Cumin Or jeera is a type of spice that has been used for thousands of years in many kitchens around the world, not only for its distinctive flavor and fragrant aroma, but also because it contains a variety of health benefits and wonderful therapeutic properties.
Most of the benefits of cumin relate to improving digestion, the immune system, and blood circulation, as some of the benefits of cumin can be proven through clinical studies, while others are difficult to prove, which makes it an important topic for medical research. And we, in turn, and through this article, will fully discuss the health benefits of cumin, its uses in traditional medicine, in addition to its side effects, for more information, follow us until the end.
Cummins overview
Cumin scientific name: Cuminum cyminum. The cumin plant is known as an annual herbaceous plant, and belongs to the Apiaceae family . It is grown in India, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, India, Cuba, Syria, Mexico, and Chile. This plant is highly branched. As it reaches a length of 30 centimeters, and is distinguished by the length of its leaves, and its small flowers of white or pink color, and the cumin plant is used for cooking purposes, as it is one of the main types of spices used in curry powder and chili powder, and cumin oil is extracted from its seeds by steam distillation. This oil is used in spices, to add flavor to sweets, and more.
It has two types, the first type is black cumin known as mountain cumin, or (Kermani cumin), and this is because its original birthplace is Kerman province and it grows in mountainous areas. The second type is green cumin, which is one of the main ingredients in curry powder.
Cumin nutritional value
Cumin is a good source of iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. Other vitamins in it include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, C, E, K, and vitamin B6, and it is also very low in saturated fat , sodium, and cholesterol.
What are the health benefits of cumin?
Cumin health benefits
Cumin has many health benefits, so traditional medicine experts use it as a medicinal plant in the treatment of some diseases. For this reason, we will tell you the following about all the health benefits of cumin, which are as follows:
1- It strengthens breastfeeding:
According to the properties of cumin in traditional medicine, this magical spice facilitates the secretion of milk from the mammary glands, and as a result strengthens breastfeeding in mothers. Cumin is also a rich source of iron and helps to strengthen the physical strength of the mother after childbirth, however, since it is a natural substance and can have different effects on each mother, a gynecologist should be consulted before adding it to the diet.
2- Promotes respiratory health:
Cumin also has a positive effect on the respiratory system, as it is a natural decongestant and helps get rid of mucus buildup in the chest. Cumin seeds can also help asthma patients a lot, in addition to the thymoquinone present in cumin, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that not only reduces swelling of the respiratory tracts but also causes them to widen. So drinking a cup of cumin tea in the morning can help better in managing any respiratory disorder.
3- It boosts natural energy:
In addition to boosting the immune system, the cumin plant is a natural energy booster. It is rich in many nutrients that help maintain the body's energy throughout the day. If you suffer from a poor metabolism, use cosmea tea to improve your energy levels and make you feel much better throughout the day.
4. Promotes Liver Health:
Cumin has long been associated with liver detoxification properties and the ability to produce digestive enzymes. This plant removes toxins from the body and facilitates the production of bile, so it is very beneficial for the liver.
5- Cumin Benefits - Treats anemia:
Iron is one of the most important minerals that the body needs and plays a major role in the proper functioning of the body. Cumin contains a lot of iron, which in turn helps the body produce hemoglobin, which controls the transport of oxygenated blood to all parts of the body, and thus helps treat anemia , which is more common in women due to menstrual bleeding and childbirth.
6- Works to regulate blood pressure:
Cumin is one of the rich sources of potassium , which is an essential mineral for electrolyte balance in the body. Potassium helps produce new cells and regulate blood pressure, and drinking a glass of cumin water on an empty stomach prevents heart disease.
7- It reduces the risk of developing diabetes:
Continuous consumption of cumin effectively reduces hypoglycemia. Diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose in a person’s urine is higher than normal, so along with medications, include cumin seeds in your diet. Because cumin may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should use caution when consuming large amounts of cumin.
8- Treats insomnia:
Many people suffer from insomnia at some point, but some insomnia is long-term and may cause health problems. Some of the main causes of insomnia may be stress, illness, or pain. Fortunately, taking vitamins correctly, especially B vitamins, is a good way to treat insomnia without medication. Cumin contains all the substances and vitamins that help improve sleep quality.
9- Increase metabolism in the body:
Cumin seeds increase the absorption of nutrients in the body, increase the metabolism rate, and maintain a healthy metabolism in the body. Cumin also contains all the minerals and vitamins that the body needs to speed up various processes.
10- Cumin Benefits - Prevent nervous disorders:
Studies have shown that eating cumin helps prevent neurological disorders, and plays a role in treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, because it plays an important role in the central nervous system of the body. Consuming cumin can also lead to a stronger memory and more control over the body.
11- Treats digestive problems:
Cumin seeds contain a high percentage of fiber, which stimulates the secretion of many enzymes in the digestive system and solves severe digestive problems such as hemorrhoids. Cumin is a very strong laxative, and you can drink it as tea or mix its powder with honey to prevent constipation. Cumin also contains a compound that stimulates the glands responsible for secreting acids, bile, and enzymes, and causes easy digestion of food in the stomach and intestines. Cumin also prevents the formation of gases in the digestive system and helps in better digestion of food.
12- Regulating blood cholesterol:
Research results show that consuming 3 grams of cumin powder per day reduces bad cholesterol in the blood , and on the other hand increases the production of good cholesterol in the body. Bad cholesterol in the blood is one of the most important causes of heart disease that must be controlled, so regular consumption of cumin prevents strokes and heart attacks.
