Why ajwain seeds reduce LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and help in weight loss: A teaspoon in warm water is all you need

Ajwain seeds contain thymol, which is a naturally-occurring calcium chain blocker that prevents calcium from entering the cells of the heart, thus relaxing and expanding blood vessels. Thymol cuts down cholesterol level too, says Pavithra N Raj, Chief Dietician, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru

While much of ajwain’s benefits has been related to digestive health, it is time that we focussed on its properties that improve your heart health (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Written by: Pavithra N Raj

4 min readApr 25, 2023 10:49 PM IST First published on: Apr 25, 2023 at 08:00 AM IST

Not for nothing has chewing ajwain seeds, also known as carom seeds, been traditionally considered healthy. They are antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic and pack a punch when it comes to dietary fibres, protein, essential minerals like iron, sodium, potassium calcium and magnesium, Vitamin A and B9, Omega 3 fats and antioxidants.

While much of ajwain’s benefits has been related to digestive health, it is time that we focussed on its properties that improve your heart health. In other words, carom seeds reduce bad cholesterol, triglycerides and lower blood pressure. So how does this happen? Ajwain seeds contain thymol, which is a naturally-occurring calcium chain blocker. This means the seeds help in preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart, thus relaxing and expanding blood vessels. This results in lower blood pressure and reduces a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Thymol is also known to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Besides, the high fibres are good for neutralising cholesterol build-up in the body. How does this happen? Soluble fibre becomes gelatinous in our intestines, slowing down digestion, delaying release of sugar and trapping fats, preventing their absorption in the body. Therefore, when consumed regularly, ajwain can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

As per animal studies, ajwain-soaked water has antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties. Researchers in Pakistan have been following up on studies of carom seeds. In 2009, they did a study on rabbits which showed that carom seed powder reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In 2017, they concluded that ajwain (scientific name T.ammi or Trachyspermum ammi) seeds “possessed good antioxidant potential and significantly lowered the levels of triglycerides, TC, LDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, total bilirubin and increased the levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol, albumin along with decreasing BUN and creatinine. It is suggested that T. ammi can act as an antihyperlipidemic agent by sharing the mechanism of action of statins along with ameliorating the oxidative stress in vital organs.”

Besides, ajwain boosts metabolism and digestive processes, which mean the food you eat is absorbed rapidly. This prevents accumulation of belly fat and helps in weight management. Thymol and niacin in ajwain water ease blood circulation, regulate nerve impulses and keep the body free of toxins. Their antioxidant and anti-spasmodic properties are the reason that they can control stomach aches and discomfort. It is the same anti-inflammatory function that provides relief to women from menstrual cramps. It is a must-have for coughs and colds, as it has a more effective compound than codeine with a high antitussive effect. It also facilitates mucus discharge easily during a cold. Thymol is a strong fungicide and germicide, which makes it ideal in combatting infection.

So how should ajwain seeds be had for maximum efficacy? One should consume carom seeds in moderation – just soak one teaspoon or five grams in a glass of boiling water and let it steep for some time. The warm water accelerates the absorption of thymol in the body. It should ideally be had on an empty stomach early in the morning for better absorption. Otherwise ajwain seeds can be used in cooking and added to doughs used to make flatbread. However, do not overdo them as excess thymol can cause allergic reactions in some people such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

The nutrients found in 100 gm of ajwain seeds are:

· 24.53 grams of carbohydrates

· 15.89 grams of protein

· 20.58 grams of fibre

· 21.11 grams of fat

· 1034 mg of calcium

· 357 calories

· 329 mg of phosphorus

· 5.67 mg of zinc

· 13.65 mg of iron

· 76.71 mg of omega-3 fats

· 28.58 mg of sodium

· 1692 mg of potassium

· 51.79 mg of folate (vitamin B9)

· 124.33 mg of Vitamin A

· 273 mg of magnesium

# LDL cholesterol