Health benefits

High fish consumption in pregnancy tied to brain benefits for kids

When mothers eat three sizeable servings of fish each week during pregnancy it may benefit children’s brains for years to come, according to a large study in Spain.

Researchers followed nearly 2,000 mother-child pairs from the first trimester of pregnancy through the child’s fifth birthday and found improved brain function in the kids whose mothers ate the most fish while pregnant, compared to children of mothers who ate the least.

Even when women averaged 600 grams, or 21 ounces, of fish weekly during pregnancy, there was no sign that mercury or other pollutants associated with fish were having a negative effect that offset the apparent benefits.

“Seafood is known to be an important source of essential nutrients for brain development, but at the same time accumulates mercury from the environment, which is known to be neurotoxic,” lead author Jordi Julvez, of the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, said in an email.

In an attempt to balance the potential harms of such pollutants with the general health benefits of fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2014 guidelines encourage pregnant women to eat fish, but no more than 12 ounces per week.

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The European Food Safety Authority recently issued a scientific opinion endorsing 150 g to 600 g of fish weekly during pregnancy, Julvez and colleagues note in the American Journal of Epidemiology. But, the study team writes, the effects of maternal fish consumption during development are still not well understood and more research could help give pregnant women clearer guidance.

The researchers analyzed data from the Spanish Childhood and Environment Project, a large population study that recruited women in their first trimester of pregnancy, in four provinces of Spain, between 2004 and 2008.

Source: foxnews

Top 8 health benefits of drumsticks

Top 8 health benefits of drumsticks

Drumsticks are obtained from the Moringa oleifera plant and are well-known for their myriad therapeutic qualities. Called as shajan in Hindi, this green vegetable is loaded with valuable minerals, healthy proteins and essential minerals. A must-have ingredient in sambar, one can harness the health benefits of drumstick by cooking it with other vegetables, lentils (dals) or as juice or soup. Here are the top eight reasons why you should include drumsticks in your diet.

It builds strong bones

Drumsticks contain high amounts of calcium, iron and vitamins that help in strengthening bones. When consumed either in the form of a juice or with milk on a regular basis, it is found to raise the bone density and enhance bone health in kids. Read more about 7 surprising foods for healthy bones.

It purifies blood

The leaves and pods of this green vegetable posses blood purifying properties and it also acts as a potent antibiotic agent. The regular consumption of drumsticks, either in the form of soups or juices, reduces acne and other related skin problems.

It lowers blood sugar levels

Drumstick leaves significantly reduce the blood glucose levels in the body and help in controlling diabetes. It is also found to enhance gall bladder function, which in turn helps to lower sugar levels, helping you live a healthier life

It eases respiratory problems

In case you suffer from a sore throat, a cough or congestion, drink a cup of drumstick soup as its anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving a wide range of respiratory complications. It acts as an effective natural remedy to fight against lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis.

It is good for pregnant women

It is recommended that women should eat drumsticks during pregnancy as it helps in delivery and also eases pre and post delivery complications. The presence of essential vitamins and minerals in this vegetable reduces the sluggishness of the uterus along with boosting the milk production after delivery.

It protects against infections

The leaves and flowers of drumstick contain antibacterial agents that help in preventing a wide range of infections related to the throat and skin. It also contains high levels of vitamin C which boosts the immune activity and helps in eliminating the harmful free radicals from the body.

It helps in digestion

Drumstick leaves and pods are loaded with B complex vitamins (such as niacin, riboflavin, folic acid and pyridoxine), which are said to play a vital role in digestion. These vitamins regulate the digestive process by helping in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats into their simpler forms

It enhances sexual health

The presence of good amounts of zinc in drumsticks is found to enhance the process of spermatogenesis along with playing a key role in female sterility. The bark of this plant is found to contain certain compounds that help in curing impotency, premature ejaculation and thinness of semen.
Source: the health site

5 reasons why eating brinjals or baingan is good

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Brinjal or baingan as it is called in India, is a vegetable that is extremely high on nutrients and has many health benefits which makes it something you should try and eat at least once every week. A lot of people don’t like the taste, but if you cook it well, it can be extremely delicious too. Here are some of it’s top health benefits.

1. Brinjals prevent cancer
Fibre and antioxidants are just two of the nutrients that make brinjal a food that can keep cancer at bay. Fibre helps clear the toxins present in your digestive tract and has been found useful in the prevention of colon cancer. Additionally, the antioxidants help in fighting free radical damage to your cells which helps keep cancer at bay. Read more to find out the diet changes that can help keep cancer at bay.

