Opinion | Babrie Byool (Basil Seed) Drink – A must in Ramadan

Every edible has unique and different nutrient values. Our body needs all the essential components of food, like minerals, fats, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and water. Every food has its own importance in terms of its composition. Our body needs a balanced diet for its proper and normal functioning, like we have to consume all the basic components of food for proper growth and wellbeing. At the same time, Muslims across the world are practicing fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan (Ramzan in Arabic). The fasting starts with dawn and ends with dust. Muslims have faith and believe that fasting cleans our bodies and purifies and bestows spirituality on the soul. During Ramadan, only two meals are done: one at Sehri and one at Iftar. In between Sehri and Iftar, all food items are prohibited. Charity is given to needy people, and prayers are being performed by all the Muslims throughout the world during this holy month of Ramadan. Muslims are fond of different dishes that are prepared at the time of iftar and Sehri. Now today I am going to enlighten you on the few benefits of basil seeds, commonly known as “babry byool” in Kashmiri. Babrie Byool is loaded with proteins, minerals, etc. Many people don’t get adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium; basil seeds could help them get these essential minerals. Basil seeds help to clean our stomach and gut due to the presence of fibers in them. Basil seeds may lower your cholesterol by inhibiting its absorption in your gut. Basil seeds are rich in plant products like polyphenols and flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that protect your cells from damage by free radicals. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Preparation of basil seeds is very easy; basil seeds are soaked in water for 30 minutes, then some sugar, coconut, and milk are added for flavor. It will keep you hydrated and fill your stomach for a long period of time.

– The writer is a resident of Raiyar-ich, Budgam. He can be reached at sahilmanzoor0401@gmail.com