Can I give my Baby Sabja Seeds?

By: Fabida Abdulla

Sabja seeds are those tiny jelly like balls in your lemonade. Since they’re so cooling, Moms often wonder: Can I give my Baby Sabja Seeds in summer?

Have you ever had lemonade with tiny little jelly balls floating in them? If so, in all likelihood what you saw were Sabja seeds! These tiny little ball like seeds are traditionally known to reduce body heat, which is why they’re so popular in summer.

Sabja seeds are seeds of the sweet basil plant which belongs to the Ocimum genus. Sweet Basil is different from Tulsi, also known as Holy basil.  These seeds are also known as Basil seeds, Sweet Basil seeds, Falooda seeds or Tukmaria seeds. They’re usually grown in tropical countries and have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for many years.

Sabja seeds have no unique taste of their own, but add an interesting texture to recipes where they’re used. They can be consumed after soaking them in water for few minutes. Sabja seeds are used to enhance the taste of the juices, beverages, mock tails, smoothies, ice creams, baked goods and other dishes. The pectin-rich gum from basil seeds is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in the food processing industry.

Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds are rich in fiber and various nutrients that help in proper functioning of the body.  It contains omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin, iron, calcium, magnesium and antioxidants.

• Helps in digestion
• Aids fat loss
• Works as a natural coolant
• Helps to relieve constipation
• Maintains gut health
• Controls blood sugar level
• Helps to maintain skin and hair health
• Builds strong bones
• Improves vision
• Reduces inflammation
• Lowers levels of bad cholesterol

Sabja seeds are excellent for keeping the body cool and preventing overheating, but they’re better suited for children over 1.5 years, due to their being a choking hazard. However, babies over 8 months can digest sabja seeds, so if you’d like to try it, you can introduce a very small quantity and see how baby takes it.

Soak 1 tablespoon of seeds in 1 cup (250 ml) of water for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the seeds have sufficient water to soak in. You’ll find that the seeds grow to almost three times their size. Strain the soaked seeds and feed your baby or use in recipes.

While not mandatory, it’s better to follow the 3-day rule to be on the safe side, and start with a small quantity in the beginning. If the baby displays symptoms like itchy rashes, abdominal pain, burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face or shortness of breath, he needs to be rushed to the doctor right away.

Sabja seeds are available in most Indian grocery stores, gourmet supermarkets and online stores. Be sure to store the seeds in a cool, dark place that’s not too humid. When stored properly, the seeds can last for up to three years, but do a periodic check to ensure they’re fresh.

Sabja Seeds Recipes for Kids

Sabja Lemonade from Blend with Spices

Watermelon Juice with Basil Seeds from Anns Little Corner

Pineapple Sabja Juice from Happie Trio

Oats Masala Chaas with Sabja Seeds from Veena’s Veg Nation

Homemade Falooda from Spice Up the Curry

Overnight Oats with Sabja Seeds from Sharmis Passions

Semiya Sabja Seeds Payasam from Jopreet’s Kitchen

Coconut Lime Basil Seed Pudding from The Flaming Vegan

Strawberry and Sabja Seeds Pudding from Better Butter

Source: https://www.mylittlemoppet.com/can-i-give-my-baby-sabja-seeds/

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