Cumin's health benefits in Ayurveda
Since time immemorial, Cumin has been an integral part of Ayurveda and many kitchen cabinets across Asia and Middle Eastern households. Its distinct pungent taste and savory aroma have made it a personal favorite amongst Asian cuisines, used especially to enhance the flavor of curries and other mouthwatering dishes.
Many however are oblivious to the health benefits that this little spice packs in itself, benefits that work holistically to improve the overall quality of your lifestyle. It is this very reason, apart from its taste, that has made cumin popular worldwide.
Cumin Seeds are commonly known as ‘Jeerka’ in Sanskrit and ‘Jeera’ in Hindi. Jeerka literally translates to digestion, which signifies its ability to cure digestive tract disorders and enhance the digestive process.
Cumin is a naturally hot food, which makes it a perfect remedy to balance both Kapha and Vata dosha. However, it can also increase the Pitta dosha and hence should be consumed sparingly by people with Pitta imbalance.
Cumin's Impact on Health: Exploring its Many Benefits
Cumin has been a key remedial spice in Ayurveda since ancient times. Its benefits extend from improving digestion, all the way to protecting the skin.
Enhancing Gastrointestinal Health: The Digestive Benefits of Cumin
Cumin has long been used in many households across India to improve digestion. It is an active ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines targeting digestion and is usually blended with water and consumed for best results. Experts now believe that it is the compound thymol, found in cumin, which is ultimately responsible for stimulating enzymes that enable smooth and consistent excretion.
Cumin's Role in Natural Detoxification: Purifying the Body
Cumin’s active compound like Thymol, along with aldehyde and phosphorus are responsible for acting as effective detoxifying agents. Together they have the potential to find and eliminate toxins and free radicals from the body. Jeera water in particular can facilitate the production of bile, and thus help in the protection of liver.
Supporting anaemia due to iron deficiency
Iron is one of the most crucial elements required by the human body to function appropriately. You need iron to carry on with your daily life. Without iron, your body won’t be able to produce enough red blood cells. The deficiency in this element is what causes the condition commonly known as Anemia. Now, one teaspoon of cumin is said to contain at least 22 milligrams of iron, which makes it the perfect food to have in order to support Iron deficient associated with Anemia.
Cumin's Immune-Boosting Potential: Strengthening Your Body's Defenses
Having Cumin every day is a great way to keep your immune system up and running always. Cumin is a great source of Iron, Dietary fiber and Vitamin C, all of which work together to keep you from ever falling sick again. Therefore, it is a great idea to have Jeera water every day in order to maintain the immunity of your body.
Cumin's Beauty Secret: Skin Enhancement and Radiance
Cumin is home to one of the most beneficial antioxidants your skin will ever need. We are of course talking about Vitamin E. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties combine with the goodness of Vitamin E, helps keep your skintight, and impervious to skin disorders like acne, eczema and premature ageing. In summary, having cumin every day is a great way to keep your skin healthy and youthful.
Fight Infection
We’ve already mentioned that cumin has antiviral and antibacterial properties in abundance. This makes it the perfect food to have in order to ward off infections and fight cold and flu like symptoms. A glass of Jeera water, or cumin sprinkled over your favorite hot soup can be a regular option in winters.
Harnessing Cumin's Power: Battling Infections Naturally
Although more studies need to be conducted in this matter, cumin does contain all the elements needed to improve one’s cognition. Cumin is a great source of vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin, all of which are necessary to enhance brain function.
Cumin's Potential as a Natural Remedy for Asthma
Asthma is caused by the swelling of lungs and increased mucus production. Cumin is already known to be a great anti-congestive agent in Ayurveda, and as such, has been used since ancient times to clear airways, mucus accumulation and trachea.
Integrating Cumin into Your Culinary Routine: A Guide to Spice Up Your Diet
The most effective and convenient way to have cumin in your daily diet is by blending its powder with water to produce Jeera water. You can have it for anything from digestion to curing a case of flu.
- Ayurveda recommends dry frying cumin seeds before having them with your food or drink. You can have cumin sprinkled in your curries, soups, and beverages along with hot water, honey, or ghee. 3-6 grams of cumin twice a day after a meal will give you the results you seek.
- Another great way to have cumin is in combination with coriander. This combination can induce a mild cooling effect, and thus is great in improving your digestion. It is especially great for those who cannot tolerate hard spices like black pepper and ginger due to sensitive stomachs.
- Cumin can be boiled in water on a daily basis and you can have a glass every day.
- A blend of Cumin, Coriander and Fennel taken in the form of tea can soothe digestive distress and promote detoxification of the system.
- Powdered Cumin with yogurt can also be taken
Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.
