What is the Difference Between Chia and Basil Seeds

The main difference between chia and basil seeds is that chia seeds can be eaten raw, while basil seeds need to be soaked in water for few hours before use.

 Chia seeds and basil seeds are very nutritious and are known for their great health benefits. They are in various nutrients and can help to boost immunity and promote weight loss. Although some consider both chia and basil seeds to be the same, this is not correct. These are two distinct types of seeds. Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica while basil seeds come from the plant Ocimum basilicum.

Key Terms Covered

1. What are Chia Seeds
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Basil Seeds
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Chia and Basil Seeds
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Basil Seeds, Chia Seeds

What are Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are the edible seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica, which is a flowering plant in the sage family. Chia seeds have a diameter around 2 millimetres and are oval in shape. They are grey in colour with black and white spots. These seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. When soaked, they develop a thick and gluey coating having a gel texture.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw and soaked. You can mix them in smoothies, energy bars, yoghurt, breakfast cereals, etc. You can also sprinkle or grind them on top of other foods. Chia seeds have several health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, fibre, proteins, and calcium. They can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Chia seeds are also considered to help with weight loss.

What are Basil Seeds

Basil seeds are edible seeds that come from the basil plant. They look like sesame seeds but are black in colour. These seeds are very small compared to chia seeds. Basil seeds usually come from sweet basil Ocimum basilicum. Basil seeds are not very easy to find and are comparatively more expensive than chia seeds.

You cannot eat basil seeds raw. You have to soak them in water for a few hours. Like chia seeds, basil seeds are also considered to help in weight loss. In addition, they act as a diuretic and aid digestion. Basil seeds are also rich in iron and help to improve the quality of blood.

Difference Between Chia and Basil Seeds

Definition

Chia seeds are the edible seeds of the plant Salvia hispanica while basil seeds are edible seeds that come from the basil plant Ocimum basilicum.

Appearance

Chia seeds are oval in shape and have a variety of colours like white, black and grey while basil seeds are black, smaller and round in shape.

Consumption

Chia seeds can be eaten raw or soaked, while basil seeds need to be soaked in water for few hours before use.

Price

Moreover, basil seeds tend to be more expensive than chia seeds.

Nutrients

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, fibre, proteins, calcium, and some other major nutrients while basil seeds are rich in fibre, minerals, and iron.

Conclusion

Chia seeds are oval in shape and have a variety of colours like white, black and grey while basil seeds are black, smaller and round in shape. Chia seeds can be eaten raw or soaked, while basil seeds need to be soaked in water for few hours before use. Thus, these are the main differences between chia and basil seeds.

Reference:

1. “Chia Seed.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Dec. 2020, Available here.
2. McCulloch, Marsha. “12 Benefits and Uses of Basil Seeds (Sabja Seeds, Tukmaria).” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Mar. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “4016352” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Basil seeds” By Marjeeva – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia