Noticed those little dark brown or black things in your rice or dal or paratha? That is one of the most commonly used spices in Indian cooking – Cumin, also known as Jeera. Ever thought that these tiny seeds could actually be a source of essential nutrients for your body?
Click here to read more about the benefits of cumin.
In the olden days, cumin was widely used in food preparations not just for its taste, but also for its nutritional value. However, not many people these days are aware of its benefits.
Following are some of the ways eating cumin regularly can benefit your body:
Fights Anaemia
Cumin contains significantly high amounts of iron, which is essential for the production of haemoglobin in the body. Haemoglobin, in turn, ensures the supply of oxygen to the body’s various parts. Thus, this spice is highly recommended for women to prevent the onset of anaemia.
Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Due to its high potassium content, cumin regulates blood pressure and heart rate to keep your heart functioning optimally. It not just prevents heart-related disorders but also helps those who have them to manage their situation better.
Prevents Cancer
One of the nutrients present in cumin is cumin aldehyde which fights the growth of tumours in your body, thus making jeera a great preventive food in the fight against cancer.
Aids Digestion and Weight Loss
Consuming the seeds releases essential oils in the body, activating the salivary glands and helping the digestion process function smoothly. Jeera is often prescribed for those suffering from constipation. You can mix it with either warm water or a banana, and consume either mixture for a healthy stomach.
Jeera consumed with banana is known to be one of the most effective natural laxatives, preventing severe disorders like piles. Jeera also has a high fibre value, making it a good substance to be included in your weight loss plan.
Fights Respiratory Disorders
Cumin helps to fight cough, cold and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which soothe infected areas, fight the source of the infection and also help prevent future occurrences.
Memory and Insomnia
Jeera has a host of nutrients like riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin B6 that work on maintaining your brain’s functioning, keeping it active, alert and healthy. It can also soothe your brain and help you sleep since it contains melatonin, which can act as a natural sleeping pill when mixed with bananas.
Boosts Sexual Health
Being high in zinc and potassium, jeera promotes sexual health – zinc boosts the production and health of sperm, and potassium works on maintaining your blood pressure and heart rate. Other sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction, infertility, low sperm count and virility, and premature ejaculation can be kept at bay with regular consumption of cumin.
Confused about how to avail of these benefits? Here are some ways to include cumin in your daily routine:
- Chew on a few roasted seeds every day.
- Roast seeds in a pan and grind into a fine powder. Mix this powder with honey, and eat a spoonful of this mixture on an empty stomach every day to beat constipation.
- Use in food items like parathas, or add in tadka for dals and curries.
- Brew some jeera tea for yourself by adding a few seeds to boiling water and cooking for a couple of minutes. This drink helps soothe the stomach. Adding some ginger to this concoction will help soothe a cough or cold.
- For a good night’s sleep, roast and grind some seeds, mix with banana and consume before sleeping. This mixture also helps shed those extra kilos.
- An extremely nutritious way to consume cumin is to mix freshly ground cumin powder with warm milk and honey. This drink is highly recommended for pregnant mothers, and people recovering from illnesses.
To discover more about cumin, click here.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I incorporate cumin into my daily routine?
Cumin, with its robust flavor and numerous health benefits, is a culinary gem worth embracing! From aiding digestion to boosting immunity, this spice adds a delightful twist to your dishes while keeping you hale and hearty.
What can cumin do for my digestive system?
This spice possesses potent properties that stimulate enzyme secretion, enhancing digestion and banishing bloating.
Can cumin really help me shed those extra pounds?
Cumin may aid in weight loss by revving up your metabolism. Its compounds ignite the fat-burning furnace within, helping you bid adieu to those pesky love handles.
How can cumin benefit my skin?
This spice, with its rich antioxidants, can work wonders on your skin, giving it a radiant glow and banishing those pesky blemishes.
Can cumin really boost my immunity?
Cumin possesses thymoquinone, a compound that packs a punch in bolstering your immune system. It strengthens your body's defences against those pesky invaders, leaving you healthier and more resilient.