly due to presence of some fatty acids, e.g. omega 3 fatty acids, and alpha linolenic acid. Fatty acids are known to boosts fat burning metabolism, thus supporting and speeding up the process of weight loss. So, if you feel overweight, incorporating sabja seed into your diet seems a good idea.
2. It satisfies your hunger
When you are run out of food, or you are too tired to looking for food in the market but you are really hungry, and there is only this seed available for you to eat, do not hesitate to take it. Sabja seed can satisfy your hunger better than similar food, and unlike other seeds such as sunflower seed which is only satisfy small portion of your hunger, it can give you the feeling of fullness for extended time and keep you going with your business.
Can you guess what makes sabja seed so good in keeping you from feel hungry again? Well, the answer is its rich fiber composition. It does not matter how many food you eat, if that food contains only few amount of fiber, it will not make you stay full for long. So, you better know which food can be a good source of fiber. Sabja seed is a good example. (Recommended : Health Benefits of Bulgarian Tribulus)Â
3. It can be used to treat fever
Another health benefits of sabja seed is revealed. According to traditional medicine recipe passed from generation to generation, sabja seed can be used to reduce body heat and treat fever. Increased body heat is almost always associated with fever. How to treat fever with sabja seed? Follow these steps :
- Prepare a small pack of sabja seed, about the same size as your palm.
- Prepare water, sugar, and honey. We are going to make a sabja seed drink.
- Boil sabja seed in a hot water and wait for 15 minutes.
- Stop the boiling process, and pour down the mixture into a glass.
- Add sugar and honey as much as you like. Sabja seed drink is ready.
This seed capability to heal fever is backed by the fact that Asian people have traditionally added it into their drinks, such as sherbets, nimbu paani, or milkshakes.
4. Good for diabetic person
According to health advisors, diabetes, especially diabetes type-2, is a diseases that many older people have suffered and sometimes can cause death. There are many causes of diabetes, such as genetic, lack of excercises, bacteria, virus, low hygiene environment, etc but many cases of diabetes are caused by eating habit that involves high sugar foods and drinks.
Fortunately, this diseases can be prevented (except diabetes caused by genetic) by changing your lifestyle and eat and drink less sugary foods and drinks to lower your blood sugar level. One of healthy food for diabetic person is sabja seed. For daily consumption, you can add soaked sabja seed into your morning drinks, such as hot milk, coffee, etc. Sabja seed are known to slow down the conversion of carbs into glucose (blood sugar). (You may want to read : Health Benefits of Bulgarian Buttermilk)Â
5. It improves digestive system
Based on analysis, eating sabja seed everyday can ease the digestive system. An unhealthy digestive system may cause some gastrointestinal diseases, such as constipation, bloating, faecal impaction, bowel obstruction, etc all of which can cause you inconvenience and interfere with your activity.
To avoid all of this unwanted conditions happened to you, you can try mixing sabja seed with herbal drinks, such as tea and honey, or you can also add it to milk. Sabja seed contains essential dietary fibers for your digestion. If you still feel bloated, it is recommended to consult with your nearest doctor. (See also : Health Benefits of Russian Baths)
6. It can work as anti toxin
It has been scientifically proven that sabja seed contains protective properties and substances that can defend againts or remove toxins. Thus, preventing toxin-related diseases, such as constipation, diarrhea, acne, etc.
7. It has diuretic attributes
Based on researches conducted by scientists, sabja seed also has diuretic properties. This means it is capable in removing toxins in the body and ease the passage of waste in intestine.
8. It possesses therapeutic properties
According to scientists’ report, sabja seed has therapeutic properties which makes it appropriate to be used as traditional medicine. This is further emphasized by its long history in ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine track record.
Safety Measures Before Consuming Sabja Seed
There is no known cases involving sabja seed. So, it is a safe food to consume.