Basil Seeds Vs Chia Seeds — 8 ways of comparison (2022)

Since traditional times basil seeds and chia seeds have been used to improve health and fix ailments. With both looking almost the same and having similar health benefits, it’s normal to get confused while buying them at the grocery store.

While they may look similar, the two seeds have different nutritional value, different ways of consumption, flavor, and origin among other things.

What are these differences and is one better for you — we’ll discuss all this in this article. So, stay tuned!

Basil Seeds Vs Chia seeds - Here’s Everything You Need To Know

1. Where Basil Seeds and Chia Seeds Come From

Chia seeds are known to be a staple in the ancient Mayan and Aztec diets. They are native to Central America (Guatemala) and Mexico (central and southern). 

Born to the flowering plant Salvia hispanica (mint family), they are also famous by the names Mexican Chia or Selba chia.

In the Mayan language, the word ‘Chia’ means strength and it is named so because it was an energy-giving food for the Mayan warriors.

Basil seeds come from tropical regions of Southeast Asia (including India) and Central Africa. Born to the flowering plant Ocimum basilicum (also known as sweet basil or Thai basil of the mint family), they are also popular as Sabja seeds or sweet basil seeds.

Since both these seeds come from plants belonging to the mint family, we can understand why they look similar and are often confused to be the same. 

2. How Basil Seeds and Chia Seeds Look

Chia seeds are oval and have a mix of colors - black, gray, brown, or white. 

Sabja seeds, on the other hand, are more elliptical (somewhat like rice). They are smaller than chia seeds and have a pitch black color. 

3. How Basil Seeds and Chia seeds Are Eaten

Basil and Chia seeds are usually soaked in water before consumption.

One can also consume raw chia seeds. However, basil seeds can be hard to chew and thus digest, so they need to be soaked before.

Basil seeds only take a few minutes to swell in water, while chia seeds may take at least 30 to 40 minutes. 

4. What’s In There For Your Taste Buds

Basil (or Sabja) seeds have a mild flavor alongside hints of the herb basil that we all know is highly delicious on its own. 

These seeds can be sweet if they come from the Thai basil plant.

Due to their mild flavor, it’s better to check whether the food you are adding basil seeds to, actually compliments them. 

Chia seeds, on the other hand, are bland and almost tasteless. They blend in with whatever food or drink you add them to. 

5. How Basil Seeds and Chia Seeds Enrich Your Food & Drinks

Chia seeds can absorb water that's ten times their weight. With such absorption, these tiny seeds become a great binding agent that can be a perfect plant-based alternative to eggs when baking.

You can also use chia seeds raw by sprinkling them on salads and smoothies. The one thing you must try is chia pudding. 

You can try a variety of them, but the simplest way to make them is by soaking chia seeds overnight in some plant-based milk (like almond milk). By morning you will have a fulfilling breakfast ready to eat and bless your stomach. 

You could also add honey, some fruit, or coconut sugar if you like it sweet. Remember, chia seeds are bland in taste, so you can add any ingredient as long as the other ingredients complement each other.

Basil seeds are also used similarly. You can make basil seed puddings, Faloodas, lemonade, and porridge, plus even use them in baking.

Since they have a little flavor, basil seeds are not as easy to add to foods as chia seeds are. So, if we were to appoint a winner in the game of basil seeds vs chia seeds, chia seeds would win this round.

6. What’s Inside Basil Seeds and Chia Seeds

Now that you know how to enjoy basil and chia seeds in your food and drinks, you must know what’s inside them — their nutritional value. 

One tablespoon of basil seeds and chia seeds contains (1, 2)

When compared, you can see chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer carbs. So, it’s great if you are on a keto diet. (3) 

Basil seeds, however, have more fiber and less fat, so they are great for digestion and reducing appetite. 

Along with these, the two types of seeds are also rich in calcium, magnesium, and other electrolytes that are necessary for our body’s functioning. Having chia or basil seeds regularly can thus help you maintain electrolyte balance and avoid conditions like dehydration, low blood pressure, and many others.

7. Health Benefits of Basil Seeds and Chia Seeds comparison

Apart from what’s mentioned above, both chia and basil seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients and thus have many benefits.

For instance, basil seeds have anti-inflammatory properties which help in maintaining your heart health, and reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.

The high amount of fiber in it helps support your gut health, improves cholesterol levels, and also makes you crave less unhealthy food by keeping you full. In addition, they contain alpha-linolenic acid, which promotes fat burning in the body. Thus, chia seeds help you lose weight. (4, 5)

Chia seeds, on the other hand, have great amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that help produce energy in the body. 

They too help in weight loss by decreasing liver fat and keeping you full for longer thanks to the healthy fats and protein they contain. Studies suggest chia seeds also help manage diabetes. (6, 7, 8)

8. Pricing comparison between Chia Seeds and Basil Seeds

Be it offline or online, basil seeds are not as accessible as chia seeds. 

When it comes to the pricing of these seeds, you need to know that it depends on the quality of the produce. Good quality organic chia seeds may cost anywhere between INR 90 to 200. And basil seeds of the same quantity and quality often cost in the range of INR 100 to 250.

Chia Seeds vs Basil Seeds — The Comparison Table

So, Who Wins In The Game Of Basil Seeds vs Chia Seeds? 

It depends. 

If you want an ingredient that easily blends with most foods and drinks, choose chia.

If you like something flavorful, choose basil seeds.

If you want something that’s easily accessible and inexpensive, choose chia seeds.

If you want something that absorbs water quickly, thus saving you time, choose basil seeds.

But if you want to improve your overall health, choose both. That’s right! You can incorporate both individually in your meals, so you get all the therapeutic and health benefits you can.

Choosing both and using them the right way will also help you decide for yourself, who is your winner between basil seeds vs chia seeds.

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