Caraway Seeds health benefits includes promoting production of breast milk, tempering allergic reactions, fighting bacteria, preventing intestinal worms, relieving spasms, relieving cough and reducing high blood pressure. Other benefits includes stimulating appetite, reducing stress and fatigue, promoting eye health, keeping skin healthy, an excellent source of fiber, enhancing and promoting good sleep, and promoting cardiovascular
health.
What is Caraway Seeds?
Caraway seeds are extremely popular, even though at first glance it may sound like something you have never heard of before. However, as a result of differences in translation and localization from place to place, Caraway seeds are essentially the same as cumin or fennel, though some places argue that they are not the same thing.
Caraway goes by the scientific name Carum Carvi, but is also sometimes known by the name Apium Carvi, again as a result of localization. It is found abundantly throughout Europe and the middle east, as well as most of northern Africa, where it has been used for centuries in local cuisine and for its medicinal benefits which are appreciated by health experts the world over.
Not sure what benefits you can see from caraway seeds consumption? Let’s check them out!
Nutrition Info of Caraway Seeds (tbsp., 6g)
Calories-21.6
Total Carbohydrate -3.2g
Dietary Fiber -2.5g 10% RDA
Protein – 1.3g 3% RDA
Vitamin C -1.4mg 2% RDA
Niacin -0.2mg 1% RDA
Calcium -44.8mg 4% RDA
Iron -1.1mg 6% RDA
Magnesium -16.8mg 4% RDA
Phosphorus -37mg 4% RDA
Potassium -87.8mg 3% RDA
Zinc -0.4mg 2% RDA
Copper -0.1mg 3% RDA
Manganese -0.1mg 4% RDA
Selenium -0.8mcg 1% RDA
14 Amazing Health Benefits of Caraway Seeds
1. Promote Production of Breast Milk
New mothers sometimes have it hard to meet milk production for their babies, for one reason or another. However, most of the times it is either the result of engorged breasts, whereby the ducts become swollen or blocked, or simply because you do not appropriately stimulate the production of milk. Caraway seeds are what we call a galactagogue- a substance that promotes the production of milk. It is safe for the baby, and can be consumed daily to help you meet your production requirements.
2. Help Temper Allergic Reactions
Spring time is a nightmare for people that suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, as there is seemingly an abundance of pollen in the air that trigger histamine reactions by the immune system. Histamine either causes itching, or sneezing and enhanced mucus production, in an attempt to keep the airways clear. While it does help to keep particles out of the lungs, it also can may for a miserable time; nasal congestion, runny nose, and in asthmatics airway constriction and shortness of breath. Regular consumption of caraway seeds, or at least during allergy season, can help to ensure that your response to these allergens is less than normal, meaning fewer asthma attacks and episodes of hay fever. This is why caraway seeds are said to be natural anti-histaminic.
3. Possess Anti-Bacterial Properties
Regular consumption of caraway seeds can not only help reduce the likelihood of your developing some bacterial illnesses, but can also hasten recovery if you do get sick. Essential oils found in caraway seeds inhibit the growth and replication of some bacterial strains, making it easier for immune cells to do the rest. The oils extracted from caraway seeds can also be used as a topical anti-bacterial agent for application to wounds, in an attempt to prevent infection and speed up healing.
4. Can Help Prevent Intestinal Worms
Many people associate intestinal parasites with uncleanliness, but the fact is that anyone can get it, and from merely eating foods contaminated with larvae of the worm. Routine de-worming tends to take care of this problem, but in countries with poor economies or scarce medical services, it may be impossible. A natural alternative is the caraway seed. Caraway seeds contain a compound known as carvone, which possesses anti-helminthic properties that kill intestinal worms. Regular consumption of the seeds prevent an infestation, as it kills both the adult and larval stages of life.
5. Have Anti-Spasmodic Properties
Spasms of the intestines and digestive tract are uncomfortable, and can also be painful. This is usually due to something we ate that may be causing an accumulation of gas, or worse an infection. Caraway seeds help to relieve the spasms associated with these conditions, and can even help treat menstrual cramps. Caraway seeds can be brewed into a tea, cooled and stored for consumption at any time you need it.
6. Can Relieve Coughing
Caraway seeds have two ways of reducing coughing, thanks to its expectorant and antitussive properties. Its expectorant properties assist in the breakdown and expulsion of mucus from the lungs, while it also directly suppresses the need to cough by acting on the brain. Expectorant properties are most useful in chesty coughs, while its antitussive abilities are better suited for dry coughs.
7. Possess Diuretic Properties
Normal diuresis (urination) is not a problem for most people, but functions like clockwork most of the time. However, some individuals need help in promoting urination, such as those with high blood pressure or kidney stones to name a few. Regular urination helps prevent stone formation, and can reduce blood pressure in persons who struggle with water retention.
8. Stimulate Appetite And Help During Convalescence
Following periods of illness, appetite takes a hit and you struggle to eat as you should. This time is very important however, as you need to eat to regain your strength and health, as nutrition deficiencies slow down recovery even more. It is best to brew caraway seeds into a tea and drink daily to stimulate your appetite once more.
9. Have Adaptogen Properties
An adaptogen is something that makes your body more capable of dealing with stress, reducing fatigue and allowing for a pleasant mood. It also stimulates the mind and helps keep you alert when fatigue is about to ensue.
10. Caraway Seeds Promote Eye Health
Caraway seeds have a little Vitamin A in them, but also have the carotenoid anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoid anti-oxidants slow down premature macular degeneration, help keep the optic nerve healthy and can reflect some amount of UV rays from damaging the eyes.
11. Help Keep Skin Healthy
Caraway seeds contain good fats and Vitamin E, both of which help prevent excess water loss from the skin, and buffer UV damage from the sun. Caraway seeds also contain a little Vitamin C which is essential for stimulating collagen production and keeping skin’s structural integrity preserved.
12. An Excellent Source Of Fiber
In just a tiny one tablespoon serving, caraway seeds supply about 10% of your daily recommended intake of fiber. This is massive, and more than many full servings of fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps prevent constipation and ensures that the digestive tract functions optimally.
13. A Good Sleep Enhancer
Caraway seeds contain magnesium, an important mineral that helps regulates neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This effect helps induce sleep by increasing serotonin and GABA levels, both key brain chemicals involved in sleep induction.
14. Promote cardiovascular Health
Caraway seeds are well poised to promote many aspects of cardiovascular health, thanks to its content of numerous phytocompounds and nutrients. For example, potassium assists with dilation of blood vessels, helps flush excess fluid out of the body. Fiber also helps promote cholesterol elimination, prevents atherosclerotic plaques from developing on blood vessel walls, and other nutrients prevent oxidative damage to the endothelial lining of blood vessel walls.
Conclusion
Caraway seeds are not some exotic item found on a remote island in the pacific, but rather a very common ingredient that you are probably already using to prepare meals. Its versatility, and the fact that it can be made into sweet or savory meals means that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