2. Brinjals are great for weight loss
Brinjals are great for weight loss as they are low in calories with 100g of the vegetable containing just 25 calories. It is also rich in fibre which helps in promoting the feeling of satiety which means that eating a small serving will make you feel full and prevent you from overeating.

3. Brinjals prevent heart disease
Like most fruits and vegetables, brinjals too are great for your heart. Along with many nutrients, they contain bioflavonoids which controls hypertension and releases stress. Also, they have cholesterol busting properties thanks to a substance called chlorogenic acid.

4. Brinjals can keep your skin looking younger
As we age, our skin undergoes free radical damage which can cause the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on our faces. The antioxidants and vitamins present in brinjals can prevent this from happening. Additionally, it is also high in water which flushes toxins from your body and gives your skin a nice and healthy glow.

5. Brinjals are good for your brain
Eating brinjals can help keep prevent damage to your brain as it contains phytonutrients that can protect your cell membranes. These phytonutrients are also known to boost memory function and aid in transferring messages from one part of your body to another.

Apart from these benefits, brinjal is also known to have nicotine and thus helps in quitting tobacco. However, you’ll have to eat 10 kg of the vegetable to get as much nicotine into your body as a cigarette.
Source: yahoo Life style

15 Amazing Benefits Of Castor Oil For Skin, Hair And Health

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As a child, I remember my granny recommending castor oil for almost any problem. For her, it was the best home remedy for a host of ailments. Even today, the very mention of castor oil summons the numerous natural health benefits it provides. But before we delve into details, here is a quick brief about its origin.

Castor oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of castor plant, also known as Ricinus communis. It is a vegetable oil and the plant is largely native to Africa and India. The oil has been famous in the world over for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The medicinal and therapeutic benefits of the oil make it a favourite across various industries.

Nutritional Value of Castor Oil:

The high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and minerals found in castor oil, together make it highly beneficial.

The uses of castor oil are many for skin, hair and health. It also happens to be one of the most widely-used ingredients in various cosmetics, soaps, textiles, massage oils and even medicines.

Benefits of Castor Oil in Our Daily Life:

Castor oil is one of the few natural products that fight several ailments. Here are the 15 amazing uses and benefits of castor oil in our daily lives.

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin:

1. Skin Problems:

Castor oil is a boon when it comes to skin problems like sunburn, acne, dry skin and stretch marks. It also helps evade infections like warts, boils, athlete’s foot and chronic itching. To treat problems like sun burn, warts, yeast infections, fungal infections or acne, follow these simple steps:

Take a cotton wool ball
Dip it in castor oil
Apply directly to the affected skin area.
Leave it on for an hour
Wash off clearly after an hour.
Repeat this in the morning and night for faster results.
If the affected area is small – soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the affected area. Finally cover it with a clean one.
If the affected area is large – soak a cloth in castor oil and place on the affected area for an hour before washing off.

2. Ring worms:

Castor oil effectively treats ring worms, a common and stubborn skin problem across all age groups. The active compound called undecylenic acid, found in castor oil, helps treat ringworms successfully. Here is a step-by-step guide to its use.

  • Dilute 2 teaspoons of castor oil in 4 teaspoons of coconut oil.
  • Alternatively, you can wash castor leaves in water and soak them in coconut oil for few hours, and then heat gently.
  • Apply over the affected area and cover with a cotton cloth.
  • Keep it overnight for best results.
  • Repeat this procedure until cured completely.

3. Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deep and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps soften and hydrate our skin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin smoother, softer and younger. The fine lines around the eye area can be treated with its application. For best results, apply it everyday, after washing your face, over wrinkles and fine lines. You may also apply castor oil for skin before bed daily.

4. Acne:

Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid, which fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne. To use castor oil for skin:

  • Wash your face with warm water, as this will help open your pores.
  • Simply massage your face in a circular motion with the oil.
  • Keep it overnight.
  • Wash off your face the next morning with cold water.

5. Moisturiser:

Castor oil is a wonderful moisturiser. The high concentrated fatty acids penetrate the skin easily. This helps remove dry patches and restores hydration of the skin. Only a little amount of castor oil is required for this purpose. The fatty acids in castor oil make it stand out amongst other vegetable oils. Castor oil finds uses in various industries but it is prized in skincare segment for its ability to quickly moisturise. So if you are looking for an inexpensive and natural skin moisturiser, you know what to reach out for!

