Caraway Seeds Benefits and Side Effects

People have been using caraway seeds for centuries. They are used both in cuisines and for medicinal purposes. Known as Carum Carvi, caraway seeds are small crescent-shaped seeds that taste like anise. Caraway seeds have lots of health benefits and potential side effects too.

Today, we will talk about all the benefits and side effects of caraway seeds and if you can substitute them for anything else. First, let’s talk about

Nutritional Profile of Caraway Seeds

Well, amazingly these are tiny loaded power packs. Caraway seeds have all the essential nutrients and they are considered nutritional-rich seeds. A tablespoon full of caraway seeds contains

• Minerals like Potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese.
• Fibres which are great for digestion and gut health.
• Vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and various B vitamins too.
• Caraway seeds also have healthy fats like Omega-6 and Omega-9. These fats are very good for heart health.

Health Benefits of Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds have lots of health benefits. They are used in both food and medicine. Some known benefits of caraway seeds are

• Caraway seeds are good for digestive health. They reduce bloating, gas and indigestion. Carway seeds also relaxens the intestinal muscles which improves overall gut health. As they are rich in fibre, they are very helpful in controlling constipation. These seeds promote regular bowel movements and improve the overall performance of the digestion system.
• These seeds help neutralize free radicals in the body because they are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are responsible for a youthful body, glowing skin and aiding in heart health.
• Some people also believe in the weight loss abilities of caraway seeds. This happens because caraway seeds support digestion and improve metabolism which in turn reduces weight. Also, they suppress appetite and reduce body fat. However, they are not a cure. One must use it with positive lifestyle and diet changes.
• The reason Caraway seeds are used in medicines is their inflammatory properties. They have a compound that reduces symptoms like arthritis, joint pain and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Caraway seeds are good for respiratory health too. They are natural remedies for cough and bronchitis. In winter, taking caraway seeds tea can benefit a lot. It helps in loosening mucus in the respiratory tract making it very beneficial when you have a wet cough. Drink caraway tea and expel mucus out.
• Caraway seeds are loaded with fiber which makes them heart-friendly. They reduce bad cholesterol in the body and regulate blood pressure. Potassium in caraway seeds also promotes heart health.

Benefits of Caraway Tea

• Caraway tea is very easy to make. Just steep the seeds in hot water and enjoy the benefits of caraway tea. The benefits of caraway tea include
• Aid in digestion. This tea soothes the digestive tract, relieves bloating and reduces stomach cramps.
• Caraway seed tea also helps with menstrual cramps. It has antispasmodic properties which means it helps relax the muscles in the uterus, alleviating pain.
• If you have respiratory issues, caraway tea is very beneficial. It reduces issues such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis by loosening mucus and clearing the airways.
• Caraway tea relaxes the mind and body which may promote better sleep. It is a good option for people who suffer from insomnia or anxiety.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are very beneficial in general. However, if consumed in large quantities they can have side effects too. Some of the side effects include

• Allergic reactions like skin rashes, swelling and even itching. Especially, if you are using caraway seeds oil, the reaction can be severe. For external use, mix it with carrier oil.
• Caraway seeds can lower blood sugar levels. Now as good as it sounds, if someone is on medication or already has low levels, it can lead to hypoglycemia. People who have diabetes must consult doctors before using caraway seeds.
• Pregnant and lactating mothers must be cautious before using caraway seeds.
• Caraway seeds are known to lower blood pressure. Though they may not drastically affect blood pressure one must avoid using them in large quantities. If you are on medication for hypertension, caraway seeds can cause dizziness and fatigue.

What Are Substitutes for Caraway Seeds?

People often ask if they can substitute caraway seeds in different recipes. If you don’t have caraway seeds, you may use

• Fennel seeds as they have a sweet, liquorice-like flavour similar to caraway seeds. They work well in savoury dishes and baked goods.
• You can also use Cumin seeds instead of caraway seeds. They offer a warm, earthy flavour that can mimic the depth of caraway in savoury dishes. Though they are less sweet but still a good substitute.
• One can also use anise seeds instead of caraway seeds. Though anise seeds are much sweeter they have the same liquorice flavour. They are good substitutes in both sweet and savoury recipes.
• Dill seeds also have a mild flavour that can replace caraway seeds in soups, bread, and other savoury dishes.

Caraway Vs Cumin

Cumin and Caraway may look the same but they are different in terms of flavours. Caraway gives sweet and mild flavour so they are best used in breads, sausages, and European dishes. On the other hand, Cumin seeds are best suited for spicy and savoury dishes because they have a strong earthy flavour. Both spices have their own set of health benefits. Cumin seeds can be used as a substitute for caraway seeds and vice versa but the flavourprofile is slightly different. It depends on which flavour you want for your dish.

How Much Caraway Seeds One Must Use?

Caraway seeds must be used in moderate quantities.

• If you are using them for cooking purposes, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per dish. If you are using ground seeds instead of whole seeds, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
• In tea, you can use 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds per cup of water.
• For digestive benefits or bloating relief, you can consume ½ to 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds after meals. You can either chew the seeds directly or steep them into tea.

In short, using 1 to 2 teaspoons of caraway seeds per day is enough and safe. Large amounts of caraway seeds can cause side effects. Overall, they are healthy and beneficial but use them with caution and within daily limits.