Cumin is a key element in Indian cuisine. So it is unlikely to find it missing from an Indian household. While it makes the food delectable and flavorful, very few people know about its uses and benefits outside the kitchen. Cumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiflatulent, antispasmodic as well as stimulant properties. These little seeds can do a lot of good to overall health. Rich in fibers, minerals and essential vitamins cumin can be added to curries, salads, smoothies, soups and can even be consumed with warm water to reap all the benefits. Here are some of the ways in which cumin can work its magic on you.

1. Helps With Weight Loss

Studies have proven that cumin powder can have a positive effect on body composition and lipid profiles in obese individuals. It is an effective addition to any weight loss diet and can greatly help the journey to shed those extra kilos. Consuming a spoonful of roasted cumin twice a day can help to reduce body fat percentage, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL.  Cumin helps to boost the metabolism which aids the calorie burning process. It also cuts down cravings which make it easier to stick to a healthy diet while trying to lose weight. It is recommended to add the roasted cumin to a cup of yogurt for most effective results.

2. Anemia Treatment

Anemia is a common problem caused by the deficiency of iron in the body. Cumin is rich in iron and can help with the treatment of anemia. Consuming cumin boosts the production of hemoglobin that helps blood flow to provide oxygen to all organs. The iron in the cumin also provides energy and aids the metabolism. Adding cumin to your everyday meals can treat the problem of anemia and even fight symptoms such as fatigue, digestive trouble and even anxiety. In fact, just a single spoonful of cumin can provide the body with as much as 4 milligrams of iron.

3. Acidity And Bloating Cure

Sometimes the stomach gets bloated because of gases trapped inside the small intestine. This further leads to problems like stomach ache, acidity, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Bloating can occur due to a variety of reasons – during menstruation, due to poor digestive processes, or even irritable bowel syndrome. But one thing is for sure, it is extremely uncomfortable. To treat this problem, try boiling some water and adding powdered cumin, ginger, sea salt and some fennel seeds to it. Let it simmer for a while and then strain the water and drink it once cooled. This provides immediate relief from bloating and acid reflux problems.

4. Boosts Lactation

New mothers can benefit a great deal from cumin when breastfeeding their newborns. Consuming cumin stimulates the mammary glands and boosts milk production. Cumin being rich in iron and calcium, it fortifies the milk and also provides nourishment and energy to the mother. Starting the last few weeks of pregnancy, start consuming warm milk mixed with cumin powder. You could also add some honey to sweeten it. Drinking this mixture post dinner can help pregnant women and new mothers a great deal during the stress of pregnancy, child birth and lactation.

5. Improves Memory

Cumin has antioxidant properties that are beneficial for a variety of memory and cognition related problems. Consuming cumin can help improve concentration and recall power.  It has also been found to decrease the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and is also seen to combat age related memory problems. It also improves blood circulation which helps boost brain power and functioning. Cumin also contains vitamins B and E which help neural functioning and mental health. The memory boosting, and stress relieving abilities of cumin have made it a very popular spice in the health care segment today. It is recommended to chew on half a spoonful of roasted cumin every day to reap the benefits of its brain boosting capabilities.

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