Cumin seed (jeera) is an important Indian spice that not only makes your food delicious but has numerous health benefits. No spice can match the multiple benefits of cumin, and its unique aroma and taste. It is abundant in a phytochemical compound called cumin aldehyde and exhibits medicinal properties that fight diabetes, epilepsy, and tumors besides increasing immunity.
Nutritional Facts
Cumin seed is bestowed with a host of beneficial plant compounds that are associated with incredible wellness incentives including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds function as antioxidants that combat free radicals from damaging healthy cells, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Cumin seeds are an abundant source of iron, offering around 20% of daily iron needs in one teaspoon. Thus, drinking cumin water may be valuable for young children to promote growth and also help women suffering from anaemia pump their iron stores.
Health Benefits
Promotes Digestion
Cumin is one of the most gut-friendly herbs, and promotes pancreatic enzymes, assisting in the digestion process. Cumin seeds contain thymol and essential oils that stimulate the salivary gland, thereby easing digestion. People with a weak digestive system are recommended to drink jeera water early in the morning on an empty stomach for better digestion and to decrease flatulence.
Cumin is also Carminative i.e. relieves you from flatulence and thereby improves digestion and appetite. The presence of essential oils, magnesium, and sodium content provides relief from stomach aches when taken with hot water.
Treats Haemorrhoids
Cumin is a rich source of dietary fiber, and exhibits carminative, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. The essential oils cumin aldehyde and pyrazines in jeera act as a natural laxative, aid in curing infections or wounds in the excretory system and relieves hemorrhoids.
Aids Weight Loss
A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice reveals the benefits for those on diet. Cumin not only helps in losing weight quickly but also influences the body’s fat profile in a positive way by reducing the levels of harmful lipids in the blood.
Fights Cancer
Cumin possesses detoxifying and chemopreventive properties. As per the study conducted by the Cancer Research Laboratory USA, the active compound cumin aldehyde found in cumin aids in retarding the growth of a tumor.
Treats Insomnia
The essential oils in cumin are hypnotic in nature and have tranquilizing effects, which ease stress and anxiety that commonly cause insomnia. Moreover, jeera contains melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, as well as significant amounts of iron and magnesium, which are all essential for regulating brain activity and inducing sleep in a timely manner.
Relieves Asthma And Cold
The powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of cumin seeds, making it a wonderful remedy for treating asthma and cold. It acts as an expectorant, loosens up the phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts, and makes it easier to eliminate. The essential oil acts as a disinfectant and helps ward off infections and boost immunity.
Promotes Better memory
Packed with a bunch of minerals and vitamins such as riboflavin, vitamin B6, zeaxanthin, and niacin consuming cumin is beneficial for the brain to function properly. Cumin helps promote better mental health and sharpens memory by nourishing the brain cells.
Soothes Skin And Treats Acne
Cumin well known for its anti-inflammatory properties can help you in getting instant relief from allergies and stings. It soothes the skin and assists in controlling any inflammation caused due to allergies. The anti-bacterial properties of cumin aids in killing the bacteria on the skin and cure acne. Washing your face with cumin water quite often during the day can keep skin infections at bay.
Additional Health Benefits
Reduces Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
Cumin helps to reduce the levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol in the body. Besides lowering bad cholesterol, they also help to reduce elevated triglyceride levels. This helps to keep imbalanced blood pressure under control and heart ailments at bay.
Prevents Food Borne Illnesses
Owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, cumin reduces the risk of food-borne infections. Upon digestion, cumin releases a chemical compound called megalomicin. This whole process helps to prevent and cure any sporadic food-borne ailments that can otherwise be harmful to the digestive tract.
Fights Chronic Inflammation
The extracts of cumin have anti-inflammatory effects. Cumin inhibits inflammation and is useful in treating mild to severe inflammatory diseases. Cumin also contains potential compounds called flavonoids that function as powerful antioxidants in the body. Cumin prevents the spreading of cancer cells besides helping to combat pain arising due to chronic inflammation.
Three Quick-Fix Jeera Concoctions To Ease Your Tummy Troubles:
1. To counter the loss of appetite, add 1 teaspoon of jeera (cumin) powder and ¼ teaspoon of pepper powder in a glass of warm water, and consume it half an hour before meals. This will effectively stimulate your taste buds and also improve the absorption of ingested food.
2. To neutralize stomach acidity, add 1 teaspoon of jeera powder and ½ teaspoon of dhania (coriander) powder, to half a glass of lukewarm water along with some sugar, and drink it twenty minutes before meals.
3. A teaspoon of roasted jeera powder along with some dried ginger and 3-4 saunf (fennel seeds) in warm water, taken thrice a day after meals, helps to relieve diarrhoea.
Side Effects
Cumin seed is considered highly safe and well-tolerated even when taken in large quantities. The ideal dose of cumin herbal supplements is 300 to 600 mg/day. However, there are some side effects observed, cumin seeds may suppress testosterone levels that may make men less fertile. Some anecdotal evidence says cumin seed was used to trigger miscarriage; thus, pregnant women should be cautious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Cumin Do To The Body?
Cumin aids digestion boosts the immune system and has antioxidant properties. The seeds possess anti-inflammatory effects thus they can also help control blood sugar levels, fight inflammation, and reduce elevated cholesterol levels.
Is It Safe To Eat Cumin Every Day?
Yes, consuming cumin in moderate amounts as a spice daily is generally safe and can be beneficial for health. Excessive consumption of cumin seeds should be avoided.
What Are The Side Effects Of Cumin?
Potential side effects include heartburn, belching, and low blood sugar. In large quantities, it may cause liver or kidney damage and may interact with certain medications.
What Are The Benefits Of Jeera?
Jeera improves digestion, enhances immunity, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aids in weight loss, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Who Should Not Take Cumin Seeds?
Individuals with allergies to cumin, those on medication for diabetes or blood clotting disorders, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of cumin.
( This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma Wellness Expert)
References:
Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update
- Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics Toxicology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu-Tawi, India
Dr. R. K. Johri, Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics Toxicology Division
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210012/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7407589/
