Did you know that carom seeds, commonly known as ajwain, have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for their incredible health benefits? Despite their small size, these seeds pack a powerful punch in terms of health and flavor, making them a staple in many households. Today, we'll explore the emerging benefits and uses of carom seeds, highlighting why they deserve a prominent place in your kitchen and daily health routine.
What are Carom Seeds?
Carom seeds are perhaps native to Iran and Turkey, spread to India and used for cooking as well as medicinal purposes and belonged to the family Apiaceae. Slightly green to brown, these seeds have a very strong and bitter aroma. They taste the same like the strong aroma, these pungent and bitter seeds possess various nutrients that can be used for medicinal purposes. They are referred to as Bishop’s weed sometimes because of their seed-like appearance of fruit pods of Bishop’s Weed plant.
These seeds are rich in minerals, fibres, and vitamins along with antioxidants. The form of consuming them varies per person. Either you can chew them, or have them by adding them in a powdered form in water, the benefits of eating ajwain remain the same.
What are the Nutritious Factors of Carom Seeds?
Now you have understood that carom seeds are good for our bodies. Before diving into the carom seeds benefits, first, have a clear understanding of their nutritional value facts. Here are the facts per 100 grams of serving:
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Calories: 305
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Carbohydrates: 43 gm
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Fat: 25 gm
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Protein: 16 gm
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Sodium: 10 mg
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Fibre: 21.2%
What are 10 Surprising Benefits of Carom Seeds?
In ancient days, when medical science was not so much popular that of today, our ancestors used to believe in home remedies to alleviate various health problems. Carom seeds were one of the core ingredients of many home remedies that feature several benefits. Get to know the carom seeds benefits that once again prove that our ancestors were unbeatable.
Key Benefits of Carom Seeds
1. Helps in Improving Digestion
Carom seeds are great for your digestion. They have a compound called thymol that helps your stomach produce more digestive juices. This makes it easier to digest food and can help with problems like indigestion, bloating, acidity and gas. Adding ajwain to your diet can naturally improve your digestive health.
2. Helps Reduce Inflammation
The essential oils in carom seeds, especially thymol, have properties that can reduce inflammation. This can help relieve pain and swelling from conditions like arthritis and joint pain. Using carom seeds is a natural way to manage inflammation.
3. Fights Infections
Carom seeds have powerful properties that can fight off bacteria and fungi. This helps treat infections and keeps your mouth healthy. Eating them regularly can prevent bad breath and dental problems.
4. Supports Respiratory Health
Carom seeds help clear mucus, which is good for your lungs and breathing. They are often used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold. Inhaling steam from boiling carom seeds can help with stuffy noses.
5. Provides Pain Relief
Carom seeds can naturally relieve pain because they have pain-reducing properties. If you crush the seeds and make a paste, you can apply it to areas where you have pain, like a toothache, earache, or headache. Using ajwain this way can help you feel better quickly.
6. Aids in Weight Loss
Carom seeds can help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism and improving digestion. They make your body break down food faster, which stops fat from building up. Drinking ajwain water on an empty stomach can boost your weight loss efforts.
7. Eases Menstrual Cramps
Carom Seeds can help reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort. It has properties that relax the muscles of the uterus, which helps to lessen pain and spasms during periods. Using carom seeds can make menstruation more comfortable.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Regularly eating carom seeds can help control blood pressure. The thymol in ajwain works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, which helps keep your heart healthy.
9. Detoxifies the Body
Carom seeds help cleanse your body by removing toxins. They improve liver function and help get rid of waste products, which boosts your overall health. Ajwain provides a gentle way to detoxify your system.
10. Improves Skin Health
Carom seeds have natural properties that fight bacteria and fungi, making them good for treating skin problems. You can use a paste made from ajwain seeds to help with acne, eczema, and fungal infections. This helps keep your skin healthy and clear.
Uses of Carom Seeds in Daily Life
1. Culinary Uses
Carom seeds are often used in Indian cooking. They add a special flavor to curries, breads, and pickles. Toasting the seeds makes them taste even better, making them a great addition to many dishes. Their unique taste and smell make them a versatile spice in many traditional recipes.
2. Ajwain Water
Ajwain water is an easy and effective way to help with digestion. Just boil a teaspoon of carom seeds in a glass of water, strain it, and drink it on an empty stomach. This simple drink can reduce bloating, relieve indigestion, and boost your metabolism, helping with weight loss.
3. Herbal Tea
Carom seed tea is great for respiratory problems. Just boil a teaspoon of seeds in water, strain it, and add honey for a soothing drink. This tea can help clear nasal congestion and soothe your throat, making you feel better during a cold.
4. Massage Oil
Infusing carom seeds in oil makes a powerful massage oil that can ease joint and muscle pain. Warm the oil before using it on the sore area for the best results. This natural remedy helps reduce inflammation and relieves aches and pains.
5. Mouthwash
A mouthwash made from ajwain can keep your mouth healthy. Just boil the seeds in water, let it cool, and use it to rinse your mouth. This helps fight bad breath and infections. Ajwain's antimicrobial properties keep your mouth fresh and free from harmful bacteria.
Practical Tips for Using Carom Seeds
1. Incorporate Into Meals
Add carom seeds to your daily meals to enjoy their digestive benefits. Sprinkle them on bread dough, add them to soups, or use them as a seasoning for vegetables. This simple addition not only enhances flavor but also promotes better digestion.
2. Make Ajwain Water
Start your day with ajwain water to boost digestion and metabolism. Boil a teaspoon of carom seeds in a glass of water, strain it, and drink it on an empty stomach. This habit can aid in weight loss, improve overall digestive health, and help flush out toxins.
3. Use in Baking
Ajwain can be used in baking, especially in breads and crackers. Its unique flavor enhances the taste and adds a healthy touch to your baked goods. The seeds provide a pleasant crunch and a burst of flavor, making your baked items more enjoyable and nutritious.
4. Create a Health Tonic
Combine carom seeds with other herbs like ginger and turmeric to make a health tonic. This mixture can boost your immune system and provide relief from common ailments. A daily dose of this tonic can help maintain overall health and prevent various illnesses.
5. DIY Remedies
Utilize carom seeds in DIY remedies for common health issues. They can be used to treat sore throats, stomach aches, and other minor ailments. Making simple home remedies with carom seeds can provide quick and safe relief from these problems. For example, chewing a few seeds can ease a sore throat, while drinking ajwain water can soothe a stomach ache.
By integrating these practical tips into your routine, you can fully experience the multitude of benefits carom seeds have to offer. From culinary delights to health remedies, ajwain is a versatile and valuable addition to any lifestyle.
Conclusion
Carom seeds is a common spice that one can find on kitchen shelves. This intensely aromatic substance can bring spice to recipes like Pakora, dals, and others. Apart from that, these seeds are also used in trivial restless health problems such as bloating, stomach issues, and indigestion. Believe in your Grandmom’s remedies, and embrace the carom seeds, mostly after your meals. Ditch those handy digestive enzyme tablets and follow our ancestors to win several health benefits that they were getting with their incomparable knowledge!
