Contributed by Harleen Kaur
Introduction
One of the most popular spices in Indian cooking is carom seeds, which come from the herb Trachyspermum Ammi. Carom seeds also referred to as Ajwain can range in colour from green to brown. Carom seeds are used in the tadkas of dal, curries, and pickles in India. You can benefit greatly from the use of these seeds to treat digestive system-related issues.
Carom seeds are used in cuisines for their flavour and aroma, and they are sometimes roasted first. Carom seeds are very nutrient-dense thanks to their abundance of fibre, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals. As a result, they have a history of being consumed for numerous health benefits and have long been a part of Indian traditional medicine.
Here we are helping you with 5 benefits of carom seeds that you should know about:
Relieves indigestion
If you want an excellent natural solution for digestive issues, consume carom seeds. The active enzyme of carom seeds aid in improving digestive issues by enhancing the secretion of gastric juices which provides relief from acidity and indigestion. It is a proven fact that if you consume Ajwain with a pinch of black salt and warm water, it delivers instant relief from acidity and stomach pain.
It is advised to consume carom seeds in adequate quantities, otherwise, over-consumption can cause stomach ulcers and heartburns leading to dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Maintains blood pressure levels
High blood pressure, sometimes known as hypertension, is a common condition. Your chances of developing heart disease and stroke increase by high blood pressure. Research indicates that carom seeds may help decrease blood pressure and include thymol, which may play a role in preventing calcium from entering your heart’s blood vessels. As a result, healthy blood pressure levels are maintained.
Treats skin rashes
Thymol is a substance found in carom seeds that helps the skin fight bacteria and fungi. To treat minor skin irritations, apply carom seeds right away. Simply make a powder of the seeds and apply immediately to the area of the skin that is irritated.
Make a paste of these seeds and water, apply it to the acne scars for at least 15 minutes, and then wash it off. This will help your acne scars become lighter.
Prevents premature greying of hair
Both hair fall and premature greying of the hair can also be treated with carom seeds. Two tablespoons of carom seeds must be soaked in water overnight and the water should be consumed if you wish to prevent premature greying of your hair.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation can be both beneficial and harmful. Short-term inflammation is a normal physiological reaction of our body against illnesses. On the other hand, persistent inflammation can be harmful to you.
The anti-inflammatory qualities of carom seeds may contribute to a decrease in inflammatory reactions within the body. Since carom seed extract has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects, therefore, it is recommended by experts to use carom seeds for anti-inflammatory outcomes.
Prevents coughing and improves airflow
During cough and cold, carom seeds can be helpful. These seeds ease nasal congestion (due to mucus), which relieves breathing issues. Additionally, carom seeds encourage the bronchial passageways to dilate (widen), which may be advantageous for people with asthma.
Some common places you can use carom seeds this winter:
- Use carom seeds to make puris, parathas, and a chilla, among other Indian dishes.
- Add these seeds to your salads.
- Add carom seeds into pickles and different masala powders.
- Add carom seeds to recipes as tadka
- Include them in handmade cookies and namkeens.
- Adding carom seeds to your detox tea can be a great idea.
Final thoughts
Carom seeds have long been used in Ayurvedic treatments and traditional Indian cuisine.
In combination with Ajwain seeds, cumin and fennel seeds have been utilised for cooking purposes in Africa, the Middle East, and India for ages.
Foods like pickles and chutneys are preserved using Ajwain and their flavours can also be enhanced. They also include a particular kind of dietary fibre that supports good digestive health.
If you soak carom seeds in lemon juice and black salt and let them dry in the sun, you can also use them as mouth fresheners.
Carom seeds are generally thought to be harmless. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming them due to the risks associated with damage to foetuses.
Furthermore, you should also undergo preventive health checkups. These health checkups give a complete report about your health, allowing you to take necessary precautionary measures to improve your well-being and keep various ailments at bay.
Book The Full Body Good Health Test Today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are carom seeds in Hindi?
In Hindi, carom seeds are known as Ajwain.
Q2. What are carom seeds good for?
Both Ayurvedic medicine and conventional Indian cuisine have long employed carom seeds. They have been proven to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in treating many illnesses like lowering blood pressure and maintaining good heart health.
Q3. What can I substitute for carom seeds?
Caraway seeds, fennel seeds, marjoram, and Mexican oregano are all acceptable alternatives for carom seeds. One of these substitutions might be superior to the others depending on the meal you’re making.
Q4. What are the disadvantages of carom seeds?
Gas and acid reflux are frequently brought on by the excessive ingestion of carom seeds. Ajwain seeds contain strong bioactive chemicals that can irritate the mouth, causing a burning feeling and even causing mouth ulcers. Also, it is recommended that Ajwain must not be consumed during pregnancy.
Q5. Is it good to eat carom seeds every day?
Yes, Ajwain has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may result in weight loss. They help in removing toxins from the body thereby improving digestion and treating stomach issues including constipation, gas, acidity, etc.
