Basil Seeds Lime Cooler

If you are a fan of Falooda, you must be familiar with basil seeds. In India, basil seeds are commonly used in faloodas. They are also known by the names Tukmaria / Falooda Seeds / Sabja Seeds. Never did I know, that it had so many health benefits. If you are living in the America / Australia then I am sure you must be familiar with Chia Seeds. Chia Seeds and Basil Seeds are not the same but they are very similar when it comes to benefits. You can call them "cousins". Chia seeds are difficult to find in Asia / South East Asia / Middle East. Basil seeds are more common in these places.You can find these seeds in supermarkets / grocery shops.

Sweet basil seeds when soaked in water quickly absorbs water, swells and forms a jelly like structure. These can be used in coolers, smoothies or desserts. It is rich in fiber, helps digestion and above all helps in weight loss. It acts as a coolant for the body. It supposedly have antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.It is also called the athletes drink. Basil seeds are rich in essentail fatty acids, fibre and minerals and if you cannot find basil seeds substitute it with Chia seeds. 

INGREDIENTS

Basil seeds/ Falooda Seeds - 1 tsp
Water - 2 cups + 1/2 cup
Lime - juice of 1 1/2 medium size lime
Honey - 4 tbsp or as per sweetness required
Sliced lemon pieces for garnish
Ice cubes

METHOD
Wash and soak basil seeds in half cup water. Leave it for 1/2 hour.
In a pitcher combine the water, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, soaked basil seeds, ice cubes and stir.
Serve in glasses. Top with more ice and place a slice of lime on the glass rim. Serve.

Tips:
If you are not living in any Asian countries substitute basil seeds with Chia seeds.
You can add Nannari dravakam to this cooler. Add 2 tsp.
The amount of basil seeds used can be increased.