Summer is that time of year when the skin starts to crack due to dryness, the body becomes dehydrated and the need to moisturize the body over and over again is persistent. Now imagine that you are not just surviving the summer, but the weather of a desert. With the sand dunes and camels close by and not a single particle of water around, it becomes extremely difficult to keep rehydrating the body over and over again. Some of us have a desire to visit a desert – no wonder the world’s deserts have so much natural beauty to offer. In addition to the charm of living in a desert and having first-hand experience of what it’s like to survive that climate, it’s also important to make sure our health stays well when we’re travelling.

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Nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who continues to share important health-related information on her Instagram profile daily, addressed the issue of desert nutrition a few days ago. Pooja, who is currently traveling in the desert, shared her thoughts on how to keep our bodies hydrated in the hot, dry climate. Her choice for a desert cooler are basil seeds, also known as sabja seeds. Pooja, holding a glass of water with soaked sabja seeds, pointed out the health benefits of the seeds:

Replaces lost water – the scorching desert heat and dry weather make you sweat a lot. This, in turn, dehydrates the body. Sabja seeds – teardrop seeds – help to replace water and electrolytes lost in sweat.

Sunja seeds absorb water – These seeds absorb water four times their own weight, which helps in the formation of a gelatinous substance known as a hydrogel. This further helps in rehydrating the body.

Loaded with nutrients – Sunja seeds are loaded with nutrients. They are rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron, which helps in nourishing the body as well, in addition to just hydrating it.

Low stomach acid – Due to the dry climate and heat in the desert, stomach acid is often triggered. A cup of sabja seeds helps regulate stomach acid and keep it low.