Carom seeds are well-known for their wonderful nutritious properties. Scientifically known as trashyspermum ammi, they are actually the fruits of the herb and not seeds. Similar in appearance to cumin seeds, they imitate the flavours of thyme, but are actually subtly different (bittery and pungent) in taste and much more nutritional. Greenish brown in colour, they originate from the cuisine cultures of ancient India, but have seen a meteoric rise in the UK and US ‘new foods' movement.
Researchers are taken aback by the nutritional power that these tiny seeds contain. While they can be consumed whole, haute-cuisine also makes use of its ground powdered form in cooking. In common western usage, they are also called ‘bishop’s weed’, a name that such seeds got from spice manufacturers and lay people for the seeds’ ancient usage in cultivating strong mental and physical abilities.
Very rich in vitamins, fibre, anti-oxidants and important minerals, carom’s incredibly nutritious composition has made it a household favourite in home-cooking and a cultural spice. Some of its exemplary benefits include:
ANTI-FUNGAL/ANTI-BACTERIAL
Carom has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that are especially beneficial in fighting fatal infections caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. This ability is attributed to two incredible active compounds present in the seeds: carvacrol and thymol - both are strong inhibitors of bacterial growth.
IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL
A highly used ingredient in heart-healthy cooking oils, carom seed suppliers export oil extracts for its cholesterol controlling properties, ensuring better heart longevity and overall health.
FIGHTS PEPTIC ULCERS
The carom seeds’ nutritional table has a mix of minerals that is highly enriching of stomach health. Apart from improving our daily intake of healthy minerals, they are strong against peptic ulcers - harmful sores in the food pipe, small intestine and the stomach. Carom also goes a long way in enhancing healthy bowel movement - eliminating constipation that causes chronic indigestion.
PREVENTS COUGHING
Evidence from modern research points towards a healthy anti-coughing effect of carom. It relieves airway muscles and constricted breathing, preventing cough to a degree that is comparable with allopathic medicine given for such purposes.
