Second only to black pepper in terms of global popularity and sales, cumin seeds are a highly sought-after spice. Cuminum cyminum, often known as common cumin, is a fragrant flowering plant that belongs to the family of medicinal parsleys. For millennia, Asian, Mexican, and African cuisines have used the dried and pulverized seeds of this plant as a spice and food preservation.
In addition to giving dishes a distinct bittersweet, earthy taste, cumin offers a variety of therapeutic uses that may enhance the complexity of your diet. Cumin seeds, whole or crushed, are historically used in Ayurvedic cuisine to increase appetite and aid in digestion. Its hot, dry, bitter, and pungent properties boost ojas, balance the vata and kapha doshas, and intensify the digestive fire.
Cumin Seeds Uses in Ayurveda and Its Health Benefits
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Encourages intestinal health and digestion.
The main use of cumin seeds are as a spice to aid in nutrition absorption and digestion. Its warming and stimulating properties are very helpful for those with limited intestinal motility and low digestive fire. Studies reveal that the chemicals in cumin may increase the activity of the three pancreatic enzymes needed to break down complex proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates: lipase, protease, and amylase.
Phytase enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of phytic acid, a kind of antinutrient, are likewise stimulated by cumin. Numerous plant foods, such as cereal grains, legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds, naturally contain phytic acid. During the digestive process, it binds with essential minerals, preventing their absorption. Cumin seeds increases the bioavailability of minerals like calcium and phosphorus by breaking down these anti-nutritional molecules.
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Excellent supply of antioxidants and minerals.
With its remarkable nutritional composition, cumin seeds may provide additional micronutrients to your normal meals. Cumin is rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, copper, manganese, and thiamine. It also has reasonable levels of folate, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and other vitamins, including A, C, E, and K.
Furthermore, cumin and cumin powder has an extensive range of plant antioxidants that shield healthy cells from free radical damage, such as tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenols, and various forms of flavonoids. Compounds in cumin have been shown to promote immune system function, slow down the aging process, lessen chronic inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic illness.
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Avoids anemia caused by iron deficiency.
A mere teaspoon of cumin seeds supplies 20% of your daily iron needs, making it a very rich source of iron that raises hemoglobin levels in the blood and may help avoid iron-deficiency anemia. About 30% of people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency, which mostly affects young children, women in their reproductive years, and new moms.
The production of hemoglobin, a protein in blood that allows red blood cells to transfer oxygen from the lungs to other body areas, requires iron, a vital micromineral. Inadequate iron levels prevent your blood from efficiently delivering oxygen to the brain and other organs, which may cause a number of health issues, including persistent tiredness, frequent headaches, diminished cognitive function, appetite loss, and weakened immune system against infections.
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Reduces menstruation pain and exhaustion.
Your iron levels may go too low due to excessive blood loss throughout your menstrual cycle, which may result in symptoms including low energy, weakness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. To battle hormonal shifts and cramping, the body need more magnesium, potassium, and calcium during this period in addition to iron.
During menstruation, cumin water is often advised to replace essential minerals and encourage hydration. Its analgesic and antispasmodic qualities may ease cramps and bloating, promote sound sleep, and lessen uterine contractions. In a 2019 clinical experiment, researchers discovered that giving women with dysmenorrhea (difficult periods) three grams of cumin seeds for three days of the cycle dramatically decreased systemic symptoms, which impact the whole body, such as cold sweats, backaches, exhaustion, and cramps.
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Encourages reduction of body weight.
Although cumin by itself won’t help you lose weight, including it in your diet may help you control your weight healthily. If you are already maintaining a calorie deficit via exercise and a healthy, well-balanced diet, taking cumin seeds may help your efforts even further. According to research, its bioactive components may lower blood fat levels, enhance digestion and nutrition absorption, encourage detoxification, and increase metabolism.
Additionally, cumin has a high concentration of polyphenolic chemicals, which function as prebiotics. This means that by feeding your stomach’s beneficial bacteria and preventing the development of dangerous pathogens, cumin seeds may support a healthy gut microbiota and maximize fat burning.