Here’s a quick tip:

Apply a few drops on face.
Massage it well on your skin every night.
Just follow the above steps to wake up to smooth, supple and revitalized skin every morning.

6. Fade Scars:

Castor oil is often used for fading scars. Though it works slowly in this regard (needs to be used regularly to see prominent results), it can produce permanent solution naturally. Once again, the fatty acids come to rescue. They penetrate deep within the scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of healthy tissues around it. It helps the scar diminish slowly.

7. Stretch Marks:

Castor oil is perfect for treating stretch marks. Here are the directions to use:

Rub castor oil over the stretch marks on your stomach and thighs (caused due to pregnancy and/or excessive weight gain).
Apply it regularly to get the best results.
Castor oil is also used to induce labour.

8. Antimicrobial:

Castor oil works as an excellent disinfectant on open wounds. The antimicrobial properties make it effective for treating fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, minor cuts and scratches as well. It can be used as a first aid treatment because of its anti-itch and pain-relieving properties. These properties help heal and ease symptoms of minor skin infections.

Castor Oil Benefits for Hair:

9. Promotes Hair Growth:

Castor oil is the best remedy for promoting hair growth. It is often advised to apply it topically to the scalp for thick hair. You may mix it with coconut or almond oil. The oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles, leading to faster hair growth. The oil also has omega-6 essential fatty acids, responsible for healthy hair. For best results, apply the oil and leave it overnight after covering it with a cap for deep penetration. Wash it off thoroughly the next day. It also helps reduce split ends and controls hair breakage while conditioning and moisturising your hair.

10. Thickens Eyebrows:

Use of castor oil promotes hair growth and hence helps thicken your eyebrows and eyelashes. It stimulates rapid growth of hair. The unusual chemical composition of the oil helps to keep your eyebrow and eyelash hairs from breaking. Here are the directions to use:

  • Rub castor oil over your lashes and brows before bed.
  • Repeat this procedure every night to get best results.
  • An alternative way is to gently massage each eyebrow with castor oil for a couple of minutes
  • Leave it on for half an hour.
  • Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to wash it off.
  • This too needs to be done daily to achieve desired results.

11. Treats Scalp Infection:

Scalp infection can cause major hair problems like bald patches and itchy scalp. With castor oil’s anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, you can fight pathogens and micro-organism, responsible for such problems. Regular use will make your scalp infection-free.

12. Hair Darkening:

Castor oil works well in hair darkening. The humectant properties of the oil, combined with its nutrients, help lock in the hair moisture. Thus helping it appear darker. To use:

  • Take a pea-sized amount of castor oil
  • Mix it with your leave-in hair conditioner or hair mousse.
  • Each time you use it, apply evenly and distribute nicely over your hair.

Vitamin E found in castor oil is excellent for treating brittle nails and ragged cuticles. Massage a small amount of oil for 2-3 months and see the results for yourself.

Health Benefits of Castor Oil:

13. Constipation:

Castor oil is a powerful laxative useful for effectively treating constipation. For best results, have one teaspoon of pure cold pressed castor oil a day – for three consecutive days.

14. Arthritis and Joint Pains:

Castor oil is a great remedy for treating arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal massage oil for relieving joint pain, nerve inflammation and sore muscles. Here is a step-by-step guide for using it for joint pain.

  • Take a piece of flannelette or a soft cotton fabric and fold it into squares.
  • Soak it in castor oil.
  • Press out excess oil and place on the affected joint, taking care to cover with a plastic wrap.
  • Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on this – the plastic will save the bottle from getting oily.
  • Leave it on for an hour.
  • Keep the oil pad in a zip lock bag and store in the fridge – it can be used again.
  • This process should be repeated twice a week for positive results.

15. The Lymphatic System and Liver:

Repeat the above-mentioned steps, but with a larger piece of cloth, to relieve and drain excess fluids from lymph and liver. Place the pack on the abdomen and cover with a plastic sheet and an old towel. Place a pillow under your knees and lay flat on your back for at least an hour to get relief and better result.

16. Treatment of Mild Surface Tumours:

Castor oil has been scientifically proven to increase T-cells production in human body. As a matter of fact, it was recommended by the American psychic, Edgar Cayce, for treating mild surface tumours.

