Mustard Seeds Benefits: The

Small Spice With Big

Health Benefits

Quick Summary

The cooling properties and effect on hydration during hot weather have given sabja seeds (also known as basil seeds) an important traditional role in the Indian diet. In contrast to mustard seeds' stimulating effect on digestion through warmth and pungency, sabja seeds are known for their calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and for regulating body temperature. 

Deep Dive

Historically, tiny seeds have been an important part of Indian foods, but few have been as misunderstood as sabja. It has often been mistaken for mustard seed or chia seeds; however, it occupies a unique place in the nutritional and functional categories of cooling, hydration, and digestive regulation. Sabja seeds provide the opposite reaction as compared to mustard seeds, which provide heat, pungency, and stimulation; therefore, sabja seeds have been used to create summer foods and beverages that help cool rather than excite the body.