Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is a spice that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It has a pungent and bitter taste, but it adds a unique flavor to various dishes. However, it is not only a culinary ingredient but also a potent herb that has many health benefits. In this article, we will explore how it can help you lose weight and improve your health.

What is Ajwain?

It is an herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes parsley, celery, and cumin. It is native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region, but it is also cultivated in India, Iran, Afghanistan, and other countries. The seeds of ajwain are small and oval-shaped, with a brownish-gray color and a strong aroma. They are often confused with cumin or fennel seeds, but they have a distinct flavor and smell.

What are the Nutrients in Ajwain?

Its seeds are rich in various nutrients, such as protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They also contain an essential oil called thymol, which is responsible for most of their medicinal properties. Thymol has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, and bronchodilatory effects. Here is a table that shows the nutritional value of 100 grams of ajwain seeds:

Nutrient	Value
Energy	238 kcal
Carbohydrate	47.62 g
Protein	23.81 g
Fiber	47.6 g
Iron	16.19 mg
Calcium	667 mg
Potassium	1333 mg
Fatty acids (total saturated)	0.62 g

How Does Ajwain Help in Weight Loss?

It is believed to have properties that can support weight loss and potentially reduce belly fat. Here are some of the ways that it can help you shed those extra kilos:

• Boosts metabolism: It contains thymol, an active compound that stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and enhances the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. This can help you burn more calories and prevent fat accumulation.
• Suppresses appetite: It has a strong aroma and flavor that can curb your cravings and make you feel full for longer. This can help you reduce your calorie intake and avoid overeating.
• Aids digestion: It is known to improve digestion and relieve common digestive issues such as bloating, gas, acidity, constipation, and indigestion. It also has carminative and antispasmodic effects that can relax the stomach muscles and ease abdominal pain. A healthy digestion is essential for weight loss, as it ensures proper absorption of nutrients and elimination of toxins.
• Detoxifies the body: It is a diuretic that can help flush out excess water and salt from the body. This can reduce water retention and bloating, which can make you look slimmer. Ajwain also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the liver and kidneys from oxidative stress and inflammation.

How to Use Ajwain for Weight Loss?

There are many ways to incorporate it into your diet for weight loss. Here are some of the most popular methods:

• Ajwain water: This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to use Ajwain for weight loss. To make this water, you need to boil 2 teaspoons of ajwain seeds in 4 cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the water and drink it warm or cold throughout the day. You can also add some honey or lemon juice for extra flavor and benefits.
• Ajwain tea: Another way to use it for weight loss is to brew it as a tea. To make ajwain tea, you need to steep 1 teaspoon of ajwain seeds in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it 2 to 3 times a day, preferably before meals. You can also add some ginger, mint, or cinnamon for extra flavor and benefits.
• Ajwain powder: You can also use its powder as a spice in your cooking. You can sprinkle some ajwain powder on your salads, soups, curries, or snacks. You can also mix some ajwain powder with yogurt or honey and consume it as a snack or dessert.
• Ajwain oil: Its oil is extracted from the seeds of the ajwain plant by steam distillation. It has a strong aroma and flavor that can enhance the taste of your dishes. You can use ajwain oil as a dressing for your salads, or as a seasoning for your stir-fries or roasted vegetables. You can also massage some ajwain oil on your belly or other problem areas to stimulate blood circulation and fat burning.

What are the Other Health Benefits of Ajwain?

Apart from weight loss, it also has many other health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Here are some of the health benefits of ajwain:

• Lowers blood pressure: It contains thymol, which has calcium-channel-blocking properties that can relax and dilate the blood vessels. This can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Fights infections: It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful microbes such as Candida albicans, E.coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus mutans. This can prevent infections in the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, skin, and urinary tract.
• Relieves cough and cold: It has expectorant and decongestant properties that can loosen the mucus and clear the airways. This can relieve cough, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis. It also has antipyretic and analgesic properties that can reduce fever and pain.
• Improves menstrual health: It has emmenagogue and antispasmodic properties that can stimulate the menstrual flow and relieve menstrual cramps. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can reduce the inflammation and pain in the uterus and ovaries. It can also balance the hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Enhances memory and cognition: It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties that can protect the brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. This can improve memory, learning, attention, and mental clarity. It can also prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

What are the Precautions and Side Effects of Ajwain?

It is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, some people may experience some side effects or allergic reactions to ajwain. Here are some of the precautions and side effects of ajwain:

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it may induce uterine contractions or affect milk production. It may also cause miscarriage or premature labor in some cases. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using ajwain.
• Gastric ulcers: It may aggravate gastric ulcers, as it may increase the acidity and irritate the stomach lining. Therefore, people with gastric ulcers should avoid or limit the intake of ajwain.
• Blood thinners: It may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, as it may increase the bleeding risk. Therefore, people who are taking blood thinners should consult their doctor before using Ajwain.
• Allergy: Some people may be allergic to ajwain or its components, such as thymol or carvacrol. They may experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after consuming ajwain. Therefore, people who are allergic to ajwain should avoid it completely.

FAQs about Ajwain

Here are some frequently asked questions about ajwain and its benefits:

• Can ajwain help in intestinal infections? Yes, it can help in intestinal infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can inhibit the growth of harmful microbes such as E. coli and Candida albicans that cause diarrhea, dysentery, and candidiasis. You can drink its water or tea to treat intestinal infections.
• Does Ajwain help with hypertension? Yes, it can help in hypertension due to its calcium-channel blocking property. It can relax and dilate the blood vessels and lower the blood pressure. You can drink water or tea to manage hypertension.
• Does Ajwain help in hyperlipidemia? Yes, it can help in hyperlipidemia due to its lipid-lowering properties. It can reduce the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. It can also increase the levels of HDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health. You can consume its powder or oil to control hyperlipidemia.
• Does Ajwain help in diabetes? Yes, it can help with diabetes due to its hypoglycemic properties. It can lower the blood sugar levels and improve the insulin sensitivity. It can also prevent the complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. You can consume water or tea to regulate diabetes.
• Does Ajwain help in arthritis? Yes, it can help in arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles. It can also improve the mobility and flexibility of the joints. You can apply its oil or paste on the affected areas or drink its water or tea to relieve arthritis.

Conclusion

Ajwain is a spice that has many health benefits, especially for weight loss. It can boost metabolism, suppress appetite, aid digestion, detoxify the body, and reduce belly fat. It can also lower blood pressure, fight infections, relieve coughs and colds, improve menstrual health, and enhance memory and cognition. However, it also has some side effects and precautions that should be considered before using it. Therefore, it is advisable to use Ajwain in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any medical condition or allergy.