Spicy herbs have long been used in cooking to enhance the taste and give a pleasant aroma to dishes. Today's article is devoted to caraway seeds, and more precisely its seeds and their properties.

Product feature

Ribbed seeds look like an elongated arc up to 6 mm in size. They can be gray-brown or completely dark depending on the type of plant. They are distinguished by a harsh spicy-pepper smell and a sharp taste with hints of anise. The considered grains are rich in vitamins, minerals and other useful elements. Omega-6 fatty acids, monounsaturated acids, and a small amount of essential amino acids are present in large quantities.

Did you know? According to the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad imprinted in the Qur'an, black cumin can cure any disease except death.

In addition, the composition includes:

• vitamins - B1, B2, B6, C, E, PP;
• minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium.

Properties of cumin seed for the human body

The use of caraway seeds is especially popular in the east, which is famous for its centenarians. This suggests the beneficial effects of the product.

Benefit

• The rich composition of grains gives the product many important properties for the body:
• improves metabolic processes of the body;
• supports the nervous system, helps normalize sleep;
• increases the ability of the brain to concentrate and remember;
• positively affects the work of the endocrine and reproductive systems, strengthens the immune system;
• cleanses the blood, promotes the production of red blood cells;
• accelerates the regeneration of skin cells and the absorption of natural collagen;
• inhibits free radicals;
• increases the elasticity of blood vessels and capillaries;
• strengthens tooth enamel and bone tissue;
• supports the work of the heart muscle, prevents myocardial infarction;
• improves hormonal background.

Harm and possible contraindications

Excessive use of spice can lead to bloating and heartburn. With caution, seasoning should be used for expectant mothers, especially in the first trimester, since some substances in the composition are aggressive towards the fetus.

Important! Children under three years of age should not be given seasoned with caraway seeds or medicinal infusions with its use.

It is best for nursing mothers to consult a pediatrician first. Diabetics should be aware that regular use of cumin seeds lowers blood sugar.

Areas of use of the plant component

The properties of seeds are diverse: the product is used not only in cooking - as a seasoning, but also in medicine and cosmetology.

Cookery

Caraway seeds are often sprinkled with baked goods or added to the inside of the dough for making:

• of bread;
• cookies;
• pies.

As a spicy seasoning, caraway seeds are placed in the first and second courses. The product blends perfectly with vegetables and fish dishes. Add it to sauces and fillings, to marinades for winter preservation. Some varieties of hard and soft cheeses are not complete without seeds. The recipe for one of the tastiest cheese sauces also includes spice.

Ingredients:

• butter: 50 g;
• flour: 1 tbsp. l .;
• meat broth: 0.5 l;
• cheese: 100 g;
• ground cumin seeds: a pinch.

Step by step cooking:

1. Passer flour in a pan with melted butter.
2. Pour the broth in small portions when the flour is browned.
3. The cheese is rubbed on a coarse grater, added to the mixture in a pan.
4. Season with caraway powder.

Medicine

Grains are used as an independent drug and in the collection of herbs for such problems:

• respiratory diseases;
• hypertension;
• runny nose;
• digestion difficulties;
• neurosis and stress;
• diseases of the skin;
• allergy;
• helminthiasis;
• liver disease
• fungal diseases in gynecology;
• inflammation of the oral cavity;
• avitaminosis;
• anemia.

Important! When using caraway seeds as a prevention of colds and vitamin deficiency, you can not combine it with the intake of vitamin complexes.

A few medical recipes:

• for constipation - brew 2 tbsp. l grains in a water bath in 200 ml of water, cool, strain. Take after meals until stool is normal;
• from tuberculosis - in 2 glasses of water for 7-10 minutes, brew crushed seeds. After filtering, drink a chilled drink half a cup twice a day before eating;
• from neurosis - mix the chopped grains with honey in equal proportions. Take 1 tsp after meals, 10-12 days.

Children's dosage of decoctions and infusions is reduced by half from the adult norm. Treatment with caraway seeds is recommended from the age of six.

Cosmetology

Treatment with caraway seeds can also be cosmetic. Considering the vitamins and minerals contained in them, as well as antioxidants, grains have many properties beneficial for hair and skin:

• hydration and nutrition;
• regeneration and rejuvenation of skin cells;
• normalization of the sebaceous glands;
• restoration and strengthening of follicles;
• elimination of dandruff;
• acne and acne treatment.

Acne mask is prepared from powdered seeds, lavender and tea tree oils. The ingredients are mixed in the following proportions: 1 teaspoon powder, 7 drops of oil.

Did you know? Cumin oil was used by Cleopatra, wiping the skin with it to maintain youthfulness.

The dandruff mask contains both oil and caraway seeds. Oil and caraway powder are mixed in equal proportions, adding 1/3 of burdock oil from the obtained volume. Apply before washing the hair for 40 minutes, put on a bag and wrap it on top with a towel. Wash off the composition with shampoo with warm water.

Basic rules for storing seeds

Dried grains are stored in glass jars with a tight lid, preferably with a rubberized edge. The storage location should be dark and dry, storage temperature - from + 10 ° C to + 22 ° C: you can use a kitchen cabinet, pantry.

Subject to dryness and lack of lighting, the product retains its properties for up to two years. Cumin is an unusually aromatic seasoning with a healing effect. Subject to dosages and precautions to limit consumption, the product will benefit the body.