Caraway, also known as Meridian Fennel or Persian Cumin, is a biennial herb with a fleshy root and slender, branched stems. Its feather-like leaves are divided into very narrow segments. The plant bears small white flowers. The dried fruits, brown in color and hard and sharp to touch, are consumed as seeds. Caraway seeds have a pleasant odor, aromatic flavor and sharp taste and give a warm feeling when kept in the mouth. Although the seeds are native to Western Asia, Europe and Northern Africa, they are cultivated in various parts across the world. The plant is cultivated wild in the north Himalayan region in India. It is cultivated as a winter plant on the plains and as a summer crop at altitudes of 2740 to 3660 meters, in Kashmir, Kumaon, Garhwal and Chamba. Caraway seeds are used in perfumes, soaps and lotions, as a fragrance component. Read on further to learn about the health and nutrition benefits of eating caraway seeds and explore its nutritional value as well.
Nutritional Value Of Caraway Seeds
Amount of Caraway Seeds: 1 cup Total Weight of Caraway Seeds: 100 g
| Nutrients | Amount | Basic Components | Protein | 19 g | Phytosterols | 76 mg | Water | 9 g | Calories | Total Calories | 333 | Calories From Fat | 117 | Fat and Fatty Acids | Total Fat | 14 g | Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g | Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g | Carbohydrates | Total Carbohydrate | 49 g | Dietary Fiber | 38 g | Vitamins | Vitamin A | 363 IU | Niacin | 3 mg | Vitamin C | 21 mg | Vitamin E | 2 mg | Folate | 10 mcg | Minerals | Calcium | 689 mg | Iron | 16 mg | Magnesium | 258 mg | Phosphorus | 568 mg | Potassium | 1351 mg | Sodium | 17 mg | Zinc | 5 mg | Manganese | 1 mg | Selenium | 12 mcg Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Eating Caraway Seeds * Caraway seeds are used to relieve indigestion, cold, cough, fever, throat infections, appetite loss and gall bladder problems. * The seeds strengthen the functions of the stomach. They also provide quick relief from flatulence. * They form an excellent house cleaner for the body and increase the action of the kidneys. * Caraway seeds help to maintain proper heart beat rate, strengthen cardiac muscles, prevent hardening of arteries and veins, lower blood pressure and bring down cholesterol level in the blood, thus helping the heart from all sides. * Caraway seed oil is used as an anthelmintic, which helps in removing hookworms from the intestines. * The oil is a good disinfectant and antiseptic and effectively cures infections of colon, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary and excretory system and external infections as well. * Caraway oil, when mixed with alcohol and castor oil, is extremely helpful in the treatment of scabies. * The oil helps in increasing milk for lactating mothers, as it enhances both the quantity and the quality of milk. * Oral intake of caraway seed oil is useful in overcoming bad breath or insipid taste. * It is useful for ladies suffering from delayed or obstructed menstruations, as it opens up menstruation and gives relief. |