What are Aliv seeds?Nutritional Value, Benefits, Consumption

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What are Aliv seeds?

Aliv seeds, also known as halim seeds or garden cress seeds, are small, nutty-flavored seeds that are used in several Ayurvedic remedies and as a part of many traditional Indian delicacies.

Aliv are obtained from the Aliv plant, which is scientifically called Lepidoum Sativum. These seeds are rich in essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and, therefore, offer several health benefits when consumed correctly.

Nutritional Value of Aliv

The nutritional value per 100 grams of Aliv is as follows:

• Energy: 32 calories
• Carbohydrates: 5.5 grams

• Dietary fiber: 1.1 grams
• Sugars: 4.4 grams

• Protein: 2.6 grams
• Fat: 0.7 grams
• Sodium: 14 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Calcium: 81 mg
• Iron: 1.3 mg
• Potassium: 606 mg
• Vitamin A: 346 mcg
• Vitamin C: 69 mg

Benefits of Aliv 

Aliv seeds are a type of superfood that has several health benefits, including the following:

• Helps in hair growth: Aliv are rich in iron, calcium, dietary fiber, and different vitamins such as A, C, and E. This helps in hair growth and the management of hair loss.
• Helps in weight loss: Aliv seeds are rich in fiber and protein content. This can help one in feeling fuller for a longer time and prevents overeating or craving. This can eventually help in weight loss.
• Boosts immunity: Aliv are rich in antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamins. This helps protect the body from several diseases and infections and boosts the immunity of a person.
• Regulates menstrual cycle: Aliv seeds contain phytoestrogen, which tends to play the role of estrogen (female sex hormone). They help in improving the blood flow in the pelvic region and around the uterus to regulate the menstrual cycle of a woman.
• Treatment of anemia: Aliv  are a good source of iron. Having aliv seeds regularly can help in increasing hemoglobin levels and prevent or treat anemia.
• Helpful for lactation: Aliv seeds have galactagogue properties that help in improving the flow of breast milk in lactating mothers. However, they should be consumed only after a consultation with the doctor.
• Treatment for constipation: Aliv have a high fiber content and can, therefore, be used to treat constipation. They also help in relieving other digestive problems like bloating and gas.
• Reduces the risk of breast cancer: Aliv seeds have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Helps the skin glow: Aliv contain vital nutrients and antioxidants that help the skin glow.
• Helps in increasing height: Aliv help in promoting growth hormone production. This helps children increase their height.
• Reduces blood sugar levels: Aliv seeds can help in decreasing blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
• Treatment of osteoarthritis: Aliv are high in calcium content and can help prevent joint inflammation and stiffness.
• Hypocholesterolemic property: Regular intake of aliv seeds by people having high cholesterol levels can help them cut down on their bad cholesterol levels.
• Beneficial for heart patients: Regular consumption of aliv seeds is known to be useful for people who have heart conditions. ( Know more about- What is Diet for heart patients ? )

Ways to Consume Aliv 

There are several ways to include aliv in your daily diet. Some of the interesting ways of using halim seeds are:

• Aliv laddoos: Aliv seeds are combined with jaggery, nuts, and ghee to form nutritious energy snacks.
• Mix it in smoothies or yogurt: Aliv seeds are first soaked in water to make them softer. These seeds can then be blended into smoothies or yogurt. This helps provide a nutritional boost and adds a little nutty taste to the smoothie.
• Sprinkle on salads: A tablespoon of roasted or soaked aliv seeds can be added on top of a salad to increase its nutritional value and provide a crunchy texture to the salad.
• Stews or soups: Aliv seeds can be added while cooking stews or soups. They can absorb the flavors well and add nutritional value to the preparation.
• Aliv seeds roti or paratha: Aliv can be added to the dough when making rotis or parathas.
• Sprinkle on oatmeal or cereal: Aliv seeds can be sprinkled on the morning cereal breakfast or oatmeal to increase its nutritional value.
• Sprouted aliv seeds: Aliv seeds are first soaked overnight and then spread on moist soil. Within four to six days they start forming into sprouts. They are allowed to grow for two more days before being used to make sandwiches, raita, salad, and chutney. ( Know more about- Diet Plan for Immunity )

Side Effects of Aliv

Aliv should be consumed in moderate amounts. High consumption of aliv may cause the following side effects:

• Flushes out potassium from the body and should, therefore, be avoided by potassium-deficient individuals.
• High amounts of aliv consumption can reduce blood pressure levels significantly.
• They can cause allergic reactions in certain people. 

Aliv seed consumption should be avoided by the following people:

• People with thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and goiter.
• Pregnant women.
• People taking diuretic medications.

Conclusion

Aliv have acted as a natural remedy for many health problems since ancient times. Packed with several essential nutrients, they help in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improving skin and hair health, treating digestive problems, and helping patients who suffer from cardiac problems, obesity, or diabetes. They additionally help in boosting the immunity of a person and improving the overall health of a person.

Aliv can be consumed in their soaked, sprouted, or sprinkled forms. 

People having thyroid problems, pregnant women, potassium-deficient individuals, and people taking diuretic medications should avoid consuming aliv seeds.

It is best to consult a certified nutritionist or a doctor to know how and what quantity of this superfood you can include in your daily diet based on your overall health condition.