Dill Seed

Dill or dill weed belongs to the same family as parsley, bay leaf and cumin. It originated from the mediterranean region and has been used to flavor foods and to treat various ailments since ancient times.

Dill contains substantial amounts of iron, manganese and calcium. It also contains flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants with anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin c stimulates the production of cells in the immune system that destroy bacteria.

Some immune cells produce free radicals that are beneficial because they kill bacteria, but that would harm healthy cells if they werenat neutralized by vitamin cas antioxidant ability.

Vitamin c keeps skin strong by producing collagen.

Itas also a normal component of skin, where it helps prevent damage from sunlight.

Youall get 0.5 milligram of vitamin c from 1 tablespoon of fresh dill weed.

Men need 90 milligrams and women should get 75 milligrams daily.

Dill seed contain similar properties as dill weed itself, as it is listed below.

Dill weed may be effective in helping diabetics regulate insulin levels, although studies to date have only been performed on laboratory animals. But indian researchers found that rats receiving dill leaf extract for 15 days had a decrease in the concentration of both serum glucose and insulin, indicating the herb's potential to regulate corticosteroid-induced diabetes.

Dill weed has been used as a digestive aid in many cultures, due to its antispasmodic properties that relieve cramping and stomach pain.

In a study published in "bmc pharmacology" in 2002, dill weed was also shown to significantly inhibit acid secretion and the development of stomach lesions, providing a level of anti-ulcer activity in laboratory mice.

Another traditional use for dill weed has been to regulate the menstrual cycle in women.

One iranian study in 2006 found that rats fed high doses of dill extracts had measurably longer estrous cycles and increased blood progesterone concentrations, leading the scientists to conclude that dill can be used either to help stabilize irregular cycles in women or as an antifertility agent, due to the progesterone effects.

Dill seeds are rich in flavonoids and oils such as carvone and limonene which are known for their medicinal properties.

The seeds also contain substantial amounts of calcium, and regular intake of dill seeds may help to boost bone strength and prevent osteoporosis.

Due to their anti-bacterial nature, dill seeds prevent and restrict the growth of various types of bacteria.

You can chew on dill seeds to get rid of the problem of bad breath.

Dill seeds work well as an appetizer and is therefore commonly used in cooking.

Dill seeds are helpful in treating respiratory disorders such as influenza, bronchitis and colds.

You can mix dill seeds with honey and consume thrice every day for relief from respiratory problems.