Benefits Of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds, scientifically called Cuminum cyminum, make up one of the popular spices used all over the world. The plant, bearing cumin seeds, is an herbaceous annual plant that grows to a height of 30-50 cm. Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds, in being yellow in color, with an oblong shape. These seeds have been profoundly used since the ancient times. Originally, cumin plant was cultivated in Iran and Mediterranean region. Gradually, it spread to Europe, except Spain and Malta, during the Middle Ages. Cumin seeds were highly revered as culinary seasoning, by both the ancient Greek and the Roman natives. They not only serve as a flavoring agent for dishes, but also have medicinal and cosmetic properties. Today, these seeds represent the second most preferred spice, after black pepper. Cumin seeds are available as whole seeds as well as in grounded form. Iran, Syria, India, Mexico, Chile, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and Uzbekistan are some of the leading producers of cumin seeds. We bring you the health benefits of cumin seeds, in the lines below.

Health Benefits Of Eating Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are rich in iron, which is a vital element of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps in transporting oxygen from lungs to every single body cell. Iron is also an essential part of the key enzyme systems responsible for energy production and metabolism. Iron is also important for a healthy immune system.
Cumin seeds are healthy for menstruating, pregnant as well as lactating women, along with growing children and adolescents, who are in greater need for iron.
These seeds are highly effective in treating sleeplessness. A combination of fried powder of cumin seeds, along with a ripe banana, can induce peaceful sleep.
Cumin seeds can be used for treating amnesia or dullness of memory.
These seeds help boost proper digestion and nutrient assimilation. They stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and thus, contribute to healthy digestion process.
Cumin seeds, when taken along with milk and honey, prove extremely healthy for pregnant women. They help in the healthy development of foetus, facilitate easy child birth and also boost the quantity of breast milk secretion.
These seeds are beneficial in treating renal colic. They have to be taken with caraway seeds and black salt, for this treatment.
Cumin seeds may have anti-carcinogenic properties. Their anti-carcinogenic property is recognized by their strong radical scavenging abilities and capacity to increase the liver’s detoxification enzymes.
These seeds can be used effectively to treat flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and atonic dyspepsia.
Diluted cumin water has antiseptic properties and can come to aid for common cold and fevers. This water, when mixed with ginger, gives great relief to someone suffering from sore throat.
Cumin seeds make healthy tonic for the body and help in making an efficient metabolism.

Caution

Basically, there are no significant negative effects linked with cumin seeds. They do not even contain measurable amounts of purines or oxalates. There are also no known allergic effects associated with these seeds.

Cooking Tips

Roast cumin seeds lightly, before using them for any recipe. This will bring out their aroma and flavor completely.
You can add the mixture of cumin, honey and black pepper to vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes, to have a special flavor.
Cumin seeds highly increase the taste of legumes like lentils, black beans and garbanzo beans.
You can season sautéed vegetables with cumin seeds and get a North-African flair.

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