Caraway Seeds 100 g, 50 g

Caraway Seeds 100 g ($9.99), 50 g ($6.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients  Caraway has been used in traditional and folk medicine for centuries. Interestingly, preliminary research supports several of these benefits. Caraway boasts a wide variety of essential nutrients, several of which are lacking in Western diets. These include iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and fiber (3).

Just 1 tablespoon (6.7 grams) of caraway provides (4):

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1.3 grams
• Fat: 0.9 grams
• Carbs: 3.34 grams
• Fiber: 2.6 grams
• Copper: 6.7% of the DV
• Iron: 6.1% for women
• Magnesium: 5.4% of the DV
• Manganese: 4.8% for women
• Calcium: 3.6% of the DV
• Zinc: 4.6% for women

In addition to the vitamins and minerals listed above, caraway seeds also contain a small amount niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, choline, zinc and selenium. What’s more, caraway has a rich supply of health promoting antioxidants, including limonene and carvone (5).

Inflammation  Several caraway compounds demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (2). While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to various ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its symptoms may include ulcers, cramping, gas, diarrhea, bowel urgency, and irritation of digestive tissue. In a study in mice with IBD, both caraway extract and essential oil reduced inflammation in colon tissue as effectively as common steroid-based drugs (6). In light of these promising results, human research is needed.

Digestion  Caraway has historically been utilized to treat several digestive conditions, including indigestion and stomach ulcers. A handful of small human studies show that caraway oil relaxes your digestive tract’s smooth muscle tissue, thus relieving indigestion symptoms like gas, cramping, and bloating (7, 8, 9). Although the precise mechanism is unknown, its antimicrobial capacity may be responsible (1, 2). One test-tube study revealed that caraway blocked the growth of harmful gut bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched. These good bacteria produce nutrients, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support your immune health (10, 11). Another test-tube study found that caraway extract fought H. pylori, a bacterium known to cause stomach ulcers and digestive inflammation (12).

Caraway seeds have long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as gas, bloating and constipation. This is thanks in part to their high fiber content. Just one tablespoon supplies 2.5 grams of fiber. Fiber passes through the digestive tract very slowly and helps add bulk to the stool to relieve constipation and support regularity. Studies show that upping your intake of fiber can aid in the treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and intestinal ulcers. One human study even found that caraway oil was effective at reducing symptom severity and providing relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Weight Loss  Caraway may support weight loss and body composition.

In a 90-day study in 70 women, those who took 1 ounce (30 ml) of a 10% caraway oil solution daily experienced significantly greater reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage than those who received a placebo (13). They also saw significant declines in total calorie and carb intake, compared with the placebo group.

Scientists speculate that these effects may be due to positive changes in gut bacteria that affect hormone regulation, fat metabolism, and appetite.

Caraway seeds can be a great addition to a healthy diet to help curb cravings, reduce appetite and boost weight loss with minimal effort required. According to a 2013 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, taking caraway for 90 days resulted in a significant reduction in weight and body fat of participants, even with no other changes to diet or exercise. Another study had similar findings, reporting that consuming caraway seeds led to significant reductions in appetite, carbohydrate intake and body weight after just 90 days.

Antioxidants  Caraway seeds are loaded with antioxidants. These powerful compounds help fight free radicals and prevent damage to the cells. In addition to neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants are thought to aid in the prevention of chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Interestingly enough, one animal model published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found that supplementing with caraway seeds was able to significantly increase serum antioxidant levels in rats. Although more research is needed to understand the effects on humans, this could potentially have far-reaching effects on health and disease.

Cancer Caraway seeds contain a highly concentrated amount of antioxidants, which are powerful compounds that help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Thanks to their rich content of antioxidants, caraway seeds are believed to have potent cancer-fighting properties. For example, one animal model out of India found that supplementing with caraway was effective at improving antioxidant status and preventing lesion formation in rats with colon cancer. Another animal study also found that consuming caraway seeds helped block the growth of new tumor cells in the colon.

Seizures  Although research is still limited, some studies show that caraway seeds could have anti-convulsant properties and may help protect against seizures. One animal model conducted by the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences showed that administering the extracts and essential oils of caraway seeds to rats helped prevent several different types of seizures. However, more research is needed to determine whether these effects apply to humans as well.

Blood Sugar  Some research suggests that adding caraway seed to your diet can help regulate blood sugar levels to protect against diabetes symptoms, such as increased thirst, fatigue and unintentional weight changes. In fact, one animal model out of Morocco showed that administering caraway seed extract to diabetic rats was effective at lowering blood sugar levels.

Plus, caraway seeds are also a great source of fiber. Fiber can have a powerful impact on blood sugar control and can help slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Caraway Seeds vs. Fennel Seeds vs. Cumin Seeds

Caraway, fennel and cumin seeds all share similarities in terms of taste and aroma, but there are several distinct differences between these three common kitchen ingredients.

What is fennel? Fennel is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the carrot family. It is favored for its distinct licorice-like flavor and versatility. Many people wonder: Are fennel seeds and caraway seeds the same? Although the caraway plant is closely related to fennel, the two are actually categorized as different species of plants. The main distinction between caraway seeds vs. fennel is in terms of flavor. Fennel has a mild taste that is very similar to anise seed, while caraway seeds have an earthy, citrus-like flavor. For this reason, caraway seeds are often used as a popular fennel seed substitute in many different recipes.

Cumin seeds, on the other hand, are another plant in the same family. Cumin is a common staple in many types of cuisine. It is found in both whole and ground form. Like fennel, cumin is a popular caraway seeds substitute thanks to its nutty, earthy and somewhat spicy taste. Potential cumin health benefits include better digestion, improved immune function and more thanks to its impressive health-promoting properties.

Botanical Name: Carum carvi
English: Caraway
Ayurvedic: Krishna jiraka, Jiraa, Kaaravi, Asita Jiraka, Kaashmirajiraka, Prithvikaa, Upakunchikaa, Sugandha, Udgaar, Shodhana
Unani: Zeeraa Siyaah, Kamoon, Kamoon-roomi
Also, known as: Shimai-shembu, Semai Seenragam, Karamjitagam
Habitat: Native to Europe and West Asia.
Origin: Finland
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Seed

General Information:
In the traditional European cuisine, caraway seed is one of the dominant spices featuring in several savory dishes. Strongly aromatic, caraway is a member of the parsley or Umbelliferae family, a large family of plants that also includes commonly known herbs and spices such as dill, anise, fennel, and cumin The Carum carvi plant grows to about two feet in height and is covered with tiny, feathery leaves. Caraway seeds, having similar in appearance as that of cumin, feature a crescent shape, dark brown, with up to five stripes (ribs) that running lengthwise on their surface. Caraway harvested in the early morning hours to avoid spilling and wastage of its seeds in the field. They are then stacked in bundles and left to dry under sunlight for a few days. The seeds are extracted by means of threshing, either manually or employing machines.

The caraway plant is native to several different regions, including western Asia, Europe and North Africa. It’s known by many different names, most of which are derived from “cuminum,” which is the Latin word for cumin. The first use of the term “caraway” in English dates back to 1440. It is believed to be of Arabic origin.

Caraway seeds are considered a staple ingredient in many areas around world. In the Middle East, for instance, caraway seeds are added to desserts, such as keleacha, a sweet Syrian scone and meghli, a type of pudding served during Ramadan. In Serbia, they’re used to add flavor to cheeses and scones, such as pogačice s kimom. Meanwhile, the seeds are commonly added to rye bread and Irish soda bread in other parts of the world. Today, caraway plants are cultivated throughout Europe, with Finland accounting for about 28 percent of global production. In addition to being widely used in many types of cuisine, the essential oils are also extracted for use in medications and liqueurs. So what do you use caraway seeds for? The caraway seeds taste has hints of licorice, citrus and pepper with an earthy undertone. It’s a highly aromatic and warm spice that brings a distinct, sharp flavor to a variety of different dishes.

Caraway seeds are frequently used in baked goods, including rye bread and soda bread. They can also be added to soups, salads, curries, coleslaws, sausages and mixed veggie dishes. Try sprinkling them over roasted potatoes, stews, dips or cabbage dishes. Alternatively, try swapping them into recipes that call for cumin for a slightly milder caraway seed substitute. Keep in mind that caraway seeds are highly concentrated and can supply a hearty dose of flavor, even in small amounts. In fact, most recipes call for around one teaspoon or less to bring a bit of warmth and aroma to dishes. Traditionally, caraway seeds were served to promote digestion following a hearty meal. Thanks to their medicinal properties, they have also been used in several holistic forms of medicine and are considered one of the top herbs and spices for healing. In Ayurvedic medicine, for example, caraway seeds are used to detoxify the body, stimulate digestion and increase circulation. They are thought to alkalize the body, decrease feelings of pain, settle the stomach and soothe cramps. Meanwhile, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, caraway seeds are considered warming and pungent. They are also used to circulate qi, the vital energy of all living things. Caraway seeds are sometimes used to treat liver qi stagnation, which can cause issues like mood changes, constipation, abdominal pain and decreased appetite.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Take: