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Caraway seeds are spice use for flavoring meals as well as herbal medicine.
Caraway seeds have a similar characteristics with anise, fennel, licorice and cumin.
This health- promoting seed has a bitter taste, small, though a dried fruit of the caraway plant but appears like a seed.
The yellowish brown pod, has a strong aroma and is widely used across the globe.
The caraway seeds are often ground or before use or whole.
This nutritious spice is a member of the “Apiaceae” family and scientifically known as “Carum Carvi”
However, it’s packed with various nutrients including copper, iron, phosphorus, calcium, B vitamins and fiber.
Presently, caraway seeds are grown in many part of the world, but native to Asian and Europe, where it impact positively on health and in the economical sector.
The biennial plant, is not only considered as ingredients for cooking but highly revered by the superstitionists.
Caraway seeds health benefits include: Secretion Of Breast milk, Anti-bacterial properties, Inhibit Growth Of Intestinal Worm, Promote Heart Health, antis-pasmodic Properties, Help Relieves Coughing, Possesses Diuretic properties, Enhance Sleeping, Prevent Constipation
Nutritional Profile
Water 9.87 g
Energy 333 kcal
Energy 1390 kJ
Protein 19.8 g
Carbohydrate, 49.9 g
Fiber, 38g
Calcium, Ca 689 mg
Iron, Fe 16.2 mg
Magnesium, Mg 258 mg
Phosphorus, P 568 mg
Potassium, K 1350 mg
Sodium, Na 17 mg
Zinc, Zn 5.5 mg
Copper, Cu 0.91 mg
Manganese, Mn 1.3 mg
Selenium, Se 12.1 ųg
Vitamin C, 21 mg
Thiamin 0.383 mg
Riboflavin 0.379 mg
Niacin 3.61 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.36 mg
Folate, 10 ųg
Choline, 24.7 mg
Vitamin A, 18 ųg
Carotene, beta 206 ųg
Vitamin A, IU 363 IU
Lycopene 20 ųg
10 science-based benefits of caraway seeds & Uses
1. Promote Secretion Of Breast milk
In modern time, they are thought to facilitate breast milk production.
Findings have shown that new mothers can abundantly benefits from consuming caraway seeds hence, regular incorporation of caraway seeds are not limited to mothers alone even the expectant mothers as it helps open up blocked or engorged breast.
Caraway seed has compound known as galactagogue which promote milk formation.
2. Anti-bacterial properties
It is an established fact, that bacteria invasion into the body accelerate inflammation and dangerous diseases. Importantly, it has antibacterial properties, active enough to kill off bacteria growth.
Application of these seeds, particularly oil obtained from caraway seeds are believed to have a sophisticated effect on bacteria growth in the body.
However, elimination of bacteria helps improve immune system, thus building a healthy life style.
3. Inhibit Growth Of Intestinal Worm
People get contaminated by eating foods with larvae of the worm. Common approach to treat this, is by de-worming which might not be ease to get due to poor economics or scarce medical service.
Caraway seeds contains antihelmintic properties which makes it ideal solution for intestinal worms. It assist in scrapping out both adult and the larval stage when consumed.
4. Promote Heart Health
It contains phytochemical, fiber, vitamins and minerals, which nourish the body and prevent diseases.
Phytochemical here, helps ward off oxidative damage that can lead to atherosclerosis.
Mineral, potassium is known for dilation of the blood vessels which in turn foster blood circulation.
Also, fiber helps minimaxise cholesterol levels thus reducing susceptibility of heart attack.
5. Antis-pasmodic Properties
Caraway seeds have a significant role as it relief spasms of the intestinal, digestive track and menstrual cramps. People brewed caraway seeds into tea as an alternative for pain relief.
6. Help Relieves Coughing
To prevent and treat coughing and cold, caraway seeds are recommended.
The breaking down and removal of mucus out of the lung are attributed to the expectorant properties found in caraway seeds.
Topical application of caraway oil have shown an amazing benefits on cough.
7. Possesses Diuretic properties
They can also stimulate frequent urination making the body less prone to harmful substance.
By promoting removal of waste products, decreasing water retention which greatly benefits those suffering from high blood pressure.
Moreover, constant urination reduce tendency of developing kidney stone as well as other diseases.
8. Enhance Sleeping
Expert says it can influence neurotransmitters levels in the brain. Hence, consumption of caraway seeds help increase serotonin and induce sleeping.
9. Prevent Constipation
Caraway seeds are full of fiber, making them alternative spice for prevention of constipation. The fiber ensures bowel movement that the digestive track functions effectively.
Uses Of Caraway Seeds
They are used alongside other spices, such as cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds.
However, many people use caraway seeds in preparing various meat dishes, stews, pickles, and cheeses.
Side effects of Caraway seeds
Caraway seeds should be consumed moderately as excessive intake of Caraway seeds can lead to gastrointestinal disorder as well as kidney stones.
Conclusion
Caraway seeds serve as spice as well as ingredients of herbal medicines. The widely consumed seed is obtained from the fruit of caraway.
It contains numerous nutrients and phytochemical linked to the amazing health benefits such as heart health, constipation, antibacterial properties among others.
They are used whole or ground to flavor meals.
Overconsumption of Caraway seeds may lead to gastrointestinal track and kidney stone.
Always consult a physician or dietitians prior consumption; avoid self medication
10 science-based benefits of caraway seeds & Uses
