6 Incredible Benefits of Caraway seed for fertility and pregnancy

Caraway seed benefits for fertility stem from their rich source of fertility-boosting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and phytochemical compounds, which may help improve fertility due to their stress-relieving potential. It has a compound known as apiol [1] which may help regulate hormones due to its estrogen-like effects and may help in the treatment of menstrual disorders [2].

Please join me! Let’s dive deeper into the world of caraway seeds and together we shall uncover several other caraway seed benefits for fertility, including their nutrient profile, important phytochemical compounds, how to incorporate them into our diets, and more.

Caraway seeds: what are they?

Caraway seed scientifically called Carum carvi is the dried fruit of the caraway plant [3], a biennial herb native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, and fennel.

Caraway seeds are crescent-shaped, brown, and have a slightly peppery, licorice-like flavor which often reminds of licorice, coriander, anise, and fennel seeds. They are commonly used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, and they are also used in some European dishes.

They are also used for medicinal purposes [4], and they have been shown to have several health benefits [5] such as improving digestion, relieving respiratory problems, menstrual cramps, and stress, and boosting the immune system.

Caraway seeds Nutrition

According to USDA, [6] 100gram of caraway seeds contain these nutrients:

• Protein 19.8 g
• Carb 49.9 g
• Fiber 38g
• Calcium 689 mg
• Iron 16.2 mg
• Magnesium 258 mg
• Phosphorus 568 mg
• Potassium 1350 mg
• Zinc 5.5 mg
• Manganese 1.3 mg
• Selenium 12.1 µg
• Vitamin C 21 mg
• Niacin 3.61 mg
• Vitamin B-6 0.36 mg
• Folate 10 µg
• Choline 24.7 mg
• Lycopene 20 µg
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 2.5 mg

Other micronutrients include Alpha and beta Carotene, Copper, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Lysine, Valine, Cryptoxanthin, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, and Glycine.

Caraway seeds Phytochemical Compounds

Studies have shown that caraway seed essential oil is rich in important phytochemical compounds [1, 7] that are beneficial for reproductive health. They include:

• Carvone: Carvone is a volatile compound that gives caraway seeds their characteristic aroma. It has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
• Limonene: Limonene is another volatile compound found in caraway seeds. It has been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Linalool: Linalool is a volatile compound that gives caraway seeds their sweet flavor. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
• Anethole: Anethole is a volatile compound that gives caraway seeds their licorice-like flavor. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Caraway seed benefits for fertility

Here are some of the potential benefits of caraway seeds for fertility:

May help to relieve PMS symptoms.

PMS symptoms can make it difficult to conceive, so caraway seeds may help to improve fertility by relieving PMS [8].

Caraway may provide symptomatic relief of disorders like bloating and flatulence [9] which are PMS [10].

Caraway extract may also help to relieve functional dyspepsia [11], a common disease across the globe. A study on 4693 female Japanese university students found an association between menstrual disorders and functional dyspepsia [12].

Relieve menstrual cramps:

Caraway seeds have been shown to relieve menstrual cramps. For example, it contains apiol a phenylpropanoid that can help in treating menstrual disorders [13]. They contain compounds that can help to relax muscles and reduce inflammation [14].

May help to regulate ovulation.

Caraway seeds contain a compound called apiol, which is thought to have estrogen-like effects [1]. This may help to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Yes, a supporting study in 2018 revealed that an aqueous extract of caraway may help regulate hormones due to its estrogen-like ability. The study further noted that this effect may equally depend on dose. For example, extracts from doses higher than 200 mg/kg showed a more significant estrogenic effect than less dose [15].

Additionally, caraway seeds are rich in choline which is found to improve ovarian function [16].

May improve sperm and egg quality.

A recent study revealed that iron deficiency can depress ovarian function which increases the risk of infertility [17]. However, caraway seeds are a good source of Iron a minerals which are found to lower the risk of ovulatory infertility in females [18].

Caraway seeds are rich in Selenium a mineral found to improve sperm motility in males [19] and egg quality in females [20].

More importantly, caraway seeds are a good source of antioxidants, which protect eggs from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants also boost the immune system, making our immune system strong enough to combat diseases and infections and also protect cells from oxidative damage.

May help to reduce stress.

In aromatherapy, essential oil extract from caraway seeds may be used to stimulate the relaxation of nerves, and relieve stress, it has antioxidant potential which helps reduce the effect of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus [21].

Stress can interfere with fertility, so caraway seeds may help to improve fertility by reducing stress levels.

May help to improve gut health.

Gut health is important for overall health, and it may also play a role in fertility. Scientific research has noted that the gut can influence the formation of gametes, embryo development, and fertilization processes [22].

This means a healthy gut is important for a healthy reproductive system. Interestingly caraway seeds are a good source of prebiotics, which are food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

However, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the benefits of caraway seeds for fertility. If you are considering using caraway seeds to improve your fertility, it is important to talk to your doctor first.

Are caraway seeds good for pregnancy?

Caraway seeds are generally safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it is important to talk to your doctor first, as caraway seeds may interact with certain medications.

Caraway seed benefits during pregnancy

Incorporating caraway seeds into diets during pregnancy may help lower the risk of anemia due to its rich vitamin content. It also has antioxidants like little amin the C that help boost the immune system, and calcium is important for both mother and baby.

Caraway seeds may help to relieve some of the common symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. They may also help to increase milk production during breastfeeding.

The best and safest way to eat caraway seed during pregnancy

The best way to eat caraway seeds during pregnancy is to add them to your food. You can add them to soups, stews, salads, and baked goods. You can also make tea from caraway seeds.

How to prepare Caraway seed for menstruation

There are a few different ways to prepare caraway seeds for menstruation. One way is to make tea from caraway seeds. To do this, steep 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. You can then strain the tea and drink it.

Another way to prepare caraway seeds for menstruation is to add them to your food. You can add caraway seeds to soups, stews, salads, and baked goods.

What are the benefits of drinking caraway seeds water?

Drinking caraway seed water may help to relieve some of the common symptoms of menstruation, such as cramps and bloating. It may also help to improve gut health.

Does caraway seeds increase estrogen?

Caraway seeds contain a compound called apiol, which is thought to have estrogen-like effects. However, more research is needed to confirm whether or not caraway seeds can actually estrogen levels in the body.

What is Caraway seed used for?

Caraway seeds are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Cooking: Caraway seeds are a common spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. They have a warm, nutty flavor that can be used to flavor soups, stews, salads, and baked goods.

• Medicine: Caraway seeds have been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems, respiratory problems, and menstrual cramps.
• Other uses: Caraway seeds are also used as a fragrance in soaps and candles.

Safety and precautions

• Caraway seeds are generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea.
• Caraway seeds may interact with certain medications. It is important to talk to your doctor before using caraway seeds if you are taking any medications.
• Caraway seeds are not a cure for infertility. However, they may help to improve fertility by reducing stress, improving gut health, and regulating ovulation.

If you are trying to conceive, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to develop a plan to improve your chances of getting pregnant.