Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, are packed with essential fiber, potent antioxidants, and a variety of beneficial nutrients. These tiny seeds may offer significant health advantages, such as enhancing cholesterol levels and alleviating digestive issues. Originating from the Trachyspermum ammi herb, carom seeds are a staple in Indian cuisine, celebrated for their distinct flavor and health properties. Despite commonly being referred to as “seeds,” they are technically the fruit of the ajwain plant.

These seeds exhibit a color range from slightly green to brown and possess a pungent, somewhat bitter flavor profile. While they may resemble cumin seeds in appearance, their taste and aroma are more akin to that of thyme. Carom seeds are typically available as whole seeds but can also be ground into a fine powder, making them a versatile spice in various culinary applications. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and a host of vitamins and minerals, carom seeds boast impressive nutritional value. Their historical use in traditional Indian medicine highlights their association with numerous health benefits.

Below, we explore the top six health benefits and culinary uses of carom seeds.

1. Combatting Bacteria and Fungi

Carom seeds, known as ajwain in India, possess remarkable antibacterial and antifungal properties that can be beneficial for health. This potency is largely due to two active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the proliferation of various bacteria and fungi. Research conducted in laboratory settings highlights that these compounds may effectively target harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, both notorious for causing foodborne illnesses and other medical issues.

In one noteworthy test-tube study, carom seeds exhibited superior effectiveness against resistant strains of bacteria and fungi, including species like Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Streptococcus mutans, when compared to various other solvents. Nonetheless, it is important to note that more extensive research is necessary to fully understand how these seeds might influence bacterial and fungal growth in human subjects. The preliminary findings suggest that the antibacterial and antifungal potential of carom seeds and their compounds could be a promising avenue for addressing certain strains of harmful microorganisms.

2. Enhance Cholesterol Levels

Research conducted on animals suggests that carom seeds (ajwain) might play a role in lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are significant risk factors for heart disease. In a study involving rabbits, the administration of carom seed powder led to a notable reduction in total cholesterol, LDL (often referred to as bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels. Similarly, research on rats demonstrated that carom seed extract effectively lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels while simultaneously boosting the amounts of heart-friendly HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

However, it is essential to note that both studies indicated that the carom seed powder was only effective in lowering cholesterol when consumed in high doses that far exceed what one would typically obtain through a standard diet. Thus, further research is crucial to ascertain how carom seeds might influence cholesterol levels in humans.

3. Potential to Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health concern that heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Traditional approaches to managing this condition often involve medications such as calcium-channel blockers, which function by restricting calcium from infiltrating heart cells, thereby relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.

Interestingly, preliminary studies suggest that thymol — a key compound found in carom seeds (ajwain) — might exhibit calcium-channel-blocking properties, potentially aiding in the reduction of blood pressure levels. For example, research has shown that extracts from carom seeds can lower blood pressure in laboratory rats. Nonetheless, it's important to note that investigations into the efficacy of carom seeds in regulating blood pressure in humans remain sparse. Additional research is essential to ascertain how these seeds might influence blood pressure in human subjects.

4. Aids in Combating Peptic Ulcers and Eases Indigestion

Carom seeds, known as ajwain in India, are frequently utilized as a natural remedy for various digestive ailments within the realm of Ayurvedic medicine. These seeds have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in addressing gastrointestinal issues.

Research suggests that carom seed extract may play a role in combating peptic ulcers, which are painful sores found in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. For instance, a notable study conducted over a two-week period involving rats revealed that treatment with carom seed extract significantly improved stomach ulcers induced by ibuprofen.

The findings indicated that the efficacy of this extract was on par with that of traditional medications commonly prescribed for the management of peptic ulcers. Moreover, carom seed extract may assist in preventing and alleviating gas and chronic indigestion, conditions characterized by persistent discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen. One of the main contributing factors to indigestion is believed to be delayed stomach emptying.

Interestingly, research has shown that carom seed spice can expedite the movement of food through the stomach in rat models, potentially aiding in the relief of indigestion. However, it is important to note that these effects have yet to be substantiated in studies conducted on humans.

While there is some promising evidence indicating that carom seeds may help combat peptic ulcers and improve symptoms of indigestion, it is crucial to recognize that current research predominantly focuses on animal studies, and further investigation in humans is warranted.

5. Potential to Alleviate Coughing and Enhance Airflow

Emerging evidence indicates that carom seeds (ajwain) might offer soothing relief from coughs. Although studies are limited, one notable experiment conducted on guinea pigs revealed that carom seeds exhibited an anticoughing effect that surpassed that of codeine, a widely used medication for cough relief.

Additionally, carom seeds may play a role in enhancing airflow to the lungs. Research involving individuals with asthma showed that administering 0.057–0.113 ml per pound (0.125–0.25 ml per kg) of body weight of carom seed extract resulted in a significant increase in lung airflow within 30 to 180 minutes post-treatment. This effect was found to be comparable to that of theophylline, a commonly prescribed medication for asthma management.

Despite these promising findings, further investigations are essential to thoroughly understand how carom seeds impact coughing and other respiratory symptoms in humans. Current evidence remains limited but suggests that carom seeds could possess anticoughing properties and may aid in improving lung airflow.

6. Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation plays a dual role in our health; while short-term inflammation serves as the body's natural defense mechanism against illness and injury, chronic inflammation can lead to adverse health outcomes and elevate the risk of various diseases.

Research has highlighted that carom seeds (ajwain) are effective in exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating inflammation within the body. A study conducted on rats demonstrated that supplementation with carom seed extract resulted in notable anti-inflammatory effects.

Are Carom Seeds Safe for Consumption?

Generally, carom seeds (ajwain) are regarded as safe for the vast majority of individuals. However, it is crucial for pregnant or breastfeeding women to exercise caution and avoid these seeds due to their potential harmful effects on fetal development, which may lead to serious complications such as birth defects or even miscarriage.

If you are expecting, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before consuming carom seeds in any form, be it whole seeds, extracts, or powdered variants. Additionally, there have been anecdotal instances of nausea reported after consuming high quantities of carom seeds, reinforcing the recommendation to intake them in moderation.

The Bottom Line

Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, have been a staple in traditional Indian cuisine as well as in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. These tiny seeds are recognized for their potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in the treatment of peptic ulcers and help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, it's important to note that most of the current evidence stems from studies conducted on animals and in laboratory settings, indicating that more comprehensive research is necessary to fully understand the impact of carom seeds on human health. Generally, carom seeds are regarded as safe for the majority of individuals. However, it is crucial to highlight that these seeds are not recommended for pregnant women due to their potential adverse effects on fetal development.