Is Ajwain Good for Diabetes

An Indian spice, ajwain or carom seed is a common ingredient used in cooking across the country. Since ages, it has been known to aid in digestion and relieve bloating problems. High fibre content in food items is considered beneficial for diabetes as it helps slow down glucose absorption in the blood, restricting the quick surge of blood glucose levels. Ajwain is high in fibre content and stabilises the blood sugar level in the body. Besides fibre, carom seeds also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in metabolism. Diabetic patients with good metabolism do not lose weight excessively and can control their health from further deterioration. Hence, consuming at least two teaspoons of ajwain daily is always advisable to control diabetes.

Ajwain Benefits for Diabetes 

Ajwain is a common ingredient in Indian food, and the spice is similar to caraway and cumin seeds. It has a spicy flavour and is highly beneficial to those facing indigestion and bloating problems. The benefits of ajwain to the human body are numerous. Among them is quick relief from digestion-related problems such as acidity, flatulence, and bloating. Ajwain also helps treat peptic ulcers or sores in the stomach or intestines. 

Furthermore, ajwain helps lower blood pressure levels by preventing calcification of the heart valves and arteries and relieving cough, toothache, and arthritis. The list of benefits goes on and on. Let us look into the benefits of ajwain in some detail.

Also read about sugar free, no added sugar, and unsweetened

1. Ajwain is highly beneficial in diabetes

We have learned that ajwain is good for diabetic people as it has high fibre content. Diabetic people should consume ajwain directly by munching on the seeds or adding it to tea after a meal. According to reports from health experts, diabetic people have shown marked improvements in their blood sugar levels upon regular consumption of ajwain. 

The oil present in carom seeds, commonly known as ajwain oil, inhibits key enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase required for carbohydrate digestion in the body. If the enzymes are not available to break down carbohydrates, there will be no rise in glucose levels, thus, helping prevent postprandial hyperglycemia.

2. Ajwain can help get rid of indigestion issues

Ajwain helps in relieving the stomach by preventing indigestion. Indigestion is a common problem among people worldwide and is the outcome of overeating, eating too quickly, or regularly consuming spicy and oily foods. Indigestion is usually accompanied by stomach discomfort, heartburn, nausea, bloating, gas and belching. 

3. Ajwain improves digestion

Chewing ajwain regularly on an empty stomach can reduce acidity, as the thymol present in the seeds helps in the secretion of gastric juices that aid digestion. Other active enzymes present in ajwain improve the flow of gastric juices in the stomach. The important nutrients in carom seeds include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibres, tannins, glucosides, saponins, and minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, and riboflavin that help in the digestion process. 

4. Ajwain can help in deworming

When mixed with a little jaggery, Ajwain can help deworm children and adults alike. This mixture can help eliminate worms in the intestines, as they get attracted to the jaggery and get disposed of as excreta. Ajwain in the mixture mixes with stomach juices and aids in killing worms.

5. Ajwain can help asthmatic people

Ajwain is effective for people with asthma as it helps enhance airflow to the lungs. When ajwain is taken with jaggery regularly, it will help relieve discomforts such as continuous coughing and other respiratory problems usually associated with asthma. Ajwain can also be mixed with honey to get instant relief from asthma. Taking such a mixture regularly can help reduce cough and nose or bronchial congestion.

6. Ajwain boosts immunity

Those with health complications, such as diabetic people, have compromised immunity and are vulnerable to several bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. The oil in carom seeds is very effective as it contains thymol, a phenolic compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties. The antibacterial properties of ajwain can help fight bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella, which leads to food poisoning.

7. Ajwain can help with weight loss

Ajwain can facilitate weight loss by enhancing nutrient absorption and digestion. Since obesity is one of the main risk factors for having diabetes, losing weight aids in managing diabetes. Along with fibre, ajwain, or carom seeds, provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that promote metabolism. Managing their health while losing weight can be difficult for diabetics, but carom seeds can help.

8. Ajwain maintains blood sugar

It has been demonstrated that ajwain is effective at regulating blood sugar. Numerous medical professionals throughout the world have reported that diabetics' blood sugar levels significantly improved after regularly consuming ajwain. Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are two enzymes that are inhibited by the oil found in carom seeds, also referred to as ajwain oil. The body needs these enzymes to breakdown carbohydrates.

Does ajwain reduce blood sugar?

The carom seed, also known as ajwain, may have some ability to lower blood sugar levels, but further research is required to substantiate this claim. Ajwain may have hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects via boosting insulin secretion and enhancing insulin sensitivity, according to some animal studies. However, there have been few human studies conducted, and the evidence is still inconclusive. Ajwain powder was administered to type 2 diabetes patients in a limited clinical experiment, and the results revealed a substantial decrease in fasting blood sugar levels. To validate these results and establish the ideal ajwain supplements dose and duration for blood sugar control, larger and more thorough investigations are required.

Bottomline

By now, we can safely assume to have the answer to whether ajwain is good for diabetes. We have read that ajwain helps control diabetes to a large extent by tackling related issues to this health condition. Instead of just adding flavour to our meals, ajwain is essential in treating the common cold, arthritis, nausea, low sperm count, and many other health issues. It can be chewed and swallowed, boiled in water and consumed, or wrapped inside a betel leaf and chewed. 

However, we should not quit taking medications prescribed by the doctor and replace them with ajwain just because we now know that it helps treat a range of health problems. This article only provides general information on the benefits of ajwain consumption. Detailed information should be sought from health experts.

FAQs

How can people with diabetes use ajwain?

People with diabetes can chew ajwain seeds after a meal or mix the seeds while preparing tea.

Can people with diabetes drink ajwain water?

Drinking ajwain water regularly is beneficial for a diabetic person.

Who should avoid ajwain?

People allergic to ajwain or with delayed blood clotting problems should avoid consuming ajwain.

Can ajwain be taken daily?

Yes, ajwain can be taken regularly to activate the gut enzymes, which help digestion problems.

Is ajwain water good for diabetes?

Yes, ajwain water is good for diabetes as drinking ajwain water regularly helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

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