Caraway Seed Health Benefits, Nutrition and Spice Facts

Health Benefits of Eating Caraway Seeds


The health facts of caraway seeds have been closely linked to their medicinal properties. The spice is believed to have therapeutic values to treat and prevent various illnesses and complications. 

  • Excellent Carminative Properties

    Caraway contains many essential oils, including carveol, carvone, cumuninic aldehyde, furfurol, limonene, pinen and thujone. These useful compounds have powerful antioxidant activities, aid in digestion, cure flatulence and are good carminatives (compounds that assist in prevention of intestinal gas formation).
     

  • Relieve Constipation

    Health advantages of caraway seeds are also contributed by their high dietary fiber content. Every 100 g of the seeds supply you 38 g of fiber, a great remedy to solve constipation problem.
     

  • Able to Reduce Cholesterol

    Scientific studies have also proven the health effects of fiber-rich foods in lowering LDL cholesterol in the body. Not only that, fiber also helps boost the level of HDL cholesterol. These functions are crucial in reducing risk of developing heart disease.
     

  • Loaded with Antioxidants

    Caraway seeds are packed with potent flavonoid antioxidants including carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. Research has found these compounds wonderful in fighting harmful free radicals and protecting the body from cancers, premature-aging and infections.
     

  • Good Source of Vitamins

    Caraway seeds are enriched with many important nutrients like vitamin A, B-complex, C and E. These vitamins contain an abundance of health properties which are vital to promote wellness of the body.
     

  • Full of Minerals

    The merits of caraway seeds continue with their substantial amount of mineral contents such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium and manganese. Each of them has its own health purposes to help improve and maintain the fitness and wellbeing of your body. 

Facts about Caraway Seeds


Caraway Seeds as a Spice

Caraway (scientific name Carum carvi) seeds come from the parsley family and are actually a fruit of a plant dried to make spice for culinary uses. They are sometimes known as Meridian fennel or Persian cumin.

Caraway seeds contain a flavor that resemble that of anise seeds and are commonly used for baking rye breads. The nutritious spice is also added to sausages, curries and liqueurs. Like parsley, caraway leaves are used as an herb. The root of the plant is also edible, just like a parsnip. 

Caraway Seed Nutrition Facts and Calories
 

Nutritional Value of 1 tablespoon (6 g) Caraway Seeds
Calories 22 kcal
Total Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 1 mg
Total Carbohydrates 3 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g

 

Caraway Seed Recipe


Braised Red Cabbage with Caraway Seeds Recipe

Serve: 4

Ingredients:
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 head red cabbage, quartered, cored, and sliced thinly
  • 1 tart apple, peeled, cored, and grated
  • 30 ml honey
  • 45 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 5 ml caraway seeds
  • 5 ml salt

Preparation:
In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Place the onions and allow to cook until soft. Stir in the cabbage, apple, honey, vinegar, caraway seeds and salt. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time, about 45 minutes or until the cabbage turns very soft. 

Caraway Seed Side Effects


Caraway seeds are usually safe if consumed in food amounts. However, excessive and long term intake of the spice may cause adverse reactions such as addiction, heartburn, belching and liver damage. It may also cause abortion in pregnant women.
 

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