Carom seeds are the seeds of the ajwain herb, or Trachyspermum ammi. They’re common in South-Asian cuisine.
Carom seeds are the fruit of the ajwain herb.
They’re slightly green to brown in color and have a pungent, bitter taste. They look similar to cumin seeds, but their taste and aroma are closer to that of thyme.
They’re often sold as whole seeds but can also be ground into a powder and used as a cooking spice.
Carom seeds are incredibly nutritious, being rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals. Because of this, they have been associated with health benefits and long been used in traditional Indian medicine practices.
Here are the top 6 health benefits and uses of carom seeds:
Helps in fighting bacteria and fungi
Carom seeds have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
This is likely attributed to two of its active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Improves cholesterol levels
Animal research indicates that carom seeds may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are risk factors for heart disease.
May lower blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Traditional treatment involves the use of medications like calcium-channel blockers. These blockers prevent calcium from entering the cells of your heart and relax and expand blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure
Some research indicates that thymol — a major component of carom seeds — may have calcium-channel-blocking effects and could help lower blood pressure levels.
Combats peptic ulcers and relieves indigestion
Carom seeds are commonly used as a household remedy for digestive issues in Ayurvedic medicine.
Some studies show that carom seed extract may combat peptic ulcers, which are sores of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
Carom seed extract may also help prevent and treat gas and chronic indigestion. Indigestion is categorized as persistent pain and discomfort in the upper part of your stomach. Delayed stomach emptying is one of the perceived causes of indigestion.
Have anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation can be good or bad. Short-term inflammation is your body’s natural way of protecting against illness or injury.
On the other hand, chronic inflammation can have negative effects on your body and increase your risk of certain diseases.
Carom seeds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce inflammation in your body.
Carom seeds have long been used in traditional south-Asian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.
They have been shown to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and may be effective in treating peptic ulcers and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Carom seeds are considered safe for most people. However, the seeds are unsafe for pregnant women as they have been associated with harmful effects on fetuses.
