Chia Seeds vs Basil Seeds



Basil seeds and chia seeds have been around for years but have recently gained popularity. We can see a lot of people consuming these seeds nowadays while they’re on a fitness journey especially to aid weight loss. These seeds have made their place in the world of health. Both chia and basil seeds have a similar color and texture which is why they are often mistaken as one another and sometimes used interchangeably. Few people also think of them as the same seeds. It may be sometimes a little difficult to understand the difference between the two by just looking at them which is why we at Himalayan Natives have brought together some points that may help you understand the difference between the two seeds. 

Chia seeds vs Basil seeds

It is a good practice to understand what to eat, how to eat, why to eat, and when to eat, to get the best from all the foods we consume. Someone has rightly said, “We cannot control a lot of things but we have control over what goes into our body”.

• Chia seeds are derived from a plant called Salvia Hispanica while basil seeds are derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant.

• These seeds might look very similar at the first glance however on a closer look you will be able to see the difference in their color as well as their texture. Basil seeds are tiny, black-colored, rounded seeds carrying a mild flavor of basil. Whereas, chia seeds are oval in shape and larger in size often found in grey, brown-white, and black color.

• It might still be confusing for some. In that case, you can soak them in water and that will surely help you differentiate between the two. Chia seeds when soaked in water take time to absorb the water and tend to swell up ten times their size. They are often soaked overnight for better results. Basil seeds on the contrary don't require much time to swell up when soaked in water. It often forms a cover outside its seeds and appears way larger compared to chia seeds.

• Chia seeds and basil seeds can also be differentiated from the way they taste. Both these seeds do not have a peculiar flavor. While chia seeds are completely bland when you eat basil seeds you experience a mild basil flavor since it is found in sweet basil plants.

• It is preferable to eat both these seeds once they’re soaked in water, however, chia seeds can be consumed even raw. This is not true for basil seeds. It should not be consumed raw.

Now that we understand the basic difference between chia seeds and basil seeds it is also important to know the benefits that these seeds have to offer.

Chia Seeds Benefits

1. It is organically low in carbs and contains high fiber which helps our body with digestion and keeps our body away from any digestive ailments.
2. Chia seeds help in regularizing blood sugar levels.
3. Provides our body with a high source of omega 3 and protein and helps in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. It contains calcium which helps in strengthening our bones.
5. The dietary fiber present in chia seeds helps to control unhealthy eating habits and helps in weight loss.

Basil seeds benefits

1. It helps to flush out toxins in our body and is considered to be good for digestion.
2. It provides our body with a good amount of iron and vitamins which promotes good skin and hair.
3. It helps to cleanse and detoxify the blood in our body which helps in better functioning of the body.
4. Basil seeds aid in weight loss because of their soluble fermentable fiber and keep the body full for longer. 

For in-depth knowledge about basil seeds, you can check out our blog on   Basil seeds- Big in nutrition, small in size.

Just like there is no particular answer to weight loss we cannot say which one of these seeds is better. They are both healthy and nutritious. It is for you to decide which seeds seem more useful to you.