Basil seeds aren’t just for growing basil plants — you can also eat them. They look similar to sesame seeds but are black. The type that you eat typically comes from sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, which is the plant commonly used to season foods. For this reason, the seeds are typically referred to as sweet basil seeds. They also go by many other names, including sabja and tukmaria seeds. Basil seeds have a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, but their health effects have only been tested in a few studies.

Here are 12 fascinating benefits and uses of basil seeds:

1. Good Source of Minerals
2. Helps you meet your fiber quota
3. May support gut health
4. May help you feel full
5. May aid blood sugar control
6. May improve cholesterol
7. Flavorless Thickener and Stabilizer
8. Rich in Plant Compounds
9. Fun and Fibrous Beverage Ingredient
10. Plant Source of Omega-3 Fat
11. Great Alternative to Chia Seeds
12. Easy to Use

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