There was recently a very interesting discussion taking place amongst my staff in the office. Wellness in particularly health-conscious, and was showing the girls her breakfast: a mix of grated apples, goji berries, oats, cinnamon, honey and something they had never seen before - Chia seeds.
This sparked an interesting question– were these the same as the Sabja seeds that are used traditionally in Indian culture?
They decided to explore the issue….
Leigh brought in her Chia seeds, and the girls purchased some Sabja seeds from Gorima’s. They are almost identical in colour, yet the Sabja seeds are drastically cheaper than the Chia.
Both are meant to be mixed with water, causing them to soften and swell.
The girls prepared the two sets of seeds and waited to see if they would deliver the same result.
As the photos below show: NO, they are not the same!!
The Sabja seed swelled considerably quicker and larger, and underwent a drastic change in colour to a pale purple. The Chia seed took longer to swell, did not reach the same consistency, and remained the same shades of reds and browns.
Whilst it turns out that these almost identical looking seeds are very different, they each have their own set of unique benefits to offer the user.
The Chia Seed
- Described as one of nature’s superfoods, these little gems swell to keep keep you feeling fuller for longer, whilst remaining low in calories, and can be adapted in flavour.
- The gelling of the seeds as well as their combination of soluble and insoluble fibre slow the conversions of starches into sugars when eaten. This means it will help to stabilize blood sugars.
- The swelling and gelling of the seeds also helps with digestion through the colon.
- Chia seeds are the richest plant source of heart-healthy Omega 3’s.
- They are also the richest plant source of complete protein
- They are packed with anit-oxidants, great for banishing free radicals
- By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also contains minerals like magnesium and boron, that are essential in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins.
The Sabja Seed
- They are also good aids for digestion, especially in the hotter climates
-Since they are similar in texture to the Chia seeds, they also assistin controlling the appetite and regulating blood sugar levels
- Sabja seeds are the best known substance to reduce body temperature
- They are also oddly rumoured to be a safe way to postpone your menstrual cycle
Interesting facts:
They are used for their medicinal properties in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India.
They are also known as sabza, subza, takmaria, tukmaria, selasih.
They are used to make a traditional Indian drink called Falooda or Faluda, mixed with rose syrup and milk or water.
The verdict? Two strangely similar seeds, each with their own, unique health benefits. Not to be confused!
(Leigh now mixes both into her breakfast bowl to get the benefits of both at half the price!)
