CHIA Seeds on the left side and SABJA seeds on the right side
Chia seeds are tiny power-packed seeds that have been documented to be around since 3500 bc in the diets of Aztecs and Mayans. They had identified that these super seeds had the ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.
What is the difference between chia seed and sabja seeds (basil seeds)?
Chia seed is a native of Mexico and it does not have an Indian name. However, it has time and again been confused with basil seeds which are also known as Sabja in Hindi. Be it in appearance, origin or health benefits; Chia seeds are different from Sabja in numerous ways. Both chia seeds and sabja seeds originate from the mint family and hence the resemblance.
So how do you differentiate one from the other? Below are a few simple ways that can help you do so:
- Native
Chia seeds are native to central and southern Mexico while Sabja seeds are native to India and the Mediterranean region.
2. Colour
As can be seen in the above image, the left side is CHIA SEEDS. They are usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However, even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead, a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them. On the right side is SABJA SEEDS, uniformly jet Black in colour.
3. Appearance
Chia seeds are oval in shape and Sabja seeds are elliptical, like tiny grains of rice.
4. On Soaking in Water
Sabja Seeds in the water on the left, Chia seeds in water on the right
Chia seeds take time to absorb water. It has the unique ability to gel by absorbing over 10 times their weight. Sabja seeds swell up within seconds of being mixed with water. A translucent coat forms around the seed and it appears much larger in size when compared to a soaked chia seed.
5. Taste of Soaked Seeds
Sabja seeds in water on the top glass, Chia seeds in water on the bottom glass
Chia seeds do not have any taste of its own and can easily be incorporated in any kind of dish. Sabja seeds have a mild flavour of basil and impart the same to drinks and desserts.
6.Usage
Chia seeds can be consumed raw or soaked. Sabja seeds can be consumed only after soaking.
7. Health Benefits
Both, Chia and Sabja seeds have their own set of health benefits. They have been known to aid in weight loss due to their ability to make you feel fuller faster. Here are the most beneficial properties of the seeds.
Chia seeds
- Good source of proteins and Omega 3s
- The naturally low-carb and high-fibre food helps in digestion
- Highly recommended for weight-loss
- Promotes energy and endurance
- Helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels
Sabja Seeds
- One of the best body coolant
- Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity
- Good source of vitamins and Iron
- Helps to promote healthy skin and hair
- Acts as a detoxifying agent and helps to cleanse the blood
| FACTOR | CHIA SEEDS | SABJA SEEDS |
| Native | to Central and southern Mexico | Native to India and the Mediterranean region |
| Colour | Usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However, even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead, a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them | Uniformly jet Black or pitch black in colour |
| Appearance | Oval in shape | Elliptical, like tiny grains of rice |
| On soaking in water | Chia takes time to absorb water. It has the unique ability to gel by absorbing over 10 times their weight. | Sabja swell up within seconds of being mixed with water. A translucent coat forms around the seed and it appears much larger in size when compared to a soaked chia seed |
| Taste of soaked seeds | Does not have any taste of its own and can easily be incorporated in any kind of dish. | Has a mild flavour of basil and imparts the same to drinks and desserts |
| Usage/Health Benefits | Can be consumed raw or soaked.
Good source of proteins and Omega 3s |
Can be consumed only after soaking.
Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity. |
*Chia Seeds from Naturally Yours is now available on GOQii Store.
trupti hingad says
April 2, 2018 at 10:30 amThanks for this blog. Good one!
Prakash farande says
July 8, 2019 at 4:12 pmNice information !
farrukh says
June 11, 2018 at 11:31 amDear Parkash I liked your effort, I being a Nutro-Pharmacist, found your blog very helpfu.
I would like to be intouch with you for a similar project, for organic farming and its consumption.
Best Regards
https://www.facebook.com/thegreenpharmacist/
Heena says
June 13, 2018 at 1:17 pmClearly explained
Vaishali says
September 11, 2018 at 4:23 amHello,
Good information.
But you said Chia does not have an Indian name, this is NOT correct.
Its Indian name is halim in hindi and aliv in marathi.
It’s been in our culture for centuries.
I have had it post pregnancy , which is said to be very good.
Thanks
Maheeka says
April 25, 2019 at 9:18 pmThank you so much for good explanation Prakash!
Seshu says
September 12, 2018 at 2:36 pmHave been searching for the difference for quiet a long time, was really helpful and easy. Thank you 🙂
Gerandha purushotham Nagendra kumar says
November 24, 2018 at 11:03 pmThank you very much for this blog. I live in Mexico, here we use a lot chia for omega 3. I heared about sabaja seeds for new pains. Especially was searching for difference and found this blog. Really great work from you, very useful .
Thank you very much 🙏
Reagan says
November 29, 2018 at 1:46 pmI wanted to ask, how many time’s their weight do Sabja seeds absorb water? If u try n compare the dry size and soaked sizes after a few hours then the Sabja seeds appear a little larger. Just from observation it seems that they could absorb even more than 10 times their weight in water making them even better than Chia in that aspect.
Ganesh Balaji says
November 30, 2018 at 11:32 pmIt is a very useful page. I got the clear idea about both seeds. Thanks.
NAGARAJ KUDLI says
December 22, 2018 at 6:28 pmHIGHLY VALUABLE . Specially comparitive table is highly appreciated > In the comparitive table why cooling effect of sabja seeds is missing?
Shani says
December 24, 2018 at 3:23 pmTukham Malanga which we use mostly in drinks (Sharbat) is CHIA SEEDS or SABJA SEEDS?
Kindly confirm.
Sham says
April 16, 2019 at 2:41 amVery useful info.Where can i find chia seeds in Bangalore?have checked Bigbbazar n few stores but no luck yet.
Anusha Subramanian says
April 16, 2019 at 10:35 amHi! You can order them from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii app.
Nidhi G Kapur says
April 18, 2019 at 10:23 amCan We Mix Basil Seeds And Chia Seeds in Water Together and Consume ? … & What is the Best Time of the Day to Consume the Same …
Jase saini says
April 30, 2019 at 5:26 amThanks dear . Really useful knowledge.
Mohua Das says
June 10, 2019 at 12:47 pmReally useful information. Thank you 🙂
usman khan says
June 10, 2019 at 9:00 pmThanks its useful health blog, my question is which seed is helpful in losing weight and how we can use it?
Secondly, if both seeds are benefits for health can we use it together soak it overnight and then drink it in the morning.
please reply, your prompt reply will be helpful and appreciated
Sujeet says
June 21, 2019 at 2:26 pmWell Done ! You are wonderful. I find it very valuable. Keep Going………..
Dolly Singh says
June 26, 2019 at 9:30 amThat’s a great comparison with details, That was always something confusing me.
SL NARASIMHA RAO says
July 1, 2019 at 2:53 pmHow are these consumed? Can these seeds be powdered and mixed in sabjis & dal?