9 Ajwain Benefits And How To Include Them In Your Diet!

Carom seeds or Trachyspermum ammi, also called Ajwain seeds, are native to the Middle East and India. Their scent is strong enough to be recognized from afar and they have a taste that is often likened to thyme herb. Ajwain seeds are considered highly valuable in Ayurvedic medicine and are commonly used in traditional Indian dishes because of their countless health benefits.

Ajwain is good for digestion; it is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which combine to make them an excellent option to include in your diet. Here in this article, we will take a look at some of the Ajwain benefits and how you can include it in your diet.

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Nutritional Value of Ajwain Seeds

Ajwain seeds come loaded with dietary fibre, protein, and minerals. Below is a breakdown of its nutritional composition:

9 Ajwain Benefits: Your Go-To Spice for Health and Wellness

Here are some of the important Ajwain benefits that you must be aware of.

1. Aids Digestion

Ajwain is renowned for its digestive properties due to the presence of some active enzymes. One of the popular methods to consume Ajwain is in the form of Ajwain water which is simply Ajwain seeds soaked in water. This drink makes the process of digestion easier as it stimulates gastric juice secretion. The consumption of Ajwain seeds or drinking Ajwain water relieves symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and gas. Ajwain is also commonly used in Ayurveda to manage gastric issues and acidity among other digestive disorders.

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2. Relieves Respiratory Issues

Ajwain has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which are effective in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and common colds. To unclog blocked noses and minimize breathing problems, you can either inhale the steam produced by water boiled with Ajwain seeds or drink Ajwain water. Any asthmatic person finds this very helpful since it widens the airways and helps increase the airflow. Besides that, it can also help prevent some diseases due to its antimicrobial properties leading to a decrease in both severity and longevity of symptoms.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ajwain benefits help in reducing inflammation within the body which makes them useful for those having arthritis and other forms of inflammatory conditions. Regular consumption of Ajwain, either as seeds or water, helps alleviate pain and swelling associated with them. Also, Thymol found in Ajwain has been noted to hinder the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines which cause inflammation and pain in the body.

4. Regulates Blood Pressure

The antihypertensive capabilities of Ajwain are good for balancing blood pressure. Better circulation of blood and proper functioning of the heart can be facilitated by the presence of Thymol which is a major component of Ajwain. It is recommended to drink water infused with Ajwain for effective regulation of blood pressure. Therefore, Ajwain benefits can help dilate the veins hence reducing the force exerted on artery walls which contributes to reduced risks of hypertension among other cardiovascular diseases.

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5. Helps in Weight Loss

Certain compounds present in Ajwain seeds can help increase metabolism and help burn fats which assist in weight loss. With better metabolism, the food gets digested quickly, which makes less fat stored in our body. Also, Thymol present in Ajwain helps reduce our food cravings by suppressing appetite and also boosts our metabolism.

Additionally, as a result of the high fibre content in Ajwain, it makes you feel full for an extended period thereby reducing calorie consumption. Also, the metabolic stimulating properties found in Ajwan cause more energy expenditure, thus arousing remarkable body mass reduction.

6. Prevents Infections

Ajwain seeds are packed with antimicrobial properties. Thymol and carvacrol- active compounds contained in Ajwain have shown substantial antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria and fungi. It can fight harmful bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella which are responsible for causing food poisoning in humans.

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7. Alleviates Menstrual Discomfort

Many women have to deal with menstrual discomfort during their periods. Ajwain seeds are a great remedy to alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. These seeds possess antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which ease the pain and provide the much needed relief. Drinking Ajwain water also relieves bloating making this an effective home remedy for menstruation problems.

8. Enhances Skin Health

One of the best Ajwain benefits is that it is known to improve skin health. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties which help detoxify the skin and fight acne-causing bacteria. Applying a layer of ajwain powder paste is used as a remedy by many to lighten acne scars and make the skin look clearer.

This practice should, however, be tried only after speaking with a dermatologist as more research is required to prove its effectiveness.

9. Supports Immune Function

The fact that Ajwain seeds contain a host of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they serve as a great support to facilitate the body’s immune function. Better immune function means fewer chances of developing illnesses and infections.

To derive all the above benefits, one can start consuming Ajwain water regularly. Just soak a teaspoonful of seeds in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Strain the liquid and drink it first thing in the morning to boost immunity and overall fitness.

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Adding Ajwain Seeds To Your Daily Diet

Ajwain seeds can be easily incorporated into your daily meals to add more taste and enjoy Ajwain benefits. These are some easiest ways that you can employ to increase your Ajwain intake:

1. As a Spice: Ajwain seeds may be used as spice in different foods. Add a pinch of Ajwain seeds when preparing lentils, curries or greens – this will enhance the flavour of your meals, while imparting its many health benefits.
2. Ajwain Tea: Boil a teaspoonful of Ajwain seeds in a cup of water for 5-7 minutes and drink the liquid after straining it. This drink is ideal for relieving digestive disorders and improving metabolism.
3. Seasoning: Roasted Ajwain seeds can be used as seasoning on salads or soups. Roasting enhances their flavour, making them a tasty addition to your meals.
4. Ajwain-infused oil: You can also make oil infused with Ajwain for cooking purposes. Put a tablespoonful of oil into a pan, add one teaspoonful of Ajwain seeds, and fry them till they sizzle. Use this flavoured oil when cooking vegetables including lentils or drizzle it over salads before serving.

Recipe of Ajwain Paratha (Carom Seed Flatbread)

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour – 2 cups
• Ajwain seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Water (as needed)
• Ghee or oil (for cooking)

Method of Making (MOM):

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl that’s big, mix whole wheat flour with Ajwain seeds and salt. Gradually add water as you knead it into soft dough. Cover the dough and leave it for about fifteen to twenty minutes under a damp cloth.
2. Roll Out the Parathas: Make small balls out of the dough. Roll each ball into a medium-sized circle and then apply a small amount of ghee to it. Fold the circle twice to form a triangular shape. Roll it again to make a big triangular paratha.
3. Cook the Parathas: On medium heat, warm the skillet or tawa. Take the rolled-out paratha and place it on hot tawa till bubbles start forming. Flip over paratha and apply ghee or oil then cook until both sides turn golden brown.

Conclusion

Ajwain benefits are numerous, including digestion support, weight loss, respiratory health improvement and immune system strengthening. These seeds are valuable spices for providing nutrition and promoting health. Use ajwain seeds in your dishes or drink ajwain water every morning to enjoy the health benefits of ajwain. The seeds are indeed versatile and useful. So, make sure you have them in your kitchen pantry!

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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.

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