The magical things Cumin seeds (jeera) do to your body

By Pashchiema Bhatia

Cummin (Botanical name: Cuminum cyminum). Jeera in Hindi.

Cumin seeds ( Hindi: Jeera ) are mostly associated with Mexican and Spanish foods but it is widely used as a traditional spice of Indian cuisine. Indian food is popular for using spices which not only add flavor to dishes but also nutritional value. The distinct flavor of cumin makes it favorite of many but its health supporting properties are much more impressive.

Nutritional Values of Cumin

• Iron- 16%
• Manganese- 7%
• Copper- 4%
• Calcium- 4%
• Magnesium- 4%
• Vitamin B- 13%
• Phosphorus- 3%

Benefits of Cumin

1. Helps in digestion process

It improves the energy production and metabolism and stimulates the production of some essential pancreatic enzymes which is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation. The presence of thymol and other essential oils stimulate the salivary glands hence helping in proper digestion.

2. Prevents Cancer

In some lab research, Cumin was found effective in preventing cancer due to its high antioxidant content and the ability to enhance the liver's detoxification enzymes.

3. Improves Immunity

Do you know that 100 grams of cumin contains 11.7 milligrams of iron? Being a good source of iron, Cumin seeds not only keep the immune system healthy but also prevent anemia. The effective anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of cumin seed, boosts your immunity and helps to fight infections like cold and asthma.

4. Beneficial for Pregnant women

Pregnant women deal with a lot of pregnancy symptoms like nausea and constipation. Cumin acts as a remedy in relieving constipation and improving the digestion process. It also increases the milk production without any side effects due to its high iron and calcium content.

5. Weight loss

Cumin is rich in antioxidants and phytosterols which inhibit the absorption of harmful cholesterol in the digestive tract and thereby helping in reducing weight.

6. Enhance the memory

One study found that it prevents memory loss and the damaging effects of stress on the body. In Ayurveda, it is commonly used to treat patients suffering from amnesia.

7. Regulates the blood pressure and heart rate

Due to its high potassium content, it helps in regulating cell production and also in maintaining the blood pressure and heart rate.

Although, these seeds look ordinary and but its benefits makes it unique and special. It's not just because of its flavor that it got so much significance in Indian cuisine but also because of its health benefits.

Pashchiema is an intern at NewsGram and a student of journalism and mass communication in New Delhi. Twitter: @pashchiema5