Caraway seeds also referred to as Persian cumin or meridian fennel, are the seeds obtained from caraway plans which are native in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Due to its aroma and strong anise-like taste, the seed is popular in savory dishes such as harissa and sauerkraut.
Found in the seeds are beneficial nutrients like minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants. It has significant amounts of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. It only contains low levels of fats.
Caraway Seeds Health Benefits
Relieve IBS
Active ingredients present in caraway seeds can help reduce bloating, constipation, and heartburn. When applied topically, it can help alleviate inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Aids In Curing Nausea And Vomiting
Caraway seeds help maintain a healthy digestive system, thus providing relief from nausea and vomiting which are often painful symptoms of intestinal infections or other health issues.
Aids In Weight Loss
Since caraway is loaded with fiber, it can help you feel full and reduce overeating, thus aiding in weight loss.
Helps Improve Cognitive Function
Caraway seeds have significant amounts of iron, thereby contributing to increased hemoglobin production and blood flow. When your brain has adequate amounts of iron and oxygen, you’ll have increased cognitive performance and a lowered risk of cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps Improve Heart Health
Due to the high fiber, antioxidant, and potassium content of the seed, it can help reduce blood pressure, and cholesterol levels and promotes heart health.
Good For Respiratory System
Studies have found that regular consumption of caraway seeds in moderate amounts can keep the respiratory system healthy. This is mainly due to its antioxidants and other relevant compounds present in the seeds.
Its antioxidants help in fighting free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the cells, including the respiratory system. Also, taking caraway essential oil, along with water or honey can help provide relief from the mucus deposited in the respiratory system. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief from inflammation, resulting in a lower risk for respiratory problems like bronchitis.
Helps Improve Sleep
Caraway is rich in magnesium, a mineral that is directly linked to improving the quality, duration, and tranquility of sleep. Drink caraway tea to help you promote a good night sleep and reduce the effects of asthma.
Helps Improve Bone Health
Caraway seeds are loaded with zinc and calcium which can help improve bone mineral density and overall bone health.
Menstrual Relief
Aside from promoting the production of mother’s milk, consumption of tea made from caraway can also pain relief from menstrual cramps.
For this remedy, you need to add a few grains of caraway seeds into boiling water and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Drain out the caraway seeds, and consume the remaining concoction. You may also add some honey for added taste and benefits.
Skin Care
Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants which help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fight free radicals that cause negative effects on the skin. You can use caraway essential oil in steam facial. Also, red or irritated skin can also be treated with a hot poultice of caraway.
Helps Treat Scalp Infections
Experts have found that caraway seeds are not only important for our health and skin but also for our hair.
In addition to improving hair texture and aiding in hair growth, caraway essential oil can also effectively remove dandruff from your hair. Also, topical application is necessary to protect the hair from the damage caused by lice and get rid of various scalp infection.
There are a number of ways wherein you’ll be able to incorporate caraway seed in your diet. One popular method is by drinking caraway tea. You can also sprinkle it on your raw salads. Use it as a spice in your meat or vegetable dishes or as a flavoring on your bread or cakes.