Other Benefits Of Castor Oil:

Apart from the above-mentioned uses, castor oil can also be used to cure problems like

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Pain from Rheumatism
  • Gastrointestinal Problems
  • Menstrual Disorders
  • Migraines
  • Age Spots
  • Skin Abrasions

Inflammation
Castor oil has no side effects as such. However, if you want to use it internally, like to treat constipation, make sure you take the right dosage. It always better to consult your physician to avoid complications later. Make sure you read the instructions on the label before using it internally.

A Word of Caution:

As much as the castor oil helps in skin problems, it is highly recommended not to use too much castor oil on your face. This is because it is highly concentrated and too much of it can clog the pores, leading to skin irritation or breakouts. So don’t be too generous with its usage.

Advice:

Pregnant and lactating women, those with intestinal blockage or appendicitis should not consume castor oil. Kindly consult your doctor if you want to use this oil.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post on the benefits and uses of castor oil. Do leave your comments below and let us know how castor oil helped you.

Source: Style craze

What is a Spring Onion? is it a superfood?

spring-onions1

Spring onion is a real vitamin bomb that protects you from various diseases and strengthens your health.

Whether you eat it fresh or as a seasoning, onion will enrich your body in addition to vitamins, many minerals, and phytochemicals, which makes it one of the healthiest foods.

Therefore, make the most of the season!

Bone Health
Only one stalk of spring onion contains about 20 micrograms of vitamin K, and 1.6 mg of vitamin C.

When it comes to women’s needs for these vitamins, one stalk of spring onion contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K and 2.1 percent of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C.

Tn men, it is 16 percent of the recommended dose of vitamin K and almost 2 percent of vitamin C.

Both vitamins are essential for growth, development and maintenance of bone health and strength. If your diet does not contain sufficient amount of these vitamins, increases the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, and a higher percentage of bone fragility.

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Eye Health
For our body vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, protein in the eyes that allows receptors of the retina that to absorb the light.

People whose diet does not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin A may develop night blindness and other vision problems, including corneal ulcers.

The stalk of spring onion contains 24 micrograms of vitamin A in the form of vitamin A that the body converts into retinol, an active form of the vitamin.

This amount of vitamin A meet 3.4 percent of the daily requirement for women and 2.6 percent among men.

spring-onions3

Heart Health
Vitamins A and C, which can be found in foods such as onions, have a strong anti-oxidant properties.

This means that the mentioned vitamins can prevent damage to the cell tissue caused by action of free radicals.

A diet rich in foods with high levels of antioxidants, especially fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Vitamin C may also help in lowering high blood pressure which, in turn, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Boost your Immune System

Research shows that onions are rich source of phytochemicals, especially compounds of flavonoids, such as quercetin and anthocyanins.

These particular phytochemical compounds are actually natural chemicals in plants, that can improve the immunity.

Additionally, studies show that flavonoids may also helps at prevention of cancer by elimination of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme which produces the free radicals.

Source: secretly healthy

 

The Shocking Truth About Aspirin – It Doesn’t Work!

Aspirin has been around for over half a century. It’s primary and “original” use was for pain relief. But when Tylenol and NSAIDs (such as Advil) took over the pain relief field, the aspirin industry “bigwigs” pulled out the “big guns” and went after: heart disease.

What the heck, they figured. After all, a billion-dollar medicine has to go somewhere. And like most businesses, you have to keep growing and finding new “revenue streams” to increase revenue and profits. The “big killer” of heart disease seemed like a natural avenue to go down. So aspirin decided to acquire “new indications” as a blood-clot fighter and is already widely used to treat and prevent strokes and heart attacks.

It Didn’t Work For Apples
Just about every male I know over the age of 60 (including younger men) and many women (BOTH my parents in fact) are taking “an aspirin a day to keep the doctor away.” Well, it didn’t work for apples and I don’t think it works for aspirin either. But that isn’t stopping its promoters from telling people it will do that and a whole lot more.

Crazy Claims
Take a quick look at some of the other claims the “Aspirin Institute” is making about its product. The “Institute” strongly hints (“studies suggest that…”) that this “miracle drug” cures, decreases, alleviates, or prevents:

  • Breast cancer
  •  Migraine headaches
  •  Hodgkin’s disease Alzheimer’s disease
  •  Prostate cancer
  •  Cancer of the pancreas
  •  Colon cancer Birth defects
  •  Leukemia Immune disorders, including AIDS

And that’s just a partial list, But geez … take a look at the last one – AIDS! Wow, if Aspirin really could do that, it would be a “miracle” drug, right? …

So the “experts” seem to think that at least 95 percent of the population needs aspirin on a daily basis. But the dangers associated with extensive use of aspirin are downright horrifying.

