When it comes to healthy foods in the kitchen, carom seeds (also known as ajwain seeds) stand out for their excellent digestive support, says Dr. Ridhima Khamsera, a certified clinical nutritionist in India.
The thymol compound in carom seeds stimulates the stomach to produce gastric juice, helping to break down food and effectively supporting weight loss.
Weight management
According to Dr. Ridhima Khamsera, the enzymes in carom seeds boost metabolism, helping the body convert food into energy and burn calories faster.
As a natural diuretic, carom seeds help flush out excess water and toxins. A cup of carom seed tea can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. Drinking carom seed water for a few weeks will help reduce belly fat and control weight effectively.
Respiratory health
Carom seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help relax the airways and relieve nasal congestion quickly when inhaled with carom seed steam. Gargling with carom seed water can relieve throat irritation and infections.
Carom seeds also act as a natural expectorant, helping to expel mucus and reduce the symptoms of bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.
Hormone balance
Dr. Ridhima Khamsera said that carom seeds are a great aid in balancing hormones, especially beneficial for women.
With its antispasmodic properties, it helps relieve pain naturally and regulates the menstrual cycle. Carom seeds are also recommended for new mothers to improve milk production and reduce post-partum bloating.
Its detoxifying properties also help balance hormones, promoting overall health at different stages of life.
Oral hygiene
Carom seeds have antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. Applying carom seed oil mixed with clove oil can provide quick relief from toothache. Rinsing your mouth with carom water helps prevent gum disease, and the antifungal properties of ajwain also help prevent thrush, making it an all-round oral care product.
Natural Detoxifier
Carom seeds are a great natural detox partner for the body. They help flush out toxins and support liver function. With high antioxidant content, carom seeds improve blood circulation and help eliminate impurities from the body.
“Regular consumption of carom seeds can also reduce uric acid levels in the body, which is beneficial for people suffering from gout or other inflammatory conditions,” says Dr. Ridhima Khamsera.
How to incorporate carom seeds into your daily routine
To reap the benefits of carom seeds, you can boil a teaspoon of carom seeds in water and drink it in the morning to aid digestion and lose weight. Add honey and ginger to the carom water to make a soothing drink.
Roasted carom seeds can be used to flavor curries or soups. You can also sprinkle carom seed powder on salads or add it to homemade dishes for a health boost.