13. Rich in Antioxidants:
Cumin contains natural substances that act as antioxidants . This means that these substances prevent the success of small free radicals in attacking healthy cells, as antioxidants help you feel healthy, energetic, and energetic.
14- Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
One of the diseases that can be disturbing to most people is irritable bowel syndrome , which cumin properties can help treat. The results of a small pilot study in this field also showed that people suffering from this disease who used this aromatic plant daily for 4 weeks experienced a decrease in symptoms such as stomach pain and bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
15- Regulates the menstrual cycle:
Cumin seeds are very useful in regulating the menstrual cycle . In addition, cumin relieves abdominal pain and other symptoms of the menstrual cycle, and helps women to go through this period better.
16. Cumin Benefits - Strengthens Bones:
As is known about calcium, it is needed for hormone secretion, muscle contraction, and lowering blood pressure. Calcium-rich foods like cumin are vital for teens and people in their early 20s, because that's when the body begins to build up all of the body's bone mass. The higher the bone mass, the lower the risk of osteoporosis as you age.
17- Prevention of some types of cancer:
Studies have shown that the presence of cominaldehyde, an active compound in cumin, works to delay the growth of cancer cells in the body. In addition, cumin is rich in anti-cancer agents, including thymol, thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and dithymoquinone. These substances help treat breast and colon cancer.
A study conducted on rats fed cumin proved that it was protected from colon cancer , and in another study, researchers found that among the nine famous herbs and spices in the world, basil and cumin are the most powerful anti-cancer herbs.
18- Antiviral and Antibacterial:
Cumin is very useful in fighting viral infections and diseases such as the common cold or flu. Cumin is very useful in dealing with bacteria naturally found in the intestines of the elderly, as some types of these bacteria cause severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
19. Cumin Benefits - Improves Digestion During Pregnancy:
jeera water during pregnancy
Although cumin tea is not recommended in the first months of pregnancy and before it due to its hot nature and the possibility of a high miscarriage, it can be taken after that in moderation with the advice of a doctor, because it improves digestion during pregnancy because it works as a stimulant for the enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates and fats . Cumin seeds are a magical spice that protects women from many problems related to pregnancy, but it is preferable to eat them after consulting a doctor.
20. Strengthens the immune system:
If you have a strong immune system, you will be protected from many diseases and health problems. In fact, many diseases are only exacerbated by patients' weakened immune systems. Since cumin is an excellent source of iron and dietary fibre, consuming it will be very beneficial for maintaining the normal functioning of your immune system. Cumin fights diseases, and reduces your chances of infection.
21- Treats skin problems:
Cumin is considered one of the seeds that are beneficial for the skin, due to its antioxidant properties. It helps prevent premature aging and gives the skin the desired healthy glow, because cumin also contains large amounts of potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, and manganese, which helps you get a glowing complexion. And a healthier body.
Cumin tea can also be a great natural solution to treat itching, pimples, rashes, and acne because cumin is naturally antibacterial. If you want to rejuvenate your skin better, you can use a mask of cumin with turmeric and honey to get smooth and glowing skin.
22- Helps to strengthen hair:
Cumin tea or its powder helps nourish the hair roots because it contains many nutrients that are good for hair. Its regular consumption in a balanced way fights hair thinning and hair loss because it contains protein, fats, water, and carbohydrates that work on hair growth and help fill it from the roots. Cumin also helps to get rid of head lice and prevent hair loss .
23- Cumin Benefits - Helps lose weight:
One of the health benefits of cumin is aiding in weight loss. A 2015 study compared the effectiveness of cumin in weight loss compared to diet pills, after 8 weeks they realized that daily consumption of cumin tea can help in losing weight a lot, as cumin is great for breaking down extra calories and slimming the body, because it contains a good percentage It contains fiber, so you can sprinkle cumin on your salad or yogurt for a healthy diet.
What are the uses of cumin in traditional medicine?
Below we will mention some of the uses of cumin in traditional medicine:
Chewing raw cumin prevents indigestion.
Cumin tea is used to treat flatulence.
To treat heartburn , you can eat cumin seeds after meals.
Cumin tea is useful in treating bronchitis, cough, cold and asthma.
The use of cumin oil is effective in treating toothache, bad breath, and gum problems.
Drink cumin tea in the morning to treat bloating and lose weight.
Cumin side effects and risks
Research shows that eating cumin in small amounts has no side effects and you can safely eat it in small amounts for up to 8 weeks. But if you want to use it regularly, you should be aware of its side effects. It is worth noting that the typical dose of cumin as an herbal supplement is 300 to 600 mg per day, as researchers have found evidence that excessive use of cumin causes some health problems, including the following:
Cumin suppresses testosterone levels , which means that if men consume it in large amounts, it may reduce fertility because testosterone is the most important sex hormone in men.
Some cultures also believe it is used as an abortifacient, so women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should keep this in mind.
Some people may also have an allergy to cumin. This sensitivity manifests itself in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, stomach pain and itchy skin. So if you see any of these symptoms after consuming cumin, it is best to stop using it.
Cumin consumption causes diarrhea in some people and constipation in others.
Patients with kidneys, liver and respiratory system should consult a doctor before using cumin.
Eating a lot of zinc in cumin leads to an increase in thyroid secretion, and as a result, thinness and yellowing of the face.
Cumin may also cause blood clotting, so people with bleeding disorders should avoid excessive consumption.
Cumin may also lower blood sugar levels in some people. If you have diabetes and use cumin, watch carefully for signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia and check your blood sugar regularly.
note:
If you have surgery, cumin may lower your blood sugar during and after surgery. Therefore, it is best to stop using cumin at least two weeks before surgery.
