Cumin seed also called ‘jeera’, (derived from the Sanskrit word ‘jeeraka’ meaning ‘one which digests’) is a Super Spice popular around the world. Originally from Iran and the Mediterranean, cumin is a small seed that comes from a herb that is a member of the parsley family.
There are two variants; the commonly used cumin with a brown slender grain like appearance and the other relative, black cumin, which is a slightly darker longer variety.
Cumin seeds, with a distinct flavour and warm aroma, are one of the oldest natural super foods packed with micronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins like A, E, K, niacin, monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) and antioxidants.
Health Benefits:
- Cumin seeds are known to reduce cell damage and possess anti-cancer properties.
- It helps in treating flatulence, diarrhoea and symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- It helps to manage high blood pressure and decrease bad cholesterol thus prevents heart disease.
- It presents anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties thus protects against the invasion of infections and boosts the immune system.
- It helps to regulate blood sugar and may aid weight loss.
- It acts as a diuretic and decreases water retention.
Cumin seeds can be used in a variety of ways in curries, bread, soups, herbal teas, detox water or added to yoghurt or buttermilk in a powdered form.
Whenever there is a rumbling call from your stomach, don’t let that antacid cum in, cause we have ‘Cumin’, the natural Antidote without a side effect.
