Benefits of Eating Garden Cress Seeds /Aliv Seeds
Names :
Marathi Name: Aliv / Halim / Haliv
Hindi Name: Halim / Chandrashoor
English Name: Garden Cress Seeds
Sanskrit Name: Chandrashoor
Scientific Name: Lepidium sativum
Plant Classification :
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
Life Cycle: Annual plant
Uses: Grain, medicine, and nutritious food
Native Country: Ethiopia
Structure of the Plant :
Stem :
The stem is green in color and grows about 20 to 60 cm tall. It is a single herbaceous plant.
Leaves :
The leaves are small, slightly curved, green in color, and have a pungent taste.
Flowers :
The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters.
Roots :
The roots are fibrous.
Fruits :
The fruits are small and flat. They contain tiny seeds known as Aliv seeds. When soaked in water, these seeds become gelatinous and are widely used in food preparations.
Nutritional Value (Per 10 Grams) :
Protein: 2.5%
Fat: 2.45%
Cellulose (Fiber): 0.7%
Carbohydrates: 3.3%
Energy: 45%
Medicinal Importance of Aliv Seeds :
Eating Aliv seeds helps increase iron levels in the body. Increased hemoglobin keeps the body healthy and energetic.
It helps maintain hormonal balance in the body. Especially beneficial for women during menstruation and helps improve hormonal disorders.
It helps increase breast milk production in lactating mothers. Consuming Aliv laddoos or kheer is considered beneficial. It improves milk quality and provides calcium, iron, and energy to both mother and baby.
It improves skin and hair health. Due to the presence of Vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, it promotes hair growth and makes hair thick and shiny. It helps reduce scars, spots, acne marks, and blemishes on the skin by improving blood circulation.
Being light, digestive, and rich in fiber, it improves digestion and helps cleanse the stomach. It reduces indigestion, gas problems, and supports proper bowel movement.
In cancer-related conditions, it may help reduce cancer cells and support overall health improvement.
Due to the presence of arachidonic and linolenic acids, it helps improve memory power and sharpens the brain.
It is beneficial in asthma and respiratory disorders. It helps reduce cold, cough, throat irritation, removes phlegm, eases breathing difficulty, and improves voice clarity.
It helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the body.
In Vata disorders, it improves joint health by increasing lubrication in joints. It reduces cracking sounds and increases calcium levels.
It helps cleanse the uterus and regulate menstruation in women. In men, it may help improve sperm count and quality.
How to Consume :
Eating Aliv seed laddoos or kheer is beneficial.
Consuming 7 to 10 grams, two to three times a week, is considered beneficial. Initially, try consuming 7 to 8 seeds to observe body tolerance. Later, consume according to body constitution.
Soaked seeds can be added to salads or vegetable preparations.
While making laddoos, adding jaggery, coconut, ghee, and coconut water increases its benefits.
Who Should Avoid Aliv Seeds?
Excessive consumption may cause urinary problems and increased body heat. People with a hot body constitution should consume it in moderation.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming it, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage.
People with thyroid problems should consume it in limited amounts or consult a doctor.
It should be consumed less during summer. It is more beneficial during winter.
According to body type and constitution, initially consume only 7 to 8 seeds and then continue based on individual suitability.
Note :
Any grain or medicinal food should be consumed according to one’s body constitution (Kapha, Pitta, and Vata) and preferably after consulting a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.
This is the medicinal and nutritional information about Garden Cress Seeds /Aliv seeds.