Aspirin Does The Opposite
Researchers have reported that aspirin might, in fact, increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, macular degeneration (blindness), and cataract formation! You didn’t hear anything about these findings because no one reported on them in the popular press. So if you don’t read medical journals in your spare time, you probably missed these REAL bits of news.

Here’s what the researchers have to say:

  •  40% of people who regularly take large doses of aspirin actually demonstrated an INCREASED risk of both stroke and heart attack.
  •  Regular aspirin users have a significantly increased risk of macular degeneration with blindness!
  •  Aspirin use also puts people at a 44% increased risk of cataracts.

Of course, there’s always the widely known increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding that accompanies aspirin too. And these sorts of findings weren’t published in some lowly rag. No, the highly respected prestigious rags, like the British Medical Journal, Lancet, and the Journal of the American Medical Association, came to a similar conclusion: aspirin shows no benefit in the prevention of heart attacks!

Source: self growth

Health benefits of Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, is making a comeback, not just as a source of fibre for textiles, but also as a crop packed with oils that have potential health benefits.

Long been stigmatized because of its “high”-inducing cousins, hemp – derived from low- hallucinogenic varieties of cannabis – have high levels of vitamins A, C and E and beta carotene, and is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals and fibre.

Maria Angeles Fernandez-Arche and colleagues note that for millennia, people around the world cultivated cannabis for textiles, medicine and food.

With increasing interest in plant oils as a source of healthful compounds, Fernandez-Arche’s team wanted to investigate hemp seed oil’s potential.

They did a detailed analysis of a portion of hemp seed oil. They found it has a variety of interesting substances, such as sterols, aliphatic alcohols and linolenic acids, that research suggests promote good health. For example, it contains linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that some studies suggest helps prevent coronary heart disease.

The research is published in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Other known health benefits of Hemp seeds are:

Hemp seed oil, which contains Omega 3, 6, and 9, is a great alternative to fish oil. The essential fatty acids help restore health and immune function.

It is said to help with eczema, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure.

It is not only used to nourish dry skin but blotches and lesions as well. It can detoxify the skin and even out skin tone. It is also a natural sunblock.

It has unequalled anti-inflammatory properties

Helps relieve premenstrual stress

Source: Zee news

Five reasons why you should eat spinach

Spinach the green leafy vegetable which is the source of Popeye`s strength, is a winter super food packed with immense nutrients.

Here are a few health benefits of spinach:

A rich source of dietary fibre, spinach aids digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs

overeating thus aiding weight loss.

Flavonoids — a phytonutrient abundant in spinach offers protection against stomach, skin and aggressive prostate cancer.

An excellent source of antioxidant nutrients – vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium – it helps decrease risk of several blood vessel-related problems, including atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in spinach protect the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Vitamin K abundant in spinach is important for maintaining the strength and density of the bones. Vitamin K1 helps prevent excessive activation of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

Source: Zee news

Health Benefits of Tropical Fruits

The tropics is blessed with sunshine all year long along with abundant rainfall and some of the most popular fruits in the world. Read on to find out about their health benefits as well.

Passion fruit

Passion fruit is packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fibre. It can act as a pain reliever and sedative. It can help with digestion, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Citrus fruit

Vitamin C from citrus fruits along with furocoumarins and limonene help prevent many types of cancers and nutritional deficiencies like scurvy. Citrus fruit juices may reduce the risk of certain kinds of kidney stones.

Banana

Banana is a good source of vitamins B6 and C, manganese, potassium and fibre. It can help maintain normal blood pressure and heart function and protect you from ulcers. It also aids in digestion and improve eyesight.

Avocado

Oleic acid from avocados helps to lower the total cholesterol levels and even increase the high density lipoprotein levels in the body. Moreover avocado also provides a good dose of fibre. Try an avocado dip or guacamole in your burger instead of other fat-loaded dressings.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is packed with two important antioxidants; vitamin C and vitamin A. The pro-vitamin A in cantaloupe promotes your lung health, protects your vision and vitamin C helps to fight against infection and boosts your immune system.

Kiwi Fruit

Vitamin C from kiwi protects the body from any oxidative damage and phytonutrients from this fruit protects the DNA.

Papaya

Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, E and K. All these antioxidants along with the fiber in papaya surely promote good health and ward off a variety of diseases and conditions.

