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.
Thanks for this blog. Good one!
Nice information !
well done explaining the difference but just to cater to the massive readership that does not understand “sabja” in Urdu its called “tukh malanga”
Good described how to differentiate Chia seed and sabza tuk malanaga
Dear 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/
Wonderful presentation..
useful information..
thank you
Clearly explained
Hello,
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
Thank you so much for good explanation Prakash!
I’m sorry but that’s not correct either. Aliv is way different than chia… colour, size and even many of the properties are different. Though they are easily confused. Aliv is pepperweed/ grass cress in English…
Have been searching for the difference for quiet a long time, was really helpful and easy. Thank you 🙂
Thank 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 🙏
I 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.
It is a very useful page. I got the clear idea about both seeds. Thanks.
HIGHLY VALUABLE . Specially comparitive table is highly appreciated > In the comparitive table why cooling effect of sabja seeds is missing?
Tukham Malanga which we use mostly in drinks (Sharbat) is CHIA SEEDS or SABJA SEEDS?
Kindly confirm.
Tukhmalanga
Very useful info.Where can i find chia seeds in Bangalore?have checked Bigbbazar n few stores but no luck yet.
Hi! You can order them from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii app.
Can We Mix Basil Seeds And Chia Seeds in Water Together and Consume ? … & What is the Best Time of the Day to Consume the Same …
Thanks dear . Really useful knowledge.
Really useful information. Thank you 🙂
Thanks 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
Well Done ! You are wonderful. I find it very valuable. Keep Going………..
That’s a great comparison with details, That was always something confusing me.
How are these consumed? Can these seeds be powdered and mixed in sabjis & dal?
excellent information.. very detailed in all respects..
Where can i find the CHAI Seeds in hyderabad.??
please can u show the picture of the both plants.
This Is Good Information . I find it very valuable
Chia seeds are also coolent . Does it increase pain in the bones.
Very useful information………..
Very informative, I was really confused between both the seeds even thought it’s benefits are also same.Thank you so much for this detailed information.
Excellent explanation.. thanks a lot for sharing.. helpful n liked it👍👍🙏
Pleas give similar article for NigellaSativa (kalonji) and onionseeds .
Thanks, PRIYA PRAKASH for sharing useful information. Keep Going,….
Thanks for this detailed info.
Thank you for taking time to explain!!!
thank you Priya.. for this information on chia n sabja seeds. have been looking around for this
stay blessed
Hi. Do you know the exact botanical name for Sabja Seeds? Which variety of Ocimum Basilicum is it? Thank you.
very good info, thanks for posting. suggestion if you can publish information on fasting grains with their nutritional values that is like Rajgaro, Sago, Singora, Kutino daro
Sabja seeds bro..
Unable to find Tamil, Telugu, Hindi equivaelnt correctly for Chia seeds. Because CHia is different from sabja