Caraway Seeds (Shah Jeera): Amazing Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Good for digestion and weight loss, caraway seeds or shahi jeera have a lot of miraculous properties. Let’s find out.
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A few spices are always available in my kitchen—red chili, turmeric, salt, cumin or jeera, hing, ajwain, and shahi jeera. Shahi jeera or caraway seeds are often confused with cumin seeds. But they are two different and distinct flavors.
I have tried adding shahi jeera to my regular sabzis, and no doubt they have tasted delicious. In fact, in most of our grounded masalas, you will find shahi jeera as one of the ingredients.
But do you know how great it is for your body?
There was a reason why our elders forced us to use these amazing spices in our daily lives. Just like a lot of other Indian spices, caraway seeds do have their benefits. Let’s get started to know it all.
What Are Caraway Seeds?
Shahi jeera is from the carum carvi plant specific to the Asian, European, and African sub-continents. These are black-colored seeds and look quite similar to the cumin seeds. Almost the entire plant has some or the other benefits.
It is quite popular in our culture and is often considered a royal spice.
You will get a pleasant, warm, and sharp taste when you smell these seeds. The shahi jeera taste is slightly more pungent and bitter than the cumin seeds. You will find it most commonly in Himachal Pradesh.
Do you know the different regional names of caraway seeds?Shah Jeera in Hindi, Sheema Jilkara in Telugu, Kari Jeerige in Kannada, Shaahjeeru in Gujarat, Shajire in Bengali, Shahaajire in Marathi, and Shimayishiragam in Tamil.
Benefits of Shahi Jeera
Many have asked me why I use Caraway when I have cumin. Although they look similar, they have their specialty to offer to our human body.
Here are some of the caraway seeds benefits for your reference.
1. Caraway Seeds May Help In Digestion
For a long time, Shah Jeera has been used to solve indigestion problems. There are certain elements and properties in these beautiful tiny seeds that help in promoting better digestion.
You can eat raw caraway seeds, use them while preparing vegetables, or use its oil for digestion issues. Give your abdomen a gentle massage with caraway oil and your digestive muscles will be relaxed.
It will also aid in removing any constipation issues.
For happy tummy – Boil a few shah jeera seeds in the water, let it cool, and drink it. You will have a clear stomach and a better digestion process.
2. Caraway Seeds May Support Weight Loss
Weight loss is linked to the digestion process of your body. You will have better control over your weight if you have an excellent digestive system. Since shahi jeera is a great source for digestion, it is indirectly a perfect ingredient for your weight loss journey.
Consume caraway tea after the meal just like you drink your green tea. It will aid in regulating your weight [1].
3. Shah Jeera May Regulate Better Sleep
Shahi jeera is said to have a high quantity of magnesium in it. Magnesium is an element that promotes healthy sleep. Hence, consuming shahi jeera is believed to aid in better sleep management and improve sleep quality.
It is excellent for people who find themselves with sleeping problems.
Caraway Seeds/Shah Jeera Uses
Shah or Shahi Jeera is a very common spice and can be used in multiple ways. Here are a few ways how to use shah jeera in cooking:
1. Shah Jeera In Sabzis
You can add a teaspoon of shah jeera in the oil before adding onion and tomato masala. Let it cook for a minute to leave its aroma, and continue to cook your sabzi.
Eat the delicious sabzis made with shahi jeera and Aashirvaad Multi Millet Mix Atta rotis. The atta is rich in fibre and will make your tummy happy tummy.
2. Caraway Seeds In Non-Veg Dishes
Shahi jeera tastes very good in meat and chicken preparation. It is one of the main ingredients while making any biryani.
3. Kala Jeera In Baked Goods
Shah Jeera also tastes good in baked products. Add these to your bread mixture, cookie dough, muffins, or dinner rolls. Sprinkle some shahi jeera if you want to try baking naan in the oven.
Side Effects of Using Shahi Jeera
Even though it is a common spice, there can be instances when people get allergic to its use. Some common side effects of consuming shah jeera can be burping, nausea, and heartburn.
If you face any of these situations, it is advisable to get in contact with your doctor.
Bottom Line
If you want to cook a royal feast, add this shah jeera to it. A small seed with great digestion benefits, caraway seeds are more than just a spice. It can promote healthy bowel regulation and gut.
One of the spices that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. You will feel its taste and aroma even after finishing your meal.
FAQs
1. What are caraway seeds good for?
Shah Jeera or caraway is a good source of fibre and can help in digestion and weight management.
2. Are there any side effects of eating caraway seeds?
There can be some people who may be allergic to certain seeds. Some common side effects of caraway seeds are nausea, bloating, burping, and heartburn.
3. What is the Hindi name of caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds are commonly known as Shahi or Shah Jeera in Hindi. Some people even call it Kala Jeera because of its color.
4. Is Jeera and Shah Jeera the same?
No, Jeera and Shah Jeera are two different spices. They are both related and belong to the same plant family.
5. What is a good substitute for caraway seeds?
Shahi jeera has a stronger taste than Jeera or cumin seeds. But there is no problem in substituting both. You can even replace them with fennel seeds in some of the recipes. Do check the recipe chart before substituting.
