Amazing Health Benefits of Aliv seeds

Health Benefits of Aliv Seeds

While I was searching for seeds that are good for hair loss, I came across the astonishing health benefits of aliv seeds, they are also called Halim seeds or Chandrasur or Chandrashoor in Sanskrit or Garden Cress seeds. Little did I knew that these desi seeds which were often mentioned by our dadis and nanis for their role in enhancing height in teenage kids were loaded with innumerable health benefits. No wonder, why celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar often recommends aliv seeds as part of the daily diet.

Aliv seeds, or Halim seeds also known as Garden Cress seeds or locally called as Ashaliya or Alovachi, seeds, they belong to the cruciferous family. Aliv seeds are reddish-brown seeds, they are a good source of iron and folate. It is known as Lepidium sativum, and is loaded with nutrients like calcium, Vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E and is a good source of dietary fiber. It contains an appreciable amount of proteins (22.5%), and fats (27.5%), and carbohydrates. It is widely grown in India, parts of Europe, and the United States, it is native to Egypt. Aliv seeds have many medicinal and pharmacological properties, it is useful in the treatment of dysentery, tumors, eye diseases, skin disorders, etc. Following is a list of health benefits of Aliv seeds.

Health Benefits of Aliv Seeds

Antioxidant

Aliv seeds contain natural antioxidants like tocopherols and carotenoids, and Vitamin A. Aliv seeds help in protecting against diseases and promote growth and it protects the body from the damage by free cells. It strengthens the immune system and restores the functions of the body.

Weight loss

Aliv seeds activate your satiety center, it helps in regulating the release of the ghrelin hormone, which is also known as the hunger hormone. It ensures that you do not overeat, and stay fuller for longer. Likewise, aliv seeds are rich in fiber (30%) and low in fat. Aliv seed oil has a balanced amount of monosaturated fatty acid(37.6%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid(46.8%).

Promotes Female Health

Aliv seeds contain phytochemicals similar to estrogen, it helps in naturally maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. It regulates the normal menstrual cycle. Aliv seeds also promote lactation in nursing mothers, it stimulates milk production. It is also believed that aliv seeds can boost your fertility, they improve hemoglobin and folic acid levels in the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, Aliv seeds are often prescribed to prevent postnatal complications.

According to an article published in the International Journal Of Pharmacy and Analytical Research, Aliv seeds are natural Galactogogue, it promotes the production of milk in lactating mother.

Asthma

Aliv seeds have demonstrated remarkable benefits in symptoms associated with asthma, it improves the function of lungs and it also serves as a natural expectorant and treats sore throat and cough. It is effective in treating bronchial asthma and hiccups.

Anemia

Aliv seeds help in improving the value of hemoglobin in the blood, it is rich in iron and promotes the production of RBC(Red Blood Cell) in the body. Likewise, aliv seeds provide non-heme iron, which is an easily absorbed dietary iron.

Improves Gut Health

Aliv seeds have a significant amount of fiber, it helps in creating the bulk and act as a natural laxative. It fights constipation and promotes digestion. It regularizes bowel movements and promotes relief from colic pain in kids. Aliv seeds contain a mucilaginous matter, which is a mix of cellulose(18.3%) and uronic acid, therefore it swells in the Gastrointestinal tract in the presence of water there.

Promotes Skin and Hair Health

Aliv seeds are loaded with essential nutrients and antioxidants like carotenoids, it is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, it promotes healthy skin. Likewise, a High quantity of protein in Aliv seeds helps in preventing hair loss. A paste of aliv seeds mixed with honey can be applied on the face, it helps in soothing irritated and dry skin. It also replenishes the natural moisture of lips.

Aphrodisiac

Aliv seeds boost and improve libido, they naturally arouse sexual instincts. They are a natural alternative and can be safely used without any potential side effects.

Anti-inflammatory

Leaves and seeds of Aliv seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

Aliv seeds can be easily incorporated in your diet, you sprinkle them on your salads and soup or roast them and consume. You can also prepare ladoo and make them a part of your mid-day meal.

If consumed in excess, Aliv seeds can induce abortion in the pregnant female, it may prevent iodine absorption and lead to hypothyroidism. Therefore it is advised to eat these seeds in moderation.