Ajwain seeds, also known as carom seeds are one of the mandatory spices in Indian cuisine. Ajwain is well known for its flavoring and curative properties. Ajwain is one of the regularly used spices in curries and soups and different home remedies. Carom seeds are, therefore, an integral part of an Indian kitchen.
Ajwain belongs to the same family of cumin and fennel. Carom seeds have a bitter and pungent flavor. And because of its strong aroma, it is stated “ugragantha” in Ayurveda. Because of its strong and overriding flavor, carom seeds are used in small quantities in Indian cooking.
The Nutritional Profile Of Ajwain
Ajwain is incredibly nutritious. It is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Carom seeds are also enriched with other vitamins and minerals. They are an incredible source of iron. 100 grams of carom seeds contain 66.36 mg of iron that covers around 369 % of the daily value.
According to the source 100 grams of Ajwain seeds has:
- 375 calories
- 22 grams of fats
- 44 grams of carbohydrates
100 grams of carom seeds also contains
- 11 grams of fiber that makes around 39% daily value
- 18 grams of proteins that provide 36% daily value
Related Reading: Top 10 Protein-Rich Foods For Pregnancy
It is also an incredible source of
- Thiamine (52% DV)
- Riboflavin (25% DV)
- Niacin (29% of DV)
- Vitamin B6 (33%DV)
- Vitamin E (15% DV)
Other than being an incredible source of iron, Ajwain is also enriched with the following minerals
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- Manganese 145% DV
- Copper 96% DV
- Magnesium 92% DV
- Phosphorous 71% DV
- Zinc 44% DV
- Potassium 38% DV
Carom seeds also contain traces of Selenium, sodium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K
Are Carom Seeds Safe During Pregnancy?
The above given nutritional profile of Ajwain shows it carries many nutrients that are highly beneficial for the healthy progression of pregnancy. It is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy daily routine. Also, these magic seeds pose many therapeutic properties that help get rid of many pregnancy-related issues.
When it comes to the safety of eating Ajwain during pregnancy, it is safe if taken in moderation. You can safely reap the benefits of Ajwain, both in raw or powdered form. One should seek guidance from a pregnancy specialist nutritionist to find out the right amount of Ajwain to consume during pregnancy.
Ajwain Water During Pregnancy
Drinking Ajwain water during pregnancy is also a safe method for reaping the benefits of Ajwain. Many expecting mothers find it hard to tolerate the strong flavor and taste of Ajwain. Ajwain water is easy to consume at the same time and is equally beneficial as having it in raw or powdered form. It can help to:
- Improve digestion
- Enhance metabolism
- Fight off bloating
Related Reading: 13 Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
Benefits Of Ajwain During Pregnancy
Ajwain seeds have incredible anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. They are also well known for there antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and broncho-dilating properties. All these properties of Ajwain are advantageous during pregnancy.
Here are some of the top benefits of Ajwain during pregnancy
1. Provides relief from stomach disorders
Pregnancy is a time when women contract many stomach disorders like indigestion, gas and bloating. Ajwain is one of the most common home remedies for acidity during pregnancy. Carom seeds have thymol, a white crystalline substance with a nice aroma. This element can potentially boost the digestive enzymes. Therefore, eating Ajwain during pregnancy helps in improving the digestion and providing relief from stomach disorders.
2. Provide relief from food poisoning
Ajwain seeds have incredible anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The active compounds in Ajwain can potentially fight against the bacteria and other microbes that are responsible for food poisoning.
Related Reading: 10 Drinks To Avoid During Pregnancy
3. Helps relieve chest congestion
The broncho-dilating property of Ajwain helps relieve chest congestion, especially for mothers who are experiencing asthma during pregnancy. For fast relief from chest congestion and open to the airway:
- Inhale the smoke of Ajwain. The broncho-dilating property of Ajwain opens the airway and makes breathing easier
- 1 teaspoon Ajwain– jaggery paste two times a day also provides relief from severe chest congestion
- Put one hand full of Ajwain in a soft cloth and tie it tightly. Now heat this Ajwain bundle by pressing over a warm tawa. Apply this warm bundle gently over the chest. This Ajwain warm compress may provide fast relief from chest congestion
4. Helps fight off constipation
Pregnancy can badly affect the bowel movements of a woman. The surge of pregnancy hormones and growing womb can take a toll on normal digestion. Therefore, expecting mothers are prone to constipation.
Ajwain is one of the well-known home remedies for constipation. Because of its rich fiber content and laxative properties, Ajwain seeds helps to enhance bowel movements and speed up the digestion process. Eating Ajwain during pregnancy provides relief from constipation and can act as one of the home remedies for constipation during pregnancy.
5 Good to consume during the last trimester
The digestive issues bother the women to a certain extent throughout the pregnancy. However, it more often gets aggravated during the third trimester. Ajwain during the 9th month of pregnancy can be beneficial in many ways. Drinking Ajwain water every day during this period helps to:
- Improve digestion
- Improve appetite
- Reduce flatulence
- Reduce acidity
6. Helps enhance the oral health
Pregnancy can adversely affect oral health in many ways. Boil some water with Ajwain and salt. Once it comes to room temperature, gargle with it three to four times a day. Besides being an excellent mouth wash, it helps maintain oral health throughout pregnancy.
7. Helps fight off headaches
Headaches are one of the most annoying issues during pregnancy. Many mothers are prone to headaches. As we already know that many pain killers are not safe during pregnancy, Ajwain makes an excellent home remedy for headaches. You can:
- Burn it and inhale the fumes
- Make Ajwain paste and apply it over the forehead
- Put Ajwain powder in a thin cloth and wrap it tightly. Smell this frequently. This will help fight off headaches due to the severe common cold
Related Reading: 7 Home Remedies For Headache During Pregnancy
8. Helps regulate blood pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for the healthy progression of pregnancy. If one drinks Ajwain water regularly, the antihypertensive properties of carom seeds help maintain optimal blood pressure.
How To Include Ajwain In Pregnancy Diet?
You can consume Ajwain in the form of:
- Ajwain seeds
- Ajwain water
- Powdered Ajwain
- Ajwain water
You can also add it to parathas to enhance its flavor and nutritive value and as tadka for curries.
Is Ajwain Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Ajwain tea is safe during pregnancy if you don’t make it too strong. Just roast and make powder of some Ajwain seeds and store them in an airtight container. You can make tea by adding half to one teaspoon of this powder to boiling water. Once boiled, switch off the stove and sieve it into a cup. You can now enjoy your Ajwain tea.
Related Reading: Can I Drink Green Tea During Pregnancy?
Precautions And Risk During Pregnancy
To reap the maximum benefits of Ajwain, it’s best to ingest it in the proper amount during pregnancy. However, consuming too much of it can have negative consequences. Ajwain water during pregnancy may have a connection in this aspect.
Excessive Ajwain consumption during pregnancy might increase body heat, which can have a harmful impact on the pregnancy. When used in high quantities Ajwain can cause dizziness and nausea in expecting women. There are many simple ways to avoid nausea during pregnancy.
Conclusion
In spite of all its benefits, it is important to limit the intake of Ajwain during pregnancy. If you experience any side effects, discontinue the usage and bring the matter to the attention of your doctor.