Pineapple

Bromelain from pineapple offers potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Pineapple is also a good source of manganese, ascorbic acid and thiamin which play a role in antioxidant defences and energy production.

Mango

Mango can lower cholesterol and help fight some cancers. It helps in digestion and elimination. Green mango juice helps cool down the body and prevents sun stroke during summer.

Source: Zee news

Caraway Seed Health Benefits

Botanically called Carum carvi, caraway is a biennial plant, which belongs to the family Apiaceae. Some of the health benefits of caraway seeds are listed as under:

Caraway seeds lowers the concentration of LDL cholesterol, by preventing its re-absorption in the colon. As such, caraway seeds help in preventing a variety of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and artery congestion.

Caraway seeds also help relieve the symptoms of bronchitis.

  • It is a rich source of anti-oxidant compounds including carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin
  • These compounds negate the effect of free radicals produced as a result of biochemical reactions, thereby preventing the formation and proliferation of cancer cells.
  • On account of its detoxifying properties, it also helps in lowering the pace of aging. It helps in reducing the signs of aging like fine lines, patches on skin, dark spots and wrinkles.
  • They help boost immunity. It prevents the exhaustion of T-cells, which in turn prevents the strain on the immune system, thereby strengthening it and preventing against infections and diseases.
  • Help in improving the texture of the skin on account of its rich Vitamin E content.
  • They have a strong and pungent odor. As such, the seeds may be chewed to get rid of the bad breath as well as the insipid or bland taste in the mouth.
  • Also serves as a tonic for pregnant women.

They are a potent emmenagogue. The seeds regulate the menstrual cycle and regularize your periods. They also help reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) like pain in lower abdomen, bloating and water retention in the body, nausea, and loss of appetite, among others.

Enhances eyesight and also improves skin and hair texture.

Prevent impotency in males by stimulating sperm production.

They are a potent carminative, which help clear up cough and phlegm from the respiratory tract and relieves congestion.

They have proven effective for lactating mothers by promoting milk secretion. Lactating women may consume caraway seeds in honey to enhance milk production for the health of the baby.

Promote the activity of glands, thereby maintaining the overall physiology of the body.

Regulate the function of kidneys, cleaning the body waste materials and toxins.

Its seed extract may also be used in the treatment of scabies.

It may also be deployed to cure ear infections and pain.

The seeds are a potent antiseptic agent, which prevents and cure infections.

It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and inflammation of joints.

They may also be used to cure severe headache and migraine.

Usage of caraway seeds is an effective remedy to cure toothache and other oral afflictions.

Caraway seeds may be used as a flavoring agent in the kitchen. It may be used in sausages as well as meat preparations.

Digestive Health:

Caraway seeds are widely used to cure various digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome. It promotes digestion and thereby prevents indigestion and other causes of stomach afflictions. It adds bulk to the food on account of its rich dietary fiber content, which regulates bowel movement and prevents constipation. Caraway seeds may also be used as antihelmintic to remove helminthes like hook worms from the intestinal tract. It also eases dyspepsia and hysteria. Caraway seeds may also be used as appetizers.

It may be used to make caraway tea to cure gas and flatulence. It also helps prevent colic disorders.

Information & Facts:

Some of the basic information & facts about caraway seeds are as follows:

Caraway is also called Persian cumin and meridian fennel, and is a native of Asia, North Africa and Europe. The plant is cultivated annually in colder regions, while it is cultivated as a biennial plant in temperate regions. The plant grows well in warm and well-drained soil.

The caraway plant grows up to a height of 50-60 cms and bears thread-like, finely divided and feathery leaves.

They are actually fruits, which are crescent-shaped, bearing ridges. Caraway seeds (fruits) bear five ridges per seed; ridges are pale in color and texture.

It contains volatile oil, which contains chemical substances like limonene, carvone, pinen, carveol, thujone, furfurol and cumuninic aldehyde.

Some of the vital minerals present in them are iron, calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium and magnesium.

Its seeds are a rich source of certain vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

It has a warm and peppery aroma and as such, it is widely used in culinary preparations, especially Mediterranean and European cooking.

It may be used as infusion, poultice and tincture.

Some of the caraway seed supplements are anise, fennel and cumin.

Side Effects Of Caraway Seeds

There is no scientific evidence on the side-effects of caraway seeds, and they are generally known to have positive effects on health. However, high dose of caraway seeds may lead to kidney and liver afflictions, attributed to the content of volatile oils.

Source: diet health club