Most Indian traditional foods carry a distinctive taste of that versatile spice called jeera, or cumin seeds. Either it is ground along with other spices and added to the dishes or seasoned with it. When you go to North Indian homes, you are served Jal Jeera, and the Southern-most state, Kerala, has its own version of Jeera Water (Jeerakavellam). Indian palate is quite accustomed to the wonderful taste of cumin seeds, but let us explore what jeera has to offer in terms of health benefits.
Facts about Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- Scientific name is Cuminum Cyminum (belongs to the Apiaceae family).
- Used for flavoring dishes.
- Has medicinal and cosmetic properties.
- Second-most preferred spice; first being black pepper.
- Available in the market in both whole and powdered form.
Composition of Cumin Seeds
Many useful compounds are extracted from cumin seeds. Monoterpenoid glucosides has been isolated from the water-soluble portion of the methanol that has been extracted from cumin seeds. The major components of the cumin oil are cuminal (32%) and safranal (24%). About 1% are monterpenes, sesquiterpenes, aromatic aldehydes, and aromatic oxides. Other compounds present in trace amounts are terpenes, terpenols, terpenals, terpenones, terpene esters, and aromatic compounds.
Health Benefits of Cumin Seeds
Cumin has innumerable health benefits:
- Improves Digestion and Increases Metabolism: People in parts of South Asia commonly believe that cumin seeds help with digestion. Research suggests that cumin stimulates the production of enzymes that break down fat, sugar, and starch. It also increases metabolism slightly.
- Boosts Immune System: Cumin seeds are a very good source of iron. Just one teaspoon of cumin seeds provides around 7 percent (around 1.3 mg) of the daily value for iron. Iron is a mineral that makes up an important part of hemoglobin, the substance in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. Additionally, the human body uses iron to enhance the immune system functioning, thus helping the body to fight against contagious diseases.
- Fights Anemia: Add cumin to your food to fight anemia due to iron deficiency. Cumin is high in iron content, which aids in the red blood cell formation.
- Common Cold, Asthma, Bronchitis: Cumin has been found to be very effective in the treatment of common cold, asthma, and bronchitis. Cumin helps in diluting the phlegm in the chest, thereby helping the body in easy expulsion of it. It is a disinfectant that kills the virus of common cold. The large iron content in cumin strengthens the immune system.
- Cures Digestive Disorders: The oil present in cumin stimulates the salivary glands. The thymol present in cumin improves the sluggish digestive process. Taking cumin with a little lukewarm water greatly helps in banishing stomach aches. Additionally, Soaking cumin seeds in water overnight and consuming the water is beneficial while having acidity. It also helps in relieving bloated feeling.
- Carminative Property: Cumin helps relieve or reduce flatulence (abdominal gas), thus increasing appetite and aiding in digestion. A cup of tea made from cumin seeds taken thrice a day after a meal will provide relief. To prepare the tea, add one teaspoon of cumin seeds in 1.5 liters of boiling water and allow it to simmer on slow fire for 15 minutes. Strain and sip hot to get best of results.
- Anti-carcinogenic: Cumin has been proven to help the body fight cancer cells. An animal study found that cumin protects the laboratory animals from developing stomach or liver tumors. This cancer-fighting capability and cancer-protective effect may be due to cumin's potent free radical scavenging abilities.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Boil water with one tablespoon of cumin seeds. Take this solution daily. This gives good relief from morning sickness. Cumin seeds, taken along with milk and honey, is helpful in the healthy development of fetus, helps with easy childbirth, as well as increases the quantity of breast milk.
- Hypoglycemic Properties: A review of various scientific studies published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition in 2005 goes on to confirm that cumin, as well as a number of other spices, does have beneficial effect in treating diabetes. Previously, a 1998 study on rats conducted by researchers at Mysore University, India, and published in the journal Nutrition Research suggests found that the diabetes-induced rats fed with a diet of ground cumin experienced a reduction in hypoglycemia -- a condition of low blood sugar, common in diabetics.
- Stimulates the Liver: Cumin is believed to stimulate the liver to produce more bile, which helps with digestion. According to a study conducted on rats, cumin increased bile secretion in rats by 71 percent.
- Skin Soother: Cumin is very effective in curing insect bites, healing boils, as well as preventing infection in minor wounds. Grind cumin with enough water to make a smooth paste and apply to the affected area. Wash off once it dries. Cumin is also rich in vitamin E, which makes the skin glow.
- Natural Laxative: Cumin powder acts as a laxative because of the presence of cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines in the essential oils. These have carminative, stimulating, antifungal, antibacterial properties. Cumin is also rich in dietary fiber content.
Indian kitchen is a storehouse of spices and herbs, most of them having medicinal value. So, next time, you have minor illnesses such as respiratory or digestive problems, or if you want to give your immune system a boost, you know where to turn to. There, in the recesses of your kitchen cabinet, lies a magic ingredient, our very own jeera, the cumin seed.
