Basil Seeds Vs Chia Seeds – A Complete Comparison

Basil seeds and chia seeds have both been in the spotlight recently, mainly due to the claim that they act as effective weight-loss aids when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion between the two, with some people even thinking they are the same.

There are many critical differences between basil and chia seeds; it’s a good idea to get the low-down on both food products before committing to buy.

Basil Seeds Vs Chia Seeds: The Key Differences

• • They’re from different parts of the world.
  • They’re consumed differently. This is a significant difference. Basil seeds cannot be eaten without preparation. They must be soaked in water for at least a couple of hours. However, chia seeds can be consumed raw and soaked, depending on how you want to use them.
• Appearance. The seeds look pretty different when you compare them. Basil seeds are black, tiny and round. Chia seeds are a little bit larger and more oval and come in various colours, including grey, brown, white and black.
• Nutritional content. Both seeds offer certain dietary benefits, but it’s generally thought that chia seeds are ‘better’ for you; as they contain antioxidants, fibre, calcium, protein and many other vital minerals. However, basil seeds have plenty of iron.
• Benefits to the body. Chia seeds help to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the body. Studies on animals also indicate that they help lower cholesterol and promote improved cardiovascular health. Basil seeds, however, function well as a diuretic and aid digestion. The richness of the iron in basil seeds also helps enhance the quality of blood.
• Price. Basil seeds are hard to find and, therefore, more expensive than chia seeds.

Are They Any Good for Weight Loss?

Many dieters are interested in basil and chia seeds’ weight loss benefits. Both are repeatedly linked online with dieting articles, with many promising miracle results.

Whilst neither of these seeds will produce sudden, effortless weight loss. However, both can be an effective aid to support your efforts to lose excess pounds. The main dieting benefit of the seeds is their ability to help you feel more easily sated after eating. In simple terms, they help to fill you up, thus helping you to avoid snacking throughout the day!

When added to water, chia and basil seeds swell considerably, which helps to fill the stomach and keep your body hydrated. However, it’s important to note that they are not a substitute for healthy eating. You’ll also need to ensure that you enjoy a balanced diet to get the most from your basil or chia seeds.