Cumin Seeds (also known as jeera) is a delicious spice used to flavor various dishes across a wide range of cultures.
Cumin, known as Cuminum cyminum, is a spice made from a plant’s dried seed, which is from a parsley family member.
It is one of the most popular spices and regularly used in Latin American, Middle Eastern, North African, and Indian cuisines.
What is Cumin?
Cumin seeds are small, boat-shaped, and bear a resemblance to caraway seeds. The most common type of Cumin is a brownish-yellow color, even though you can also sometimes see black Cumin, green Cumin, and white Cumin on the market.
You will find whole seeds in Indian recipes (also called jeera) and ground Cumin as an ingredient in Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as chili, barbecue sauce, baked beans, soups, and marinades.
Cumin is a usual item mixed in chili powder and is also often found in other spice mixtures such as garam masala and curry powder,
What Does It Taste Like?