Seeds Archives

April 2, 2018 By Priya Prakash 43 Comments

7 Differences between Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds

chia1

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

chia 2a chia2b

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

chia3

Chia seeds are oval in shape and Sabja seeds are elliptical, like tiny grains of rice.

4. On Soaking in Water

chia4

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

chia5

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.

August 7, 2017 By Jayshree Dhabalia 1 Comment

Let’s understand Cravings

Three colorful green, pink and yellow tart cakes wrapped in measuring tape on white background, unhealthy lifestyle concept, studio

Food craving (defined as an intense desire to eat a specific food) is of interest because it is extremely common and because it influences obesity or nutritional status. It has also been suggested that food craving may be the evolutionary source for cravings of all kinds including cravings for drugs and alcohol. “Surveys estimate that almost 100% of young women and nearly 70% of young men had food cravings during the past year,” says Mercia Levin Pelchat, of Monell Chemical Senses Center in her published article ‘Food Cravings in Young and Elderly Adults’ in the journal Appetite*

As humans, we’re biologically wired to crave for Food. The more bad food we eat, the more our body will learn to accept and want them. We become addicted to highly palatable, energy dense food. Well, yes many of the food we eat today (ready made) are extremely addictive, and we are hardwired to crave them. Anything that gives us pleasure and offers relief, our body will want more and crave.

What food am I referring to?

Processed food. They are prepared with a combination of fat, sugar, and salt and provide very fewer nutrients.

Studies have found, highly processed food have the same effect on the brain as some drugs. It helps release feel good hormone which in turn helps to relieve stress temporarily.

What about those people who have food craving even without indulging in processed foods often? The answer for this could be due to missing micro nutrients from your diet, which causes you to crave for certain foods.

What’s the Solution to Carvings?

Let’s take a look at why we should be adding more veggies, fruits, and other unprocessed food to our diet.

I have covered here few very commonly reported cravings and deficiency associated with the same:

Food Craving	Bread
Nutrient Deficiency	Nitrogen
Nutritious food	Green Leafy Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds, Legumes, Grains

Food Craving	White Pastas, Cake, Pastries
Nutrient Deficiency	Chromium
Nutritious food	Onion, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cinnamon, Grapes

Food Craving	Crisps/Potato Chips, Salty foods
Nutrient Deficiency	Chloride
Nutritious food	Celery, Olives, Tomatoes, Kelp, Himalayan Sea Salt

Food Craving	Chocolate
Nutrient Deficiency	Magnesium
Nutritious food	Raw Cacao, Whole Grains, Beans, Nuts, Seeds, Fruit, Green Veggies

Food Craving	Fizzy/Aerated Drinks
Nutrient Deficiency	Calcium
Nutritious food	Broccoli, Kale, Sesame seed, legumes, mustard, turnip, greens

Food Craving	Coffee / Black tea
Nutrient Deficiency	Sulphur
Nutritious food	Cruciferous Veggies, Cranberries, horseradish, garlic, onion

Food Craving	Ice, Chilled water
Nutrient Deficiency	Iron
Nutritious food	Beans, Legumes, Dates, Black raisin, Jaggery, Spinach

Food Craving	Sweets
Nutrient Deficiency	Phosphorous
Nutritious food	Citrus Fruits, Green Leafy Veggies, Banana, Tomatoes, Black Olives.

As you can see on the table, a simple mindful inclusion of certain food does not only save you from lot more cravings and its ill effect but can also provide you with lots of nutrients and minerals.

So what will you choose?

*Appetite is an international research journal specializing in cultural, social, psychological, sensory and physiological influences on the selection and intake of foods and drinks. It covers normal and disordered eating and drinking and welcomes studies of both human and non-human animal behaviour towards food