Cumin-Jeera
Cumin-jeera as we call it is a staple ingredient in any Indian household, we always have it available in our kitchens. Cumin/Jeera water has been used as Ayurvedic medicine for over millennia, and it has also been scientifically proven to be very good for your body owing to all the nutrients that cumin seeds contain. Botanical name of cumin is Cuminum cyminum which belongs to the Apiaceae family.
Chemical Constituents –
Cumin is also an excellent source of bioactive ingredients. It contains volatile oils (3-4%) and 45-50% of cuminaldehyde, which is its primary active principle (2).
Limonene, α- and β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, o- and p-cymene, α- and γ-terpinene, safranal and linalool are other phytochemicals identified in cumin. Extracts of cumin seeds contain various alkaloids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, tannins, lignins, and phenolic compounds.
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antibacterial
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Antiseptic
Different Preparations –
Though cumin is available in powder or capsule form, cumin tea or water are the more popular ways of reaping its benefits.
Part Used –
Jeera plant seeds are used for various health conditions and also for culinary purposes in kitchen.
Benefits –
• Boosts Immunity
Cumin-Jeera is a very good source of potassium and iron which helps in building up your immunity system. It is also very rich in antioxidants and has anti-bacterial properties which assist in fighting off infection-causing bacteria.
Jeera also contains a variety of minerals like magnesium, calcium, etc. and a rich array of vitamins A, B, C that is extremely helpful in keeping infections at bay.
• Anti-inflammatory
Cumin-Jeera water contains a powerful chemical compound called thymoquinone which guards the liver against inflammation and also helps in overall liver health. The anti-inflammatory effects of jeera water also help in reducing pain related to other conditions, like abdominal and stomach pains.
• Dysmenorrhea
Its anti-spasmodic properties make it very beneficial to consume during your periods to help reduce period cramps.
Jeera water can be of great help to regulate the cycle as it causes the uterus to contract which can usually release any trapped blood.
• Improves Digestion
Cumin-Jeera water is very beneficial for your stomach health and helps in improving digestion. It helps in secreting compounds such as carbohydrates, glucose and fat breaking enzymes that improve your metabolism. It speeds up the process of the production of bile acids in the liver and helps in the digestion of fats.
• Increases milk production in lactating mothers
It assists in the production of milk in the mammary glands and helps in passing on all the desired nutrients to the baby.
• Good iron source
As jeera is very rich in iron, jeera water is a very healthy drink for pregnant and also for other anaemia people.
• Hair Health
Cumin-Jeera water is good for our hair as well. It strengthens our hair and prevents hair loss. It also prevents dandruff and premature greying of hair.
• Premature skin aging
Cumin-Jeera water is very rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese and selenium which aid in the rejuvenation of the skin. All these nutrients help in getting a clear and healthy glow on your skin. It also has abundant Vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that prevent premature ageing. Drinking a glass of jeera water on the regular can delay the wrinkles that show up on your skin.
• Acne and blemishes
Cumin-Jeera has many anti-bacterial properties that fight against bacteria that cause pimples and help clear up the acne and also prevent future breakouts.
Free radicals are toxins that enter our body and break down our skin’s protein, which causes blemishes and loose skin. Jeera, being a dietary fibre, easily removes these toxins from our body.
• Cardiac Health
Cumin-Jeera has a very positive effect on the heart. It is a natural antioxidant and is very helpful in not only protecting the heart but also treating a number of cardiac issues. Drinking jeera water helps in strengthening the heart muscles, lowering the cholesterol level and preventing lipid accumulation. In doing so, the risk of heart blocks, heart attacks and blood clots gets significantly reduced.
• Diabetes
Drinking jeera water stimulates the production of insulin in the body, this is helpful with people who are diagnosed with diabetes as it keeps the blood sugar levels under control.
Side Effects –
Cumin- jeera extract can interfere with the activity of anticoagulants(blood thinners), antibiotics, and hypoglycemic(anti-diabetic) drugs.
Active cumin compounds may interact with these drugs and cause hypoglycemia(sudden drop in blood sugar levels). They can also lead to longer bleeding time.
However, there are hardly any reports on the toxicity of cumin. It is presumed that this herb is safe for human consumption, even at high doses.
For more informative articles on Ayurvedic herbs and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.