Ajwain is a spice without which our Desi households are incomplete.
Carom seeds, as it is called in English, are derived from a herb that is native to the Indian subcontinent. These seeds can be olive green to brown in color and have a bitter and pungent taste. Overall, the ajwain herb has a very strong smell.
Do you know drinking Ajwain water on an empty stomach in the morning is beneficial in losing weight in a healthy way? If you are not familiar with this, I’m sure you have no idea how many benefits Ajwain holds in its tiny seeds for you.
It is one of those rare spices that fulfill the purpose of adding flavors to your foods, and being good for your health; at the same time. Let’s get to know why you should add ajwain to your diet.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits of Ajwain
Ajwain benefits lie in the rich nutrition content that nature has put into it. 100 grams of carom seeds contain:
- Carbohydrates 24.53 g
- Protein 15 g
- Fibers 20.58 g
- Calcium 1034 mg
- Calories 357 kCal
- Phosphorus 329 mg
- Zinc 5.67 mg
- Iron 13.65 mg
- Omega 3-fatty acids 76.71 mg
- Sodium 28.58 mg
- Potassium 1692 mg
- Folate 51.79 mg
- Vitamin A 124.33 mg
- Magnesium 273 mg
As you can see, carom seeds benefits are immense due to their nutritious value. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Due to this, they have been associated with health benefits.
Ajwain Water for Weight Loss
If you are tired of using different ways to manage your weight, you must be happy to know that Ajwain promotes weight loss. It reduces the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream.
This helps in boosting the metabolism and absorb food quickly. It also removes toxins from your body and helps the white blood cells in keeping a check on foreign invaders. All of this happens due to the richness of antioxidants present in ajwain.
Drink Ajwain water on an empty stomach to keep yourself healthy and smart.
How You Can Make Ajwain Water?
You don’t need any other ingredients, only carom seeds to prepare ajwain water:
- Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of carom seeds
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes until the water is reduced to half
- Strain out the seeds and pour ajwain water into the glass
- You can add honey to enhance the taste
How You Should Drink Ajwain Water?
You should consume 2 glasses of Ajwain water per day, not more than that. If you have severe abdominal pain, you can take 4 glasses.
Dr. Kinza Khan, a qualified nutritionist based in Lahore, recommends taking Ajwain water half an hour before your meals, and two after eating, in case of poor appetite.
Promotes a Healthy Stomach
If you are tired of chronic digestive issues, such as gas, ajwain water is your go-to home remedy.
Carom seeds are rich in antioxidants containing antispasmodic properties, which help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
Boosts Babies’ Health
If your baby has respiratory issues, you don’t have to worry at all. Ajwain water is best at treating issues like congestion, cough, and gasping in babies. But it’s best to introduce Ajwain water to the babies when they are older than 8 months.
It helps their body to fight against bacteria to cure stomach pain, acidity, indigestion, and constipation. It improves babies’ appetite by reducing colic problems.
Ajwain Benefits for Females
Ajwain has many advantages for female health. It benefits your overall health, skin, and hair in so many ways, you will be surprised to make this discovery!
Use Ajwain Water During Periods
If you get severe period cramps, carom seeds have got your back!
The anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties of ajwain help with inducing a regular menstrual cycle and also provide relief from period cramps and abdominal pain.
Ajwain Water for a Healthy Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your hormonal balance is disturbed, which slows down the digestive system. Due to this, bloating, gas, and flatulence can increase in your body.
Drinking ajwain water helps you in an increased Thymol level, which clears the digestive system, prevents constipation, and helps strengthen the uterus wall.
Helpful for Lactation
Ajwain water is excellent for women who are breastfeeding, as it increases milk flow and production.
It’s best to consult a well-known gynecologist before adding ajwain water to your diet regimen.
Stops Hair Graying
The high nutrition content of iron and calcium present in ajwain helps prevent the premature graying of your hair and works to keep your locks healthy and strong.
Clears the Skin
Due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties of Thymol in ajwain water, the growth of bacteria on your skin reduces. This makes your acne scars lighten and clear after regular consumption of ajwain water.
Cures Cold and Cough
Ajwain is a natural herb for curing common colds and coughs. It produces a compound ‘Codeine’, which is greater than the usual anti-coughing agent. It helps the mucus discharge easily from your nose, and avoid nasal blockage during common colds.
Clears the Wounds
Ajwain has antibacterial and antifungal properties, due to its two active compounds, Thymol and Carvacrol. Thymol is a strong fungicide and germicide, thus making Ajwain suitable for treating infections, cuts, and injuries. They also inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Studies show that Thymol and Niacin in ajwain promote healthy blood circulation. Drinking ajwain water on a regular basis effectively reduces blood pressure, and prevents heart disease. This is due to the calcium-channel blocking properties of ajwain, which prevents calcium from entering the cells of the heart. It also improves nerve impulse function.
It ensures proper relaxation and contraction of blood vessels, keeping your heart healthy.
Helpful for Arthritis Pain
Ajwain water has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which help reduce chronic inflammation and fight arthritis in the body. It does so by lowering the levels of elastase enzymes associated with inflammation. It also has anesthetic properties that help soothe pain and swelling.
Improves Respiratory Ailments
As we discussed earlier, ajwain water works miraculously to cure babies’ lung issues. It works wonders for grown-ups as well.
The Carvacrol in ajwain produces antitussive and bronchodilatory effects, which are proven effective for respiratory issues much better than medications. It improves airflow pathways to the lungs and provides relief from asthma.
Excellent for Earache and Oral Health
Thymol in ajwain is an essential bioactive compound, which has antifungal properties. It fights against growing harmful organisms in the ear and tooth and provides relief from pain and infection.
Are there any Side Effects of Ajwain?
If you consume ajwain in a moderate amount every day, it will hardly have any side effects on your body. You should take precautions while taking carom seeds, as their overuse can cause stomach ulcers. The immediate side effects can be vomiting, nausea, and headaches.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should use ajwain as per your doctor’s recommendations. Ajwain shouldn’t be consumed much by people who are suffering from liver disease.
Wrapping Up!
In our culture, carom seeds have been long in use for several health benefits, so it’s safe to use Ajwain. You drink ajwain water twice a day between your meals. This drink is not only refreshing but it also helps you in burning away extra fat, keeps your hunger pangs in check, and gives you clearer skin by detoxing your body. Add ajwain water to your diet today to get the maximum benefits of this natural herb.
