Origin
Basil Seeds are also known as Tukmaria or Sabja seeds. These are the seeds for growing a basil plant. Don’t get confused as these have been consumed since ancient times. These have been an integral part of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, though have been tested for health benefits only in a handful of studies. Let’s look at them with a proper lens and understand its impact on our health.
Nutritional information
Nutrition labels show these seeds to be packing a good amount of calcium, iron and magnesium. Considering the shift of preference of vegan diets due to multiple factors, this is a great source for the daily requirements of these essential nutrients. 1 Approximately 1 tablespoon (13 grams) with each meal should give a fair boost of these nutrients. Calcium and magnesium contribute to bone health and iron plays a key role in red blood cell production and body functioning. 2 A tablespoon of the seeds contains roughly 7 grams of fiber, that being around 25% of the RDA (recommended dietary allowance).
Pectin and Hormones’ action pathway
Pectin is a part of the seeds, and it contributes immensely to maintaining good gut health by nourishing and increasing the good bacteria in the gut. 3 Pectin may delay stomach emptying, allowing digestion and absorption to be better. They may also stimulate hormones that transmit a sense of fullness.4 Although this doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a part of a weight loss strategy. You can give it a try to see the effect on you specifically. Pectin has also shown certain evidence of suppressing absorption of cholesterol in your gut, in turn may help in lowering cholesterol. 4 A study indicated that 1 tablespoon of these seeds when taken after each meal with water showed a significant lower blood sugar spike after a meal in several type 2 diabetics.5
Anti-inflammatory properties 6
These tiny seeds are rich in plant compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols. Theses flavonoids have been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancer properties. A few studies have established a link of higher flavonoid intake to reduced heart disease risk.6 7
Omega-3-fat abundance
One tablespoon of basil seeds can be enough for RDA for omega-3-fat. (Alpha-linoleic acids is the essential fatty acid in abundance in these seeds). Your body uses these nutrients mainly to produce energy. 8
Conclusion
Basil seeds are easy to use in a diet as they need to be soaked for a few mins. They are then ready to be added to your dishes. You would be having these seeds in each of the TANS Rawblends. Order the trial box to discover each Rawblends unique flavor and witness the potential health benefits with first-hand experience.
Refernces:
1-Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets – PubMed (nih.gov)
2-Vitamins, Minerals, And Chronic Diseases – Eat for Life – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
3-Microbiota-accessible pectic poly- and oligosaccharides in gut health – PubMed (nih.gov)
6-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28620474/