Carom seeds are tiny having a slightly olive green to brown color. It is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Apiaceae family. The Carom plant is native to Egypt and is also grown in Asia and Europe.
These tiny seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a food spice.
Did you know that carom seeds have been used in traditional medicine for over 5,000 years?
The carom plant is an annual herb with umbels of small and white flowers. These flowers look similar to lace umbrellas. It produces small fruits known as schizocarp which is yellow in color with light yellow lines. When the fruit ripens, it splits into single seeds known as Carom seeds.
In this blog, we will look into the carom seeds in Urdu, and explore their fascinating benefits, nutritional facts, alternative options, and even their benefits in pregnancy.
Carom Seeds in Urdu
Carom seeds in Urdu is اجوائن. In Roman, it is written as Ajwain kay Beej.
Ajwain has potent medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines to prevent and cure many diseases.
Carom Seeds Calories & Nutritional Facts
A single tbsp of Carom seeds has approximately 6.7 grams of weight. Carom seeds calories in 1 tbsp is 23.94 kCal.
Some of the nutritional facts of carom seeds of 1 tbsp are as follows:
| Nutrients | Value |
|---|---|
| Water | 9.71 g |
| protein | 1.34 g |
| Fat | 1.41 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.38 g |
| Soluble | 0.23g |
| Insoluble | 1.15g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.64 g |
| Calories | 23.94 kCal |
- Carom seeds are low in calories and rich in fiber.
- It is a good source of minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- They also have a good amount of Vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants that boost immunity.
Carom Seeds Substitute
If you are out of carom seeds and for an alternative, then you can use these seeds that replicate the earthy and bitter flavor of ajwain kay beej. Some of the alternatives to carom seeds are as follows:
- Celery Seeds
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Thyme
- Caraway Seeds
- Fennel Seeds
- Cumin Seeds
8 Carom Seeds Benefits
1. Combats Bacteria and Fungi
Carom seeds (Ajwain kay beej) have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is due to its two active compounds, Carvacrol and Thymol. Both of these compounds have been observed to stop the bacterial and fungal growth.
Some test tube studies have reported that carom seeds have compounds that can stop the growth of some strains of fungi and bacteria such as Candida albicans, E. coli, and Salmonella.
2. Improves Cholesterol Levels
Some animal researchers have reported that these ting seeds have the potential to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both of these, if present in high amounts can cause heart diseases.
In a rabbit study, it was observed that powder of carom seeds can lessen total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
اجوائن کے حیران کن فوائد بنائے آپ کو فٹ اور اسمارٹ
3. Relieves Indigestion and Combats Peptic Ulcers
Carom seeds are commonly used in homes as a remedy to treat digestive issues. In Pakistani households, if anyone gets stomach pain, indigestion, or any other issue related to digestion, people usually take a pinch of ajwain to relieve the symptoms.
Moreover, some studies report that ajwain seed extract can combat peptic ulcers (sores in the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine).
Apart from this, carom seed extract has the potential to prevent and treat gas and chronic indigestion issues.
Fun Fact: Carom seed spice can accelerate the process of food passing which improves indigestion.
You can also consume carom seed water or tea to get quick relief from bloating, indigestion, or flatulence.
گرمیوں میں امرود ہاضمہ درست رکھنے کا جادؤئی پھل (Benefits of Guava)
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Some studies show that Thymol (a major compound in ajwain seeds) has calcium-channel blocking effects that can lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers can prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and relax and expand blood vessels.
5. Improves Airflow and Prevents Coughing
If you have persistent coughing issues, then ajwain seeds can help you in relieving the symptoms.
Carom seeds produce an anti-coughing effect greater than that of codeine.
Moreover, they can also improve airflow to the lungs.
More research is needed to better understand the effects of ajwain seeds on coughing and other respiratory issues in humans.
Read More: How to Get Periods Immediately in One Hour – Natural Home Remedies
6. Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Short-term inflammation is the natural way for the body to protect itself against injury or illness. Moreover, chronic inflammation has negative effects on the body.
These tiny and full of nutrients seeds show anti-inflammatory effects which can help in reducing inflammation in the body.
A rat study was conducted showing that when rats were supplemented with an extract of ajwain seeds showed significant anti-inflammatory effects.
7. Helps in Weight Loss
If you want a zero-calorie diet to lose weight, then Ajwain water is what you need. It is one of the best weight loss home remedies. Moreover, it has metabolism-boosting properties which also help in losing weight and improving overall digestion.
Fun Fact: A cup of ajwain water has 0 calories.
Read More: Ajwain For Weight Loss – Is Ajwain Water Good for Belly Fat?
8. Ajwain for Hair Regrowth
If you want to use natural ingredients to regrow or nourish your hair, then Ajwain can do wonders. Ajwain water can be used to overcome hair woes, including hair loss, dandruff, etc.
As it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, ajwain seeds can help in treating scalp itching and hair problems, including scalp rashes, damp hair, scalp irritation, etc.
Read More: 9 Remarkable Ajwain Benefits for Hair, Skin, and Health
Ajwain in Pregnancy
The ajwain in pregnancy is safe to use but only in moderation. Otherwise, it can cause some potential side effects.
Read Also: Should Women Avoid Ajwain in Pregnancy?
Some of the benefits of ajwain for pregnancy are as follows:
- Promotes Digestion
- Relieves Chest Congestion
- Enhances Oral Health
- Reduces Morning Sickness or Nausea
- Relieves Food Poisoning
- Reduces Cholesterol
- Reduces Headaches
Major Takeaways
Carom seeds or ajwain (اجوائن) are a powerhouse of nutrients and have potent medicinal properties. Being rich in nutrients and low in calories, they offer a range of health benefits. From maintaining digestion to relieving respiratory issues and aiding in weight loss, these tiny seeds have a lot of benefits.
The ajwain in pregnancy is often misinterpreted; however, it is beneficial for pregnant women only if taken in moderate quantities.
Moreover, you can use multiple other seeds as an alternative to carom seeds having the same flavor and aroma.
Furthermore, if you want to learn more about ajwain seeds or their usage in pregnancy, then you can consult the best nutritionist in Pakistan via Marham.pk.
You can also download our Application to book an in-clinic or video consultation with any doctor in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Jeera and carom seeds the same?
No. Jeera and carom seeds are different. Carom is Ajwain) and cumin is jeera seeds. However, both of these are used in the kitchen to make delicious meals.