Summer is making a huge comeback in the city. Although everyone else is grabbing for freshly squeezed juices and cold beverages, actress Karishma Tanna Bangera prefers a glass of water with sabja seeds mixed in. The -year-old took to Instagram to reveal that she drinks this infused water “throughout the day” since it is high in fibre and for “healthy stomach, hydration.”
Sabja seeds are regarded as a superfood due to their high nutritious content. The time it takes to soak up water and swell up is what distinguishes it from chia seeds. Dietician Vidhi Chawla outlines the distinctions between the seeds:
Unlike chia seeds, which take time to absorb water, soaked sabja seeds expand instantly. Chia seeds sink to the bottom of the glass, giving it a gel-like look. Sabja seeds are spherical, but Chia seeds are oval and somewhat bigger than Sabja.
Malika Singh, Certified Integrative Nutritionist & Health Coach, describes it as a powerhouse, saying, “They may carry a punch when added to your diet.” Sabja seeds are a strong source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are low in calories and high in fibre. They are rich in minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins C and folates, making them nothing short of miraculous seeds.
To reap the most advantages from this healthy drink, drink it first thing in the morning. They’re also great for keeping cool in the summer heat. While it is helpful to drink this cocktail on a regular basis, Chawla suggests adding some diversity to the mix after a time. “Take a vacation from sabja water and experiment with various seeds in your water.”
How to Make This Cocktail
Soak two tablespoons of sabja seeds for 20 minutes to an hour in a glass of water. Let the seeds swell. You may flavour the water with lemon juice and sugar, or add the soaked seeds to smoothies. Instead, you can sip this beverage throughout the day.
Skin and hair
According to Chawla, sabja seeds are a natural source of protein that aids in the development of bones and muscles. These seeds, which are beneficial to the skin, can encourage the formation of enzymes, hormones, and other biological compounds for enhanced body functioning,” she says.
Together with the benefits to your general health, Singh claims that consuming these small seeds on a daily basis is beneficial to your hair. “They can help prevent hair fall, and boost volume, and growth,” she adds. These seeds, when crushed into a powder, may be blended with any oil and applied to your hair for beautiful long locks.”
To lose weight
According to Chawla, Sabja seeds are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is formed from the seeds’ high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. “These acids help to enhance the body’s fat-burning metabolism.” Sabja seeds swell and release digestive enzymes when soaked in water. These digestive enzymes, when ingested, help to reduce your appetite and unwanted cravings. It’s also high in fibre, which keeps you fuller for longer and helps you avoid cravings.”
A glass of this water will satisfy your appetite, and the protein content of the seeds will keep you full for a long time. Sabja seeds are frequently used as an excellent weight-loss supplement.
Sabja seeds can be eaten as a pre-meal snack or mixed with yoghurt or sprinkled on a fruit salad. According to Singh, because sabja seeds are high in soluble fibre, they help regulate bowel movement, ease constipation, and even lower acidity and bloating.
Adverse consequences
Everything in excess is bad, and while drinking sabja-flavoured water has numerous benefits, it can also have undesirable side effects. “Excessive usage of sabja seeds has been known to cause diarrhoea, stomach pain, and decreased appetite,” Singh explains.
When used in excess, Sabja water can cause vomiting, nausea, acne, acid reflux, and headaches in certain people. “In rare cases, it can also induce low blood sugar.” According to Chawla, it is best not to add more than two tablespoons of soaked sabja seeds.
How to Consume Sabja Water
Sabja seeds are typically consumed with falooda, a traditional dessert made with rose milk and fresh fruits such as apples, grapes, chikoo, banana, mango, and dry fruits.
While it is a treat, milk and ice cream are abundant in calcium, phosphorus, and protein, making it a nutritious and healthful drink. Fresh fruits are abundant in vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
These may be included into a daily green apple celery kale drink to increase immunity.
