Health Benefits of Aliv Seeds - Know Its Potential Uses

 Unlocking the Potential of Aliv Seeds for Better Health

The plant originated from Egypt but is now grown worldwide for its seeds. In India, it is mostly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. The plant bears white or light pink flowers and tiny seed pods. 

These are also known as chandrasura, Holan, and garden cress. These seeds appear small in size and reddish-brown in colour. Halim seeds are packed with nutrition and several health benefits. Let us find out more about these tiny treasures of nutrients.

Potential uses of Aliv seeds on obesity 

Obesity can be defined as an excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat in the body. A Body Mass Index >25 kg/m2 is defined as overweight, and >30 kg/m2 is considered obese. Reducing body weight may help in managing obesity. Dixit et al. conducted a study in 2020 to assess the effect of Halim seeds on obese rats; the study findings supported the use of Halim seeds for weight loss. This indicates that Halim seed consumption may help manage obesity by reducing weight. However, we need more studies to support these claims in humans.

Potential uses of Aliv seeds on breast cancer 

Breast cancer affects women worldwide. alim seeds has phytochemicals like organo-sulfur compounds and phytosterols, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and might inhibit cell multiplication, arrests the cancer cell cycle and causes apoptosis (cell death of cancer cells). This signifies that Halim seeds might exert an anti-cancer effect on breast cancer. 

Potential uses of Aliv seeds in Type 2 diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia with reduced or total loss of insulinfunction.A study showed that Aliv seeds had a significant decrease in blood glucose levels.It signifies that Halim seeds might help in managing diabetes. 

Potential uses of Aliv seeds in bone health 

Strong bones alleviate the risk of fractures and protect crucial organs like the brain and heart from damage. To build strong bones and calcium, promote bone healing in fractures, and Vitamin D play an essential role. Aliv seeds might positively impact bone health and promote bone healing in case of fractures because of the presence of calcium and phosphorus in high amounts. This indicates that Halim seed consumption may have a positive impact on bone fractures, provided more human studies are done to support these claims.

Potential uses of Aliv seeds on hyperlipidemia 

Hyperlipidemia or hyperlipoproteinemia is defined as a rise in total cholesterol, an alleviation in low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and a rise in high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. The study states that aliv seeds positively impacted lipid profile. This signifies that the consumption of aliv seeds might help in managing hyperlipidemia.

Other potential uses of Aliv seeds

• Aliv seeds, due to their high iron content, may help in managing iron deficiency anaemia. 
• Aliv seeds contain phytoestrogen, which is similar to estrogen hormone, which regulates menstruation. Thus, the consumption of aliv seeds might aid in managing menstruation-related issues. 
• They are a rich source of vitamins, proteins, and minerals and might aid in improving nutritional status. 
• Halim seeds exert an anti-inflammatory effect because of the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids and thus can be used to manage osteoarthritis.
• The antioxidants present in aliv seeds protects the liver from any damage done by free radicals.  
• Due to their high fibre content, aliv seeds might aid in alleviating constipation. 
• Aliv seeds contain goitrogenic substances that impede the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland, which might alleviate thyroid hormones and aid in managing hyperthyroidism.  
• Due to the presence of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, aliv seeds might positively impact the skin. 
• Aliv seeds contain arachidonic and linoleic acid, which may improve brain function. 

Side Effects of aliv seeds: 

Aliv seeds also contain anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates, which might interfere with the absorption of nutrients.  
However, if you experience any complex reactions to aliv seeds, it is suggested that you discontinue their intake and immediately contact a doctor. They will be able to guide you appropriately.