Caraway seeds are a small, crescent-shaped spice that is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Persian, and European cooking. In just 1 teaspoon of dried caraway seeds, there are 14 calories. Despite their small size, caraway seeds are packed with a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your health.

In addition to being low in calories, caraway seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, providing 0.9 grams of carbs per 1 teaspoon serving. They are also rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, and provide 0.7 grams of fat per serving.

Caraway seeds are a great addition to your diet if you're looking to boost your vitamin and mineral intake. Just 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds provides 1% of your recommended daily intake of calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as 2% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. They're also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Calories in 1 tsp Caraway

In 1 teaspoon of dried caraway seeds, there are 14 calories. Despite their low calorie count, caraway seeds are a nutrient-dense food that provides a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you're counting calories, adding caraway seeds to your meals can help you stay on track while still providing a variety of health benefits.

Carbs in 1 tsp Caraway

Caraway seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, providing 0.9 grams of carbs per 1 teaspoon serving. The dietary fiber found in caraway seeds can help regulate your digestion, promote feelings of fullness, and improve your overall gut health. If you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, caraway seeds are a great spice to incorporate that won't disrupt your daily carb limit.

Fats in 1 tsp Caraway

Caraway seeds are rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, and provide 0.7 grams of fat per serving. Incorporating healthy fats into your diet can help you feel more satiated, promote healthy brain function, and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Using caraway seeds to season your meals is an easy and delicious way to increase your healthy fat intake.

Protein in 1 tsp Caraway

In just 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, there is 0.4 grams of protein. While caraway seeds aren't a significant source of protein, they do contribute a small amount to your daily protein intake. Protein helps keep you feeling full, supports the growth and repair of your muscles, and provides your body with essential amino acids. If you're looking to boost your protein intake, pairing caraway seeds with high-protein foods like chicken, tofu, or lentils can help.

Vitamins in 1 tsp Caraway

Caraway seeds are a good source of several important vitamins, including vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in immune system function, while calcium, iron, and magnesium are important for maintaining strong bones and healthy blood flow. Incorporating caraway seeds into your diet is an easy way to boost your vitamin intake and support overall health.

Minerals in 1 tsp Caraway

In just 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, there's 1% of your recommended daily intake of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for healthy blood flow and energy production. Magnesium plays a role in regulating muscle and nerve function, as well as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Incorporating caraway seeds into your diet is an easy and delicious way to boost your mineral intake and support overall health.

Health Benefits of Caraway

Caraway seeds offer several potential health benefits, thanks to their high nutrient content and antioxidant properties. Some research has suggested that caraway seeds may help regulate digestion, relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lower inflammation levels throughout the body. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of caraway seeds, incorporating them into your diet is a simple way to support overall health and wellbeing.

Ways to Use Caraway in Cooking

Caraway seeds have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They're commonly used in rye bread, sauerkraut, and other traditionally German and Eastern European dishes. They can also be used to season roasted vegetables, stews, and soups. For a simple and tasty snack, try roasting some chickpeas with olive oil and caraway seeds. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Caraway Seeds

To keep caraway seeds fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you want to really maximize the flavor of your caraway seeds, try toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before using them in a recipe. This will help release their natural oils and intensify their flavor. Make sure to buy caraway seeds in small quantities and use them within a few months, as they can lose their potency over time.

Potential Risks of Consuming Caraway

In general, caraway seeds are considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation as a food. However, some people may be allergic to caraway or other spices in the same family. If you experience symptoms like hives, itching, or swelling after consuming caraway, stop using it and seek medical attention. It's also important to note that some people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may find that caraway seeds exacerbate their symptoms. If you have any concerns about whether caraway seeds are right for you, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.