The Super Seed

By MiNDFOOD

The Super Seed
Tiny specks filled with health benefits, basil seeds are at last being noticed in the West.

Basil seeds are an ancient superfood from Asia and Africa, first brought to Greece by Alexander the Great in 300BC. For years, they have been used traditionally in Ayuverdic, Chinese and Arab medicine and now they are starting to get noticed in the West.

Also known as Thai basil seeds, falooda, subza and tukmaria, these tiny super seeds pack a powerful health punch. The herb itself is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol. It is a storehouse of different minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium and copper.

Basil seeds are a rich source of vitamins A and K, as well as being high in omega-3 and iron. They also have more dietary fibre per gram than chia seeds, and can be substituted for chia in recipes.

Basil seeds may help type 2 diabetics control their blood sugar. According to a 2016 study published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Journal, an oral intake of the liquid extract of basil seeds reversed elevated glucose levels and complications associated with diabetes such as liver function, immunosuppression and anaemia.

Try our Bean & Pea Salad with Basil & Nigella Seeds to get your intake today.

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