Benefits of cumin seeds

Cumin is native to India and East Mediterranean region and also known as Cuminum cyminum. Cumin seeds are the part of many culinary dishes and one of the most popular spices.

As is usually the case with spices that have been in use for thousands of years, cumin appears to provide a number of potential health benefits, from anti-glycation agent to antioxidant to anti-osteoporotic, and much more.

Nutrients in Cumin Seeds

Cumin seed is a low calorie spice with only about seven calories per teaspoon. Cumin seed is also a source of minerals according to the USDA nutrient database. A teaspoon of cumin seed contains about seven percent of the daily iron requirement and about three percent of the daily manganese requirement. Cumin seed is not likely to contribute in a strong way to our nutrition. Even so, cumin seed can add small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium to your diet, chipping away at any iron deficiency you might have.

Cumin seed also provides a bit of B vitamins, particularly thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and riboflavin. (See the graph below). B vitamins support a healthy brain and help maintain your energy. One of the best sources of B vitamins include beef which goes well with cumin seed seasoning, a great B-vitamin combination.

Cumin seed also has a small amount of vitamins A, C, E, and K.

Cumin Seed in Cooking

Cumin is most commonly used to flavor foods and is widely available in both seed and powder form. While cumin is a favorite on the spice rack, Curries are great and expected places to insert cumin, Cumin used to act as a replacement for expensive black pepper for people who couldn’t afford it,

For the maximum flavor from your cumin seed, toast it just before use or at the beginning of assembling a dish. In India cumin is often fried in the oil in the first stage of putting a dish together. The flavor of the cumin is matured and somewhat released into the oil for an experience to be gotten in no other way. A good Mexican cook would not dream of buying cumin powder. No way! You buy cumin seed, toast and grind with a mortar and pestle, known as a molcajete as you need it. Granted, this process requires a little more effort of you in the kitchen, but the results are way worth it.

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- How Cumin Seeds Can benefit in Natural Medicine

How Cumin Seeds Can benefit in Natural Medicine

Cumin seeds also known as jeera have been extensively used in culinary preparations in the Indian subcontinent since ages.Cumin seeds not only add taste to food but also are very beneficial for body.

1. It is a great aid in digestion and prevents indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness. Boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat before adding 1 tsp. of cumin seeds, 1 tsp. of fresh coriander and a pinch of salt. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes before drinking. Take this natural medicine after meals.

2. Iron for Energy and Immune Function, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do women who are pregnant or lactating. Mix 1 tsp. of powdered cumin seeds in a cup of warm milk and add 1 tbsp. of raw honey.

3. For immediate relief from acidity, chew a pinch full of raw cumin seeds.

4. Relieve insomnia with cumin seeds and banana. Simply mix 1 tsp. of cumin seed powder and the pulp of a ripe banana and eat before bed.

5. Cumin seeds have antiseptic properties and aid in curing common colds. Boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat before adding 1 tsp. of cumin and a large slice of ginger. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes, drinking 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms subside.

6. Cumin seeds has rich source of Vitamin E, which is great for the hair and skin as well. it also has disinfectant and anti-fungal properties. This protects the hair and skin from fungal infections. Add a bit of onion juice to cumin powder to make a paste and apply to boils, bites, bee stings and even scorpion stings to help reduce inflammation and pain.