Carom seeds or ajwain is one of the most popular remedies for indigestion, along with helping to manage cholesterol levels. Carom seeds are quite popular in the Indian subcontinent, also the place of their origin, and have found their way into every household in the subcontinent as part of a wide array of dishes.
Today, these tiny seeds are included in culinary creations all across Asia and the Middle East. You must also be aware of its presence in your home, now let’s see how beneficial it can be for your health.
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Watch: Benefits Of Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Carom Seeds (Ajwain) Benefits You Must Know
What are the health benefits of ajwain?
1. Healthy Digestion
Carom seeds or ajwain has always played a vital role in tackling digestive problems such as acidity or indigestion. Consumption of carom seeds is known to stimulate the release of gastric juices, which in turn helps with efficient and healthy digestion.
Moreover, ajwain’s anti-inflammatory property aids in reducing the inflammatory response of the intestines, further preventing the occurrence of bloating and reducing the risks of abdominal pain.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
All thanks to thymol, a major component present in carom seeds, for playing the role of calcium-channel-blocker, thus preventing calcium from entering the cell walls.
Calcium, an essential mineral that is known as the building block for bones, can also result in the narrowing of the blood vessels, thus being responsible for increased blood pressure.
On the other hand, carom seeds or ajwain helps in preventing excess calcium from being absorbed by the cells, which helps in maintaining the flow of blood and also helps relieve symptoms of hypertension by relaxing the blood vessel walls.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Level
Loaded with fiber and saturated fatty acids, an adequate intake of carom seeds can be responsible for reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver. Though the study is still in its early phase, there have been some indications regarding the beneficial nature of carom seeds or ajwain towards improving the body’s cholesterol level.
For example, a study done by administering carom seeds into the diet of rats showed that it is not only effective in reducing the triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol level, but it also manages to increase the level of other heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol (1).
4. Prevents the Formation Of Kidney Stones
The high amount of phytochemicals present in ajwain must be credited with this benefit. Moreover, as discussed in the previous point, the consumption of carom seeds reduces the body’s calcium absorption capabilities, thanks to the presence of a compound known as thymol.
An adequate supply of carom seeds can also result in the reduction of calcium deposition, further reducing the risk of kidney stone development.
5. Natural Anaesthetic
We cannot talk about the health benefits associated with the consumption of carom seeds and not talk about its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. For it is one of the chief reasons for its consumption.
Considered to be a strong anesthetic, carom seeds tend to relieve the body from arthritis and rheumatic pain. By aiding in the reduction of the body’s inflammatory response, it helps in getting rid of itchy skin, redness, and inflammation-induced pain.
6. Skin Care
Ajwain or carom seeds have shown to be quite responsive in tackling any skincare issues such as acne, dark spots, or even wrinkles.
Moreover, it is quite effective in getting rid of the dirt and dead cells. The best way of applying carom seeds is in the form of a paste consisting of carom seed powder along with a few drops of garlic oil. It is advised to be kept on for 10-15 minutes after thoroughly massaging it over your skin before completely rinsing it off.
7. Prevents Greying Of Hair
Application of ajwain paste over the scalp is known to prevent the pre-mature greying, which is one and the only major hair benefit associated with it. Its antioxidant and mineral content, by keeping the scalp fully nourished, helps the hair retain its color.
What Does Ajwain Taste Like?
Ajwain or carom seeds delivers a sharp and pungent flavor to the food. This flavor in ajwain comes from an essential oil called thymol, which is also present in thyme.
How Safe Are Carom Seeds (Ajwain)?
What Are The Side Effects Of Ajwain (Carom Seeds)?
Ajwain can be a truly wonderful item for your health; its advantages are certainly a vital part of its consumption. But, knowing only about the benefits isn’t enough, for without knowing about the side-effects that carom seeds can have on your health, it would be difficult to maximize its beneficial nature.
Let’s take a look at some of the chief drawbacks associated with the consumption of carom seeds:
1. Dizziness
The chemical compound called Thymol, which, as we have stated earlier, is present in carom seeds in abundance, can lead up to a dizzy and nauseating feeling when consumed in excessive amounts.
2. Liver Damage
It is highly advised that the people suffering from liver conditions must avoid the consumption of carom seeds, as thymol, can lead up to irreversible liver damage in rare cases.
3. Increased Stomach Acidity
Though we are certain that ajwain can help in relieving acidity, it must also be noted that heavy consumption of carom seeds can also lead to an increased production of gas, which in turn causes acidity in the first place.
4. Causes Heart Problems
Most of the side-effects associated with an unregulated consumption of carom seeds challenge their beneficial nature, and this one is no exception. As we know that carom seeds are quite advantageous for maintaining a healthy heart, it is also true that heavy consumption of these seeds can increase your heart rate and cause palpitations.
Now that we have listed both the benefits as well as side-effects of carom seed consumption, you can now effectively understand as to how adding carom seeds into your very diet would affect you.
Ajwain Water For Skin, Hair And Weight Loss
Ajwain Water For Skin:
Ajwain has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your skin healthy and glowing. Drink ajwain water first thing in the morning to ensure better results. Also, ajwain water flushes out the toxins present in your body only to ensure a healthy and spotless skin.
Ajwain Water For Hair:
Ajwain water is said to reduce hair fall; thanks to the nutrients it contains. Moreover, the antioxidants and mineral content of ajwain helps keep hair from greying. You could either wash your hair with ajwain water or include it in your regular diet.
Ajwain Water For Weight Loss:
Ajwain has lots of fiber that will help keep your digestion in place. A healthy digestion is key to losing weight. Moreover, ajwain is an excellent fat burner. Make sure to engage in a physical activity to see better results.
FAQs on Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
1. What is ajwain called in English?
Carom Seeds
2. How to use carom seeds or ajwain in food?
The strong flavored ajwain is generally used in preparing various vegetable dishes, pickles, parathas or pooris and dals.
3. What are the substitutes of carom seeds or ajwain?
One can substitute carom seeds or ajwain with thyme as they both contain an essential oil called thymol, which gives them their woody, strong flavor.
4. Are carom seeds and caraway seeds the same?
Carom seeds are ajwain and caraway seeds are jeera, both of which are completely different spices used in the Indian kitchens.
How To Make Ajwain Water?
In order to reap positive results from carom seeds, make some ajwain water and consume it regularly (only after consulting a certified dietitian or physician). Here are two ways you can make ajwain water at home.
Take about two cups of water in a pan and add half a teaspoon of ajwain seeds to it. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for five minutes. Now strain the ajwain water and let it cool down.
Another way is to take a glass of water and add half a teaspoon of ajwain seeds to it. Leave the combination and let it soak overnight. Strain it the next morning and drink it on an empty stomach.