What Are Carom Seeds (Ajwain)?
Ajwain is small, oval-shaped seeds with a very distinct, slightly bitter taste. They fall under the scientific name of Trachyspermum ammi. The seeds smell like thyme and have a pungent, biting taste which makes them ideal for flavoring food as well as home remedies. Carom seeds are on tiny plants that are part of the celery and carrot family. They have been relied upon by Indians, Pakistanis, and other South Asians for food as well as medicine for centuries now.
Nutritional Profile of Carom Seeds
The carom seeds nutrition profile is very impressive, given what those tiny seeds pack. Here's what you get in a single tablespoon (which is roughly 6 grams) of carom seeds:
- Calories: 16
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Fat: 0.9 grams
- Carbs: 2.4 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Calcium: 56 mg
- Iron: 1.6 mg
- Phosphorus: 30 mg
They also contain vitamins like niacin, thiamine, and
vitamin C. They contain natural oils that are accountable for their strong odor and medicinal properties. They are also fiber-rich, which is beneficial for the digestive system.
Health Benefits of Carom Seeds
Support to Digestive Health
- Carom seeds for digestion are excellent as they have natural ingredients that help break down food. When you consume carom seeds, they trigger digestive juices in your stomach. Your body is able to digest the food and absorb the nutrients in it.
- Carom seeds for bloating act fast as they enable movement of gas in your digestive system. Individuals chew some pinches of the seeds immediately after meals so that they never become full or bloated.
Gas and Acidity Relief
- Carom seeds for gas is a popular home remedy that really does work. Carom seeds have thymol, a natural substance that is a muscle relaxant in your body. This enables trapped gas to easily escape from your body.
- Carom seeds for acidity alleviate by decreasing the quantity of acid your stomach produces. They also assist in balancing excess acid already secreted, providing you relief from heartburn as well as stomach pain.
Weight Management
- Carom seeds for weight loss will assist you if you can incorporate them into a diet and physical training. The seeds increase your metabolism level, and that is, your body eliminates calories more quickly. The seeds also keep you full, so you consume fewer calories in a day.
- Fiber in carom seeds reduces blood sugar, and that is, reduces the craving for fatty and sweet foods.
Respiratory Benefits
Carom seeds for cough provide relief from the natural congestion in your chest and throat soreness. Anti-inflammatory compounds in the seeds relax the inflammation in your breathing passage. Carom seeds are taken by most through boiling the seeds in water and consuming it warm to relieve the symptoms of cough.
Other Health Benefits
Ajwain water benefits include improved hydration and de-toxification. If you soak overnight in water carom seeds and have it the next morning, it de-toxifies your body and improves kidney functioning. Carom seeds also possess antibacterial properties that fight infection. Carom seeds can be employed to minimize inflammation in your body and lower blood pressure.
Common Uses of Carom Seeds
In Cooking
Ajwain seeds uses in cooking include:
- Application in dough for added flavor and digestion
- Use as sprinkling on vegetables for frying
- Use in dal and curry preparations
- Use in pickle recipes
For Health Remedies
- Masticate raw seeds after meals for digestion
- Create ajwain water benefits by soaking seeds overnight in water
- Prepare carom seeds tea to cure cough
- Mix with honey for sore throat
External Uses
Carom seeds oil is used on the skin to cure aches in muscles and joints. It is also used by some people in the form of a treatment for slight cuts and injuries because of its antibacterial properties.
How to Use Carom Seeds?
For Digestive Disorders
- Chew 1/2 teaspoon raw seeds with water post-dinner
- Take ajwain water by soaking 1 teaspoon seeds in one glass of water overnight
- Make carom seeds tea by boiling 1/2 tsp seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes
For Weight Loss
- Consume 1/2 tsp carom seeds for weight loss with lukewarm water on an empty stomach daily
- Add crushed seeds to your normal green tea
For Cough and Cold
- Boil seeds in water and take in steam
- Add crushed seeds to honey and consume in small quantities throughout the day
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
Although carom seeds benefits are in plenty, it's also very important to know about carom seeds side effects. Anybody can use the seeds safely, but others fall sick.
Common Side Effects
- Carom seeds side effects may include:
- Stomach upset when taken in excess
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin allergy in sensitive people
- Headaches in certain consumers
Special Precautions
Carom seeds in pregnancy have to be taken with caution. Pregnant women have to see their gynecologist before they start the usual consumption of these seeds, as they induce contractions. They can be taken in small quantities with food, but not medicinally. Those who are suffering from liver diseases have to be cautious because carom seeds affect the functions of the liver. Anticoagulant drug consumers also have to meet their doctor beforehand.
Safe Dosage
- For adults: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day is safe enough
- For children: Pinches, but small, to food
- Begin with small amounts and find out how your body responds
Conclusion
Carom seeds are a simple and direct solution to enhance your digestive health and well-being. Carom seeds benefits include carom seeds for bloating, carom seeds for gas, and carom seeds for acidity. Mix them in food, drink carom seeds tea, or consume ajwain water, these small seeds can revolutionize everything about yourself.
Keep in mind not to begin in large quantities but rather start slowly and build up. Carom seeds side effects are typically minimal, but always best to heed one's body and speak to a health worker if one is apprehensive, particularly about carom seeds in pregnancy. Understanding carom seeds nutrition and ajwain seeds uses helps you make the most of these powerful tiny seeds.
Please book an appointment with the
Best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through
InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease