From digestion to immunity: The surprising health benefits of cumin seeds
Cumin seeds are not just known for their strong flavour in Indian cooking. They also include a natural chemical called cuminaldehyde, which has several health benefits.
Health benefits of cumin seeds
- Adding just 3 grams of cumin powder to your daily diet can support weight loss, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight.
- Cumin helps to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the good kind of cholesterol.
- Including cumin in your meals daily can help control blood sugar levels.
- Cumin can give relief from stomach problems like gas, acidity, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Taking it daily for 4 weeks can show good results.
- Cumin helps to reduce stress and protects your body’s cells from damage.
- Cumin seed oil, rich in vitamins A and C, has antifungal properties. It helps to fight infections and supports stronger immunity. It can also be beneficial to apply the oil on your skin.
- Its iron content helps to prevent anaemia during menstruation and may help with irregular menstrual cycles.
- Cumin water is known to help with diarrhoea and other tummy troubles.
- Daily use might reduce the risk of cancers related to the stomach, liver, or intestines.
- The anti-inflammatory property in cumin helps protect against heart disease and memory loss.
- Cumin has melatonin and magnesium, which help to boost brain power and promote better sleep.
How to include cumin seeds in your diet
- One can take about 3 grams of cumin powder each day.
- Cumin seed water is suitable for adults and is particularly beneficial for low-iron women.
- Pregnant women may benefit from cumin, as it helps with digestion and improves in production of breast milk
- Drinking cumin water in the morning can prevent gas and improve digestion.
- Cumin can be added to curd or buttermilk to aid in weight loss and digestion.
Things to consider
- Consuming more than 3 grams daily could cause excessive blood thinning.
- Overuse might increase the risk of miscarriage or infertility.
- Some people may get extremely low blood sugar as a result of it.
- A few people may be allergic to cumin.
Easy Jeera (Cumin) Rice recipe
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 1 cup
- Bay leaf - 1
- Cinnamon - A small piece
- Cloves - 5
- Cardamom - 2
- Cumin seeds - 2 teaspoon
- Salt to taste
- Ghee - 1 tbsp
- Green chillies - 2
- Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp chopped
Steps
- Cook the basmati rice and keep it aside.
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee.
- Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin seeds, and green chilli. Sauté it well.
- Add the rice and mix in gently. Be careful not to overcook the rice.
- Add salt to taste. Close the lid and cook on a low flame for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle coriander leaves on top and turn off the heat.