Cassia seed is the most common name for senna, a legume that grows in Southern Asia. Cassia seed is one of the top ten herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The seeds are chewed or made into a tea to treat stomach and bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Cassia seed also contains inulin which may help weight loss efforts. Here are some benefits of consuming cassia seed concluded by experts from SaintNoon.
Boost Weight Loss
A recent study from the University of Naples in Italy found that consuming inulin-type fructans, or FOS for short, is beneficial for weight loss. The study examined obese women who were given either a placebo or an eight-week treatment with 500 milligrams of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) daily.
The result? The group receiving FOS lost significantly more weight than those who took the placebo. Not only that, but they also experienced reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride counts while maintaining low levels of ghrelin (a hormone related to appetite). In addition to helping you drop pounds faster than ever, cassia seed can also help keep your heart healthy thanks to its high fiber content alone!
A Natural Laxative
Cassia seed is a natural laxative. If you have constipation, cassia seeds can help to relieve it by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and softening the stool. This substance's stimulating effect also helps stimulate digestion and promote healthy bowel activity.
How to Use Cassia Seed as a Laxative
Cassia seeds can be used in several ways:
- You can boil 1 cup of dried cassia in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes, then strain out the seeds and drink one cup thrice daily with meals or on an empty stomach.
- You can grind up four tablespoons of fresh or dried cassia into powder form, mix it with water to form a paste, then spread it over your abdomen before going to bed at night (do not eat anything after applying). This will help stimulate your bowels when they're ready for action during sleep time!
Lower Cholesterol
- Lower cholesterol: The cassia seed is an excellent source of natural plant sterols, a compound shown to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2011, researchers found that consuming 2 grams of plant sterols per day (equivalent to about three tablespoons of raw cassia seed) for six weeks significantly decreased both total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. Cassia also increases HDL-cholesterol levels (the "good" kind) while lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Prevent heart disease: A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that consuming 4 grams (or one teaspoon) of ground raw or roasted cassia seeds daily reduced the risk factors associated with heart disease by almost 25 percent over three months. Cassia can help lower blood pressure and prevent oxidation; both are believed to contribute to atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls).
Help Prevent Diabetes
Cassia seed is an excellent source of antioxidants, which will help you keep your body healthy and strong. Antioxidants play a role in fighting off free radicals that can cause cell damage and even cancer. Still, they are also crucial for preventing diabetes. This may be why cassia seed helps reduce blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
As a bonus, magnesium helps reduce feelings of stress by relaxing muscles in the body. It also helps with muscle contractions (like those related to the heart) and improves bone strength, so you feel energized all day!
Reduce Inflammation
Cassia seed contains an anti-inflammatory compound called 1,8-cineole. This compound is a monoterpene that helps the body maintain homeostasis and promote healthy inflammatory responses. According to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1,8-cineole can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the arachidonic acid pathway in your body. When this pathway is blocked, it limits your body's ability to produce prostaglandins and leukotrienes involved in inflammation responses.
Cassia seeds are also an excellent source of zinc—which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in numerous studies on humans and animals! Zinc helps regulate cytokines (proteins used by immune cells), essential in managing inflammation within your body.
Prevent and Reduce Cancer
Cassia seed is an excellent source of essential minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that have been shown to prevent and reduce cancer by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels.
A study published in Cancer Research found that cassia seed extract could block angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels from existing ones. This prevents tumors from growing larger and spreading throughout the body.
Cassia Seed Contains Antifungal Properties
Cassia seed contains antifungal properties that can treat skin, scalp, and nails fungal infections. It is a good alternative for those allergic to other antifungal medications. Cassia seed should be applied to the affected area daily until the condition improves.
Stimulate Hair Growth and Fight Acne
Cassia seed is a rich source of iron, calcium, and zinc. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of your body. It helps produce melanin, which gives hair its color, so if your hair has lost its shine or it's falling out, it could be because you lack zinc. Also suitable for hair are vitamins A, B, and C and magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Cassia seed also contains amino acids such as lysine (helps make collagen), leucine (protects against baldness), histidine (prevents dry skin), threonine (fights fatigue), and phenylalanine which can help improve moods if taken regularly over time.
While the exact mechanisms behind cassia seeds' beneficial effects are still being investigated, research shows that it has some health benefits. These include:
- Lowering blood pressure. One study on mice found that an oral preparation of cassia seed reduced blood pressure in 90 percent of the test subjects by an average of 17 percent after five days. In addition to lowering blood pressure, cassia seed may lower cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce oxidation (a process linked to aging).
- Relieving migraines and joint pains. In another study on mice with joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, researchers found that giving them powdered cassia seeds significantly reduced their symptoms within five days; further tests revealed that this was due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Cassia seed is an excellent addition to your diet because it has many health benefits. It can help you lose weight and stay healthy while improving your mood. Suppose you want something natural to improve your overall well-being without side effects or downsides. In that case, cassia seed may be the answer!