Have you heard of carom seeds, also known as Ajwain? Ajwain is a plant native to Egypt that also grows throughout India, Asia, and Europe. It is also known as ajwain, bishop’s weed, jain, yamini, or carom seeds. It is known by two species names: Trachyspermum ammi or Carum copticum. The plant grows in hot, dry areas. It produces a small fruit called a schizocarp. This fruit is yellow with light yellow lines that look like lace umbrellas, similar to the flowers of Queen Anne's lace. As the fruit ripens, it splits into single seeds. Carom seeds look like fennel and cumin seeds and have a rich fragrance. They are never eaten raw; they are cooked properly before being added to a dish. Due to their numerous health benefits, many people in India incorporate seeds into their diet. The seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat digestive and lung issues and as a spice.
Carom seeds are rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols, including saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenols. The fruit or seeds also contain essential oils such as thymol and carvacrol. These plant chemicals are antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In an animal study, researchers suggested that ajwain extracts were more effective than the NSAID at lowering swelling and inflammation in rats, but only at very high doses. The plant extracts were effective for up to 2 hours and gradually wore off. Ajwain blocks inflammatory chemicals and increases the release of the brain chemical GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain.
Carom seeds are incredibly nutritious; they are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals. They also have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties due to active compounds - thymol and carvacrol in them, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Some research indicates that thymol may have calcium-channel-blocking effects and can help lower blood pressure levels. Delayed stomach emptying is one of the main causes of indigestion. Carom seeds have been shown to increase the process of food passing through the stomach, thus helping improve indigestion. Due to this unique feature, carom seeds can help reduce gas and bloating in those who suffer from SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) because delayed gastric emptying is one of the main contributors to SIBO. When taking carom seed water on an empty stomach, it helps to activate the enzymes in the gut, which enhances digestion. Carom seeds also help treat peptic ulcers.
Carom seeds have antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties, which make them a natural antibiotic to relieve respiratory infections. The seeds also keep the lungs and pharynx clean and free from toxins. Carom seed water helps relax the air passages, which helps people with respiratory problems breathe better. Carom seeds also help lower high blood pressure due to the active compound thymol, which effectively blocks calcium channels. The calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the heart’s cells and lower blood pressure.
Ajwain is a popular spice and safe food additive. The recommended dose is 3 to 6 grams of powdered ajwain, 125 grams of dried extract, or 6 milliliters of tincture or fluid extract per day. While you can buy powdered carom seeds or other forms. Ajwain is also rich in estrogen-like plant chemicals that can boost milk production. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid ajwain supplements during pregnancy. Excessive amounts of carom seeds can lead to stomach gas production, resulting in acidity and reflux. Some people may have allergic reactions such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Please note that Ajwain supplements may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
In summary, here are some amazing health benefits of Ajwain (carom) seeds.
- Fight against infections with powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Improve cholesterol levels and lower high blood pressure.
- Enhance digestion and reduce gastric ulcers.
- Improve respiratory health by increasing airflow to the lungs.
- Relieve a toothache.
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