Carom seeds or caraway seeds or ajwain, as we know it, has been a common spice in Indian kitchen cabinets for ages. From being added to doughs, sabzis and curries, these tiny seeds with a grassy flavour come from the plant known as bishop’s weed. The plant’s oval-shaped seeds, are also added to capsules, powders and medicinal solutions. Listed below is a dive into six important reasons for consuming ajwain, as a spice in your diet for good health.
Digestive Aid
Carom seeds are commonly used to aid digestion. They contain an essential oil called thymol, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, thereby improving digestion and reducing indigestion, bloating, and flatulence. Carom seeds also have alkaline properties that can help neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from acidity and heartburn.
Respiratory Health
The essential oil in carom seeds possesses antimicrobial properties, making it effective against respiratory infections like coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. Inhaling steam with carom seeds can help clear congestion and provide relief. The smoke from burning carom seeds acts as a bronchodilator, that is effective in easing breathing patterns.
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Blood Pressure Regulation
Carom seeds contain high levels of dietary fibre and certain minerals, such as potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure levels and maintain cardiovascular health. The active plant enzyme, known as thymol, works as an aid to be a calcium channel blocker – which averts the calcium from entering the blood vessels, therefore relaxing and expanding them. According to Ayurveda, carom seeds also exhibit hypertensive properties that work well to control blood pressure systems.
Skin Health
The antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties of carom seeds make them beneficial for maintaining skin health. They can be used topically to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and fungal infections. Carom seeds contain essential oils and up to 50% thymol, which is a strong germicide and fungicide.
Enhances Metabolism
Carom seeds are known to enhance metabolism and improve digestion, which can aid in weight loss efforts. They can also help reduce cravings and suppress appetite. Due to their carminative properties, carom seeds can help relieve colic pain in infants and reduce gas and bloating in adults. Consuming a mixture of carom seeds and water can provide relief. These seeds enhance the activity of digestive enzymes that metabolise glucose, fat and carbohydrates.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Carom seeds contain compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. They may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and joint pain. The gamma-terpinene present in carom seeds helps in treating peptic ulcers, diabetes and reduce blood-pressure and cholesterol levels.