Health Benefits of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are native to the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. It was first cultivated in Egypt. This has also been cultivated in the Middle East, Africa & India primarily. Read more health benefits of cumin seeds.

This is an extensively used and popular condiment or spice. In Indian curry, it’s the most used spice like salt and oil. It has a distinct earthy taste and strong aroma because of its essential oil.

Culinary Use of Cumin

Cumin seeds are the most essential part of our daily cooking because of its strong and punching aroma.

It’s full of medicinal properties as well. Cumin seeds are used both in curries, dry-fried vegetables, in all tadka/ tampering used as well as dry roasted form which are used as additional seasoning. Both forms give a little different taste.

However, the coarse powder form of dry roasted cumin gives strong aroma and nutty flavor.

Cumin powder is often found with another blended spice mix e.g. Garam Masala, Curry powder, Chili powder, Barbeque sauce and into many pickles making the spice.

Also, it is used in bakery products. But the quantity is less as compared to other spices because of its strong and dominating aromatic oils.

Apart from vastly used in Indian Cuisine, it gets well incorporated into a variety of cuisines.

How to store cumin powder?

Cumin powder loses its flavor if kept for long. So while buying keep in mind the quantity used over time. However, store them in the freezer to intact their flavor for a long period. This increases the cell life of all spices in fact.

Nutritional Properties of Cumin Seeds:

Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum) is a popular spice with long use of medicinal value to treat many diseases.

Sanskrit name of cumin seeds is “Jiraka” which means “that helps in digestion”. This is beneficial for digestion and also signifies it's use. It has high nutritional value.

Each 100g of cumin seed contains 375 kcal energy, 44 g carbohydrates, 10 g dietary fiber, 22 g fat ( 15 g monounsaturated fat), 17 g protein and full of minerals and vitamins like Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, C, K, E, B and very low in Sodium

Experimental studies have shown that cumin possesses antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antitussive, anti-epilepsy, hypocholesterolemia, and anti-fungal properties.

Helps in controlling blood sugar –

Because of the anti-diabetic properties, it helps in controlling insulin levels and reduces advanced glycation end products (in test-tube samples). However, the exact quantity is not clear.

Anti-inflammatory –

Cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and hence help in digesting foods properly. Also because of one major component in its essential oils named as cumin aldehyde activates the salivary gland of mouth which helps in food digestion.

Another compound thymol activates the secretion of acids, biles from lever which are important for food digestion. Also the magnesium, sodium content helps indigestion. Because of anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in reducing pain associated with arthritis.

Treatment of Anaemia -

It's rich in iron (369%). Hence regular consumption helps to treat low hemoglobin and beneficial in treating anemia.

Helps in regulating BP and lowering cholesterol -

Due to its high potassium content, it balances out the sodium level and regulates blood pressure. It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

Helps in weight loss –

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in reducing the bloating of the gut and digestive tract. It also helps in the absorption of fat efficiently and speeds up the metabolism of the body. Thus helping in weight loss.

anticarcinogenic and chemo-preventive -

It has anti-carcinogenic and chemo-preventive properties. This helps to fight free radicals at first defense and to detoxify cancer-causing factors.

Strengthens immune system –

Because of its high iron and vitamin C content, it helps in strengthening our immune system. This helps in fighting the common cold and flu symptoms.

Beneficial for Lactating Mothers –

It has iron in 369% and iron is an essential requirement in pregnant and lactating mothers. So regular consumption fulfills the iron requirement of the body. Also, the component thymol helps in secretion of milk in lactating woman

Medicinal Recipes with Cumin Seeds:

For Lactating Mothers:

Mix one tsp cumin power with 1 tsp sugar and add with 1 glass of milk and consume before bedtime for a few weeks.

Boil 2 tsp whole cumin seed in 1 glass of water till it’s reduced to half cup. Strain the water and mix with a half cup of milk. Add honey to it and consume twice a day for a few weeks.

For controlling BP – Consume 1 tsp cumin powder with 1 cup of curd.

For Weight-loss – Soak 2 tbsp cumin seeds in water overnight. In the morning boil the water till it reduced to half. Consume this drink in an empty stomach in the morning for a 1-month minimum.

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