Caraway is a unique spice that has been used in culinary and natural medicine for centuries.
It tastes like licorice, coriander, anise, and fennel, and has a slightly bitter, earthy flavour. It’s great for sweet and savoury foods like breads, pastries, curries, and stews, and may be used whole or ground. It’s also used in the production of spirits and liqueurs.
Caraway can be brewed into a tea or given as a supplement when used medicinally. You can also use the essential oils to moisturise your skin.
Indeed, new research reveals that the aromatic molecules that give it its distinct flavour may also have health benefits, such as better digestion.
What Is Caraway?
Caraway is a flowering plant. Its oil, fruit, and seeds are used as medicines.
Some people consume caraway by mouth to treat indigestion (dyspepsia), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and other ailments, however there is no clear scientific evidence to back up this claim.
It is a cooking spice that is used in a variety of dishes. Furthermore, caraway oil is used to flavour various drugs in the manufacturing process. It’s also found in toothpaste, soap, fragrances, and cosmetics as a scent.
Caraway benefits, nutrition, effects, and uses are discussed in this article.
Nutrient Profile
Caraway contains a wide range of essential nutrients, including several that are deficient in Western diets. Iron, zinc, calcium, and fibre are among them.
Caraway, with just 1 tablespoon (6.7 gram), delivers:
- 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
Caraway oil also contains a lot of antioxidants including limonene and carvone, which are good for your health.
Caraway Health Benefits
For generations, caraway has been utilised in traditional and folk medicine. Caraway oil and caraway seeds benefits are tremendous but not very popular. Surprisingly, preliminary evidence backs up many of these caraway health benefits.
- May Reduce Inflammation
Several caraway chemicals have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
While inflammation is a normal body reaction, it can lead to a variety of problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcers, cramps, gas, diarrhoea, bowel urgency, and inflammation of digestive tissue are some of the symptoms.
Caraway oil decreased inflammation in colon tissue in mice with IBD as effectively as popular steroid-based medications in a research.
Despite these encouraging findings, more human study is required.
- May Encourage Healthy Digestion
Caraway has traditionally been used to cure indigestion and stomach ulcers, among other digestive issues.
Caraway oil relaxes the smooth muscle tissue of your digestive tract, easing indigestion symptoms including gas, cramps, and bloating, according to a few small human studies. This makes caraway for digestion a good option.
Although the exact mechanism is uncertain, its antibacterial properties could be to blame.
Caraway for digestion was found to inhibit the growth of dangerous gut bacteria while keeping good bacteria unaffected in a test tube investigation. These beneficial bacteria aid in the production of nutrients, the reduction of inflammation, the improvement of digestion, and the support of your immune system.
In another test-tube investigation, caraway for digestion was found to be effective against H. pylori, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and digestive problems.
Nonetheless, additional research is required.
- May Promote Weight Loss
The fact that caraway may help you lose weight and improve your body composition is one of the least known caraway health benefits.
In a 90-day research involving 70 women, those who took 1 ounce (30 ml) of a 10% caraway oil solution everyday saw substantial weight, BMI, and body fat percentage decreases compared to those receiving a placebo.
In comparison to the placebo group, they found significant reductions in overall calorie and carb intake.
These results could be attributed to favourable changes in gut bacteria, which alter hormone balance, fat metabolism, and appetite, according to scientists.
Caraway Uses
Caraway is a plant that is grown all over the world and is quite affordable. It may be found at most grocery stores as well as on the internet.
Caraway is most recognised for being a component of rye and soda bread, but it can also be found in muffins, cookies, croutons, dinner rolls, and French toast. It gives fruit-based pastries and sweets like pies, tarts, jams, jellies, and custards a peppery, toasty bite.
Dry rubs, curries, casseroles, soups, stews, and sauces are just a few examples of savoury dishes where it can be employed. You may also use it to season roasted vegetables or to add to preserved or fermented meals like sauerkraut.
Caraway can also be steeped in hot water to make a calming tea.
Side Effects & Dosage
Caraway is available in a variety of forms. Like any other food item, caraway oil and caraway seeds side effects exist too.
Although the majority of types are eaten, oil formulations diluted to 2% can be safely administered to unbroken skin.
There is no definite dosage guideline, however some study suggests that dividing 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon (1–6.7 gram) of whole caraway into three regular doses is likely free from side effects.
Caraway is well tolerated by the majority of healthy people, and few negative effects have been documented. It should not, however, be ingested by minors or expectant or lactating mothers due to a lack of safety study.
Caraway should also be avoided by anyone with liver or gallbladder problems, as some research suggests that it can prevent gallbladder emptying.
Ask your healthcare practitioner if you’re not sure if caraway is suitable for you.
Conclusion
Caraway is a versatile spice with a wide range of culinary and therapeutic uses, especially caraway seeds benefits.
Despite its reputation as a seed, it is derived from the fruit of the caraway plant and contains a variety of minerals and plant components. Moreover, it may help with weight loss, inflammation relief, and digestive health.
Desserts, sauces, breads, and baked products all contain this versatile ingredient, which can be used whole or ground.
Caraway is typically harmless, however it should be avoided by youngsters, expectant and lactating mothers, and anyone with liver or gallbladder disorders. If you’re unsure about incorporating it into your daily routine, consult a doctor.
