e
rediscovery of a different variety of seeds from diverse cultures is
always an exciting development. Sabja, a type of Tulsi seeds, is
well-known in Aryuvedic medicine. These are the seeds of sweet basil,
also called Thai Holy Basil, which is different from holy basil, the
tulsi plant revered in India.
Native to Asia, particularly Maharashtra in India, sweet basil
has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb
and is also known for its therapeutic benefits. The seeds resemble the
South American Chia seeds and are tiny round black, become gelatinous
when soaked in water for about an hour. They form a translucent gel like
membrane around each seed, resembling frog eggs. They are used in
drinks in Asian countries such as Thailand and desserts such as Arabic
falooda or sherbet.
In the past, basil seeds were used to relieve indigestion, sore
throat, constipation and diarrhoea. Few studies suggest that the fibre
in the mucilaginous layer surrounding the seeds after soaking is
responsible for its bilk-forming laxative effect.
Perhaps, the gelatinous texture and high soluble fibre (80 per
cent) of the swollen basil seeds helps make a filling drink, which could
help curb appetite if consumed before meals. Although research is still
in the preliminary stage, basil seeds may help control blood sugar in
people with type 2 diabetes, according to Sutter Gould Medical
Foundation. Keeping blood sugars stable in weight watchers has the
potential to help reduce appetite and food cravings.
In Thailand, three published studies have described the use of
sweet basil seeds in treating constipation, diabetes and lowering high
cholesterol levels. Interestingly, basil seeds are served with sugar
syrup during Muslim fasts, to replenish lost nutrients.
In Southeast Asian cuisine, these seeds are often combined with
water, sugar, honey and sometimes coconut milk to create sweetened
beverages, some of which could be thick with a consistency similar to
tapioca. The traditional recipes are high in sugar, which can be
replaced by an alternative sweetener to reduce sugar calories. Its
distinct texture creates an interesting and nutritious addition to
desserts and puddings. Soaked basil seeds can also be added to your
favourite juice, tea or sprinkled on top of salads. But do remember to
soak them in hot or cold water for about an hour before using. Children
and elderly could choke on swollen seeds and should be discouraged from
consuming them.
- See more at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sweet-basil-seeds-are-nutritious-have-medicinal-value/1085275/#sthash.uX7JL2Id.dpuf
ety of seeds from diverse cultures is
always an exciting development. Sabja, a type of Tulsi seeds, is
well-known in Aryuvedic medicine. These are the seeds of sweet basil,
also called Thai Holy Basil, which is different from holy basil, the
tulsi plant revered in India.
Native to Asia, particularly Maharashtra in India, sweet basil
has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb
and is also known for its therapeutic benefits. The seeds resemble the
South American Chia seeds and are tiny round black, become gelatinous
when soaked in water for about an hour. They form a translucent gel like
membrane around each seed, resembling frog eggs. They are used in
drinks in Asian countries such as Thailand and desserts such as Arabic
falooda or sherbet.
In the past, basil seeds were used to relieve indigestion, sore
throat, constipation and diarrhoea. Few studies suggest that the fibre
in the mucilaginous layer surrounding the seeds after soaking is
responsible for its bilk-forming laxative effect.
Perhaps, the gelatinous texture and high soluble fibre (80 per
cent) of the swollen basil seeds helps make a filling drink, which could
help curb appetite if consumed before meals. Although research is still
in the preliminary stage, basil seeds may help control blood sugar in
people with type 2 diabetes, according to Sutter Gould Medical
Foundation. Keeping blood sugars stable in weight watchers has the
potential to help reduce appetite and food cravings.
In Thailand, three published studies have described the use of
sweet basil seeds in treating constipation, diabetes and lowering high
cholesterol levels. Interestingly, basil seeds are served with sugar
syrup during Muslim fasts, to replenish lost nutrients.
In Southeast Asian cuisine, these seeds are often combined with
water, sugar, honey and sometimes coconut milk to create sweetened
beverages, some of which could be thick with a consistency similar to
tapioca. The traditional recipes are high in sugar, which can be
replaced by an alternative sweetener to reduce sugar calories. Its
distinct texture creates an interesting and nutritious addition to
desserts and puddings. Soaked basil seeds can also be added to your
favourite juice, tea or sprinkled on top of salads. But do remember to
soak them in hot or cold water for about an hour before using. Children
and elderly could choke on swollen seeds and should be discouraged from
consuming them.
- See more at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sweet-basil-seeds-are-nutritious-have-medicinal-value/1085275/#sthash.uX7JL2Id.dpuf
