Basil seeds, which is among the latest to join the “superfood” trend is actually the seed of the herb basil itself. As we all know, basil is one of the most widely used herb in cooking across the world. The practice of consuming basil seeds has also been around for at least a thousand years.
However, the seeds of the basil are still underestimated and overlooked by the general population compared to the herb itself. In reality the seeds do also contain nutritious goodness that may benefit human health in a great way. These are more information about basil seeds, as well as the health benefits of basil seeds for weight loss.
An Introduction to Basil Seeds
Basil seeds have various names, such as sabja seeds, tukmaria seeds, tukmalanga seeds, and much more. In terms of usage, they are most commonly found in beverages as well as desserts. Their appearances resemble chia seeds, being black and tear shaped.
But then, what is most amazing about basil seeds are the nutritional benefits it offers, such as in dietary fibre, iron, protein, phytochemicals, vitamin K, polyphenolic compounds, as well as some other powerful antioxidants.
What are its Health Benefits?
- Basil Seeds are Good for Hair
Basil seeds are good for hair in terms of preventing hair loss and stimulating the growth of hair, thanks to the number of antioxidants it has, including vitamin K. Iron transports blood into the scalp, which is needed in order for hair growth to be stimulated from the follicles. In the meantime, the same antioxidants also prevent oxidative stresses that lead to hair loss.
- Basil Seeds are also Wonderful as a Skincare Item
Basil seeds can be included as a skincare as it has a dense concentration of flavonoids and antioxidants. The antioxidants function as a shield against the intrusion of free radicals, which causes oxidative stress and related conditions, such as wrinkles or premature aging.
Routine usage of basil seeds may reduce the chances of those, get rid of scars, improve skin health and stimulate the growth of new skin layers.
- Basil Seeds Support Weight Loss
This is the main benefit of basil seed that one should know! Basil seeds support weight loss because it has extremely high fibre content. As we all know, fibre makes us feel full earlier than expected, which further reduces our appetite.
In addition, once basil seeds are digested, they may expand 20 times its original size, therefore reducing our desire to eat more. At the end, body weight could be better managed.
- Basil Seeds Help in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Past studies have proven that basil seeds indeed manage blood pressure well by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, or the bad cholesterol. This also leads to the minimization of atherosclerosis risks or associated conditions, such as the compiling of plaque within the arteries or blood vessels. Finally, the chances heart attacks or cardiovascular diseases could be lowered at a maximum.
- Basil Seeds Manage Blood Pressure Well
Blood pressure can be managed using basil seeds thanks to the supply of potassium it has inside. This becomes possible due to potassium’s characteristics as a vasolidator, which means that it relaxes tension inside the arteries and blood vessels, which cause a decrease in cardiovascular strains.
- Basil Seeds Upholds Bone Health
It also turns out that the abundance of minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, and magnesium all contribute to a healthy and strong bone by densifying the bone minerals. This also minimizes the risks of diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis as well as keeping us young and fit through the years.
- Basil Seeds Anticipate the Infection of Diseases
It is wise for one to anticipate diseases before falling sick into it. Basil seeds anticipate disease infections through the presence of vitamin A along with other important antioxidants, all of them which eliminates oxidative stress as well as inflammation all throughout the body.
- Basil Seeds Controls Blood Sugar Levels
A few ingredients that basil seeds contain, such as dietary fibre also plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels, according to one research. This could be exceptionally useful for diabetes 2 patients, wherein a more intensive management of insulin and blood glucose is needed. In the meantime, diabetes prevention could also be achieved with basil seeds by drinking a glass of water with basil seeds every day.
- Basil Seeds Provide Cooling Effects
Basil seeds are known to be able in releasing a cool effect, that’s why in food they are normally found as garnishing for beverages or desserts. It works by maintaining the cold temperature of the dessert or beverage and soothe the stomach, which is very useful in hot weather or in the event of increasing body temperature.
- Basil Seeds are Stress Relieving
Stress pose risks to both our psychological and physical selves. When our mind or heart is at mess, stress levels rise. A glass of water mixed with basil seeds could perhaps be the simple solution in helping to relieve stress. This idea is supported by previous researches that discovered the stress relieving benefits of regular basil seed consumption, such as a mood booster, reduction in depression and anxiety, among others.
- Basil Seeds Improve Eyesight
Not only carrots that are able to improve eyesight and vision, but basil seeds as well! Just like carrots and benefits of basil leaves for eye health, basil seeds are resourceful in vitamin A. Vitamin A is recommended for anyone with poor eyesight or with high levels of oxidative stress. At the same time, vitamin A is also an antioxidant for the retina by preventing common vision problems such as macular degeneration or cataract developments.
- Basil Seeds Can Act as a Painkiller
Basil seeds also turn out to be doing well in being a painkiller, because by containing cytokines and being an anti-inflammatory substance, pain relief could be reached much faster. Some conditions that could be treated with basil seeds are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gout, arthritis, headache, and others. It is best for these conditions to be treated immediately to prevent further complications.
