10 Differences Between Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)

I want to share the difference between chia and sabja seeds. Both chia seeds and sabja basil seeds are packed full of nutrition and have wonderful health benefits and medicinal uses. Many confuse chia seeds with sabja seeds. Though they are similar in size and almost have similar nutrient profile they both are different and are got from different plants.

Chia Seeds:

Chia Seeds Nutrition:

Chia Seeds Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses:

• Chia seeds digest slowly so they are great to include in a weight loss diet as they keep one fuller for longer periods of time.
• Chia seeds are full of antioxidants and antioxidant rich foods reduce oxidative stress and help prevent premature ageing of the skin.
• Chia seeds are good for diabetic patients as they help regulate blood sugar levels. Chia seeds are high in protein and any food that is high in protein helps with hair growth.
• Chia seeds helps lower cholesterol levels so they are good for heart health too. Chia seeds are a good substitute for eggs and can be used in any recipe that calls for eggs.
• They are great for people who are on gluten free diet and are good source of energy for both young and old.

Chia Seeds Chemical Constituents:

Chia Seeds Side Effects:

Sabja Seeds:

Sabja Seeds | Basil Seeds Nutrition:

Sabja Seeds Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses:

• Sabja seeds are well known in India as a body coolant and saba seed drink cools the body during hot summer months and keeps us free of heat boils and heat strokes.
• Sabja seeds are rich in fiber and helps us feel fuller for long periods of time and it also prevents constipation. Sabja seeds helps reduce blood sugar levels and are good for diabetic patients.
• Sabja seeds are also full of antioxidants and helps prevent premature ageing of the skin and since it is rich in protein and iron it helps in hair growth and prevents anemia too.
• They also have a soothing effect on our stomach and greatly helps people who are suffering from acidity.

Sabja Seeds Chemical Constituents:

Sabja Seeds Side Effects:

Where To Buy Sabja Seeds & Chia Seeds:

How To Obtain Sabja Seeds & Chia Seeds?

10 Differences Between Chia & Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds) | Health Benefits, Side Effects & Nutrition:

1. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Size, Shape & Color:

Though chia seeds and sabja seeds are considered the same, they look very different. Chia seeds and sabja seeds vary greatly in shape and color. Sabja seeds are tear shaped and jet black color whereas chia seeds are oval shaped and are mottle colored (specs of brown, black, gray and white). Sabja seeds are also bigger in size than chia seeds.

2. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Nutrition:

Chia seeds and sabja seeds vary slightly in nutrient profile with chia seeds containing slightly more fat and calories than sabja seeds. The protein content vary slightly and carbohydrate difference is very less. Other than that both are very rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and vitamin E.

3. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Origin:

Chia seeds are native to Central and Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Sabja seeds are native to India and originated initially from Africa and Asia. Chia seeds are getting popular only the past few years here in India.

4. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Price:

Chia seeds are expensive here in India when compared to sabja seeds. 100 grams of chia seeds costs around 120 rupees whereas 100 grams of sabja seeds costs around 40 rupees. I also would suggest buying chia seeds online and sabja seeds from local shops as they are much cheaper that way.

5. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Soaking Time, Taste & Water Absorption: 

Both chia seeds and sabja seeds taste bland and are great for adding to any recipe. But chia seeds takes time to swell up compared to sabja seeds which swell up within 5 minutes. For sabja seeds, pour hot boiling water on top and it will swell up within 10 minutes completely. Chia seeds takes time (at least an hour or two) to completely swell up, I generally add chia seeds to boiling milk and leave it in the fridge to swell and thicken for 2 to 3 hours.

6. Chia Seeds & Sabja seeds For Weight Loss:

Both chia seeds and sabja seeds can be included in a weight loss diet as both are rich in fiber and protein and keeps one satiated for a long time. I consume both sabja seeds and chia seeds regularly and in my personal opinion both keeps us fuller for long periods of time. It takes quite some time for me to feel hungry after consuming both. Though both are good for weight loss, chia seeds have more fat content and calories than sabja seeds so sabja seeds have a slight edge over chia seeds for weight loss.

7. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds For Hair:

Both chia and sabja seeds are great for hair growth as both are rich in protein, calcium and iron. Consuming nutrient rich foods like sabja seeds and chia seeds is the secret to glossy thick hair. The protein content varies only lightly between the two so you can pick either one if your goal is to get thick luscious hair.

8. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds For Skin:

Both chia seeds and sabja seeds are full of antioxidants. Both greatly help prevent premature ageing of the skin if had regularly as they help fight off free radicals which are the main reasons for premature ageing of the skin. Also sabja seeds have a cooling effect on the body and helps prevent heat boils during summer.

9. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds For Health:

Both chia seeds and sabja seeds have wonderful health benefits and they both are good for diabetic patients as they help reduce blood sugar levels and are heart friendly foods. Both are good sources of energy and since they both are rich in carbohydrates, they help relieve constipation. The only additional health benefit of sabja seeds is the cooling effect it has on our body and it is also a good remedy for acidity.

10. Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds Side Effects & Dosage:

Both chia seeds and sabja when had in moderation will not have any side effects but when had in excess will lead to bloating and due to the high amount of fiber will hinder mineral absorption. Whenever I consume sabja seeds or chia seeds I consume around 1 tbsp and if I go more than that I suffer from bloating so I would suggest not going above 1 tbsp.