Many of you might remember having hated those curries and soups which had roasted or fried cumin seeds in them when you were kids, because they looked like small black insects. However, you probably liked the taste. So your mother might have removed these flavorful parts before she served you the food. That was cumin!
Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum Cyminum, belongs to family Apiaceae and is extensively used in culinary practices of the Indian Subcontinent and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries as a condiment or spice. Those who are of the opinion that spices are bad for one’s health should note that cumin can be beneficial for some of the most dangerous diseases, and is generally consider a boost for overall health.
The health benefits of cumin include the following:
- Digestion
- Piles
- Diabetes
- Insomnia
- Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis
- Common Cold
- Lactation
- Anemia
- Concentration and Cognitive Malfunction
- Skin Disorders
- Boils
- Immunity
- Cancer
Cumin Herb Profile
Cumin is an herb that many associate with Mexican and Spanish foods, but it is also widely used in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. It has a very distinct flavor, and in the US is most often used in packaged taco seasonings (don’t eat those- make your own!)
Cumin’s flavor makes it a favorite for many, but it’s health supporting properties are impressive too!
Traditionally, it has also been used in natural remedies and herbal medicine. Traditional texts describe its use as a diuretic and to settle the stomach and stop flatulence. Some cultures have used it for female health and to stimulate menstruation. Like many herbs, it can be made into a poultice, especially for swelling or sore throat. I even found a reference to a remedy of mixing cumin and ghee to relieve hiccups. Cumin’s long history even shows in its mentions in the Bible and other historic texts.
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Cumin seeds nutrition facts
Widely popular for their distinctive spice flavor, cumin seeds are commonly featuring ingredients in the North African, Middle-East, Western Chinese, Indian, Cuban and North Mexican cuisine. The spice is native to Middle-East Asian region, and today, grown all over the world for its pleasantly aromatic seeds.
Health benefits of cumin seeds:
- Cumin seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
- Its seeds contain certain health-benefiting essential oils such as cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde),pyrazines, 2-methoxy-3-sec-butylpyrazine, 2-ethoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine, and 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine.
- The active principles in the cumin may improve gut motility and help in digestion by augmenting gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions.
- The spice is an excellent sources of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme,superoxide dismutase.
- It also contains very good amounts of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and other vital anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- The seeds are also rich source of many flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants such as carotenes, zea-xanthin, and lutein.
Cumin Seeds (Cummin, Cuminum Cyminum): Benefits, Side Effects and Information
It is probably not just for taste alone that cumin has made it into the stellar ranks of Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican cooking. This ordinary looking seed is anything but ordinary when it comes to health benefits.
Cumin is a seed that has been used since antiquity. It’s health benefits and medicinal uses were well known even then. Today, this seed of a small flowering herb of the parsley family might not be used quite as much in food preparation as it was 5000 years ago, but it’s healing properties are still valued and used in natural and Ayurvedic healing.
This traditional herbal remedy has many uses. I is a stimulant as well as a great herb for digestive disorders and even as an antiseptic of sorts. The seeds themselves are rich in iron and are thought to help stimulate the secretion of enzymes from the pancreas which can help absorb nutrients into the system. It has also been shown to boost the power of the liver's ability to detoxify the human body:
- Iron for Energy and Immune Function
- Seeds of Good Digestion
- Cancer Prevention
- Piles
- Insomnia
- Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis etc
- Common Cold
- Lactation
- Anemia
- Skin Disorders
- Boils
- Immunity
10 reasons jeera or cumin seeds are great for your health
Jeera or cumin seeds– the quintessential Indian spice is an addition to a number of dishes; be it dal or as tempering for a dish. But did you know that originally Indians added this spice to their dish, not only for its wonderful flavour and aroma, but also for the number of health benefits it has.
This spice can help improve digestion, beat insomnia and even help with your sex life.
So, here are 10 ways jeera adds to the healthy quotient of your daily meal:
- Improves digestion
- Beats constipation
- Fights cancer
- Regulates blood pressure and heart rate
- Relieves asthma and cold
- Helps prevent anaemia
- Improves sexual health
- Great for pregnant mothers
- Helps to deal with insomnia
- Enhances memory
Magical things Cumin seeds does to your body
Jeera or cumin seeds– the quintessential Indian spice is an addition to a number of dishes; be it dal or a normal vegetable. But did you know that originally we added this spice to our dish, not only for its wonderful flavour and aroma, but also for the number of health benefits it has. It may surprise you but a pinch of cumin powder or seeds can lead to a major weight loss.
Trying to lose weight? This might give you some happiness. New research shows that cumin powder can help jumpstart weight loss, decrease body fat, and improve unhealthy cholesterol levels naturally.
The presence of thymol and other essential oils in cumin seeds stimulate the salivary glands thereby helping in the digestion of food. Apart from this, they strengthens a sluggish digestive system. Hence, if you do suffer from indigestion try drinking some jeera tea. Apart from that this jeera-banana combo can help you lose weight too.
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Cumin seeds - The World's Healthiest Foods
Although the small cumin seed looks rather unassuming, its nutty peppery flavor packs a punch when it comes to adding a nutty and peppery flavor to chili and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes as well playing an important role in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine where it is a key component of curry powder. Both whole and ground cumin are available year-round.
Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, being oblong in shape, longitudinally ridged, and yellow-brown in color. This is not surprising as both cumin and caraway, as well as parsley and dill, belong to the same plant family (Umbelliferae).
It is probably not just for taste alone that cumin has made it into the stellar ranks of Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican cooking. This ordinary looking seed is anything but ordinary when it comes to health benefits:
- Iron for Energy and Immune Function
- Seeds of Good Digestion
- Cancer Prevention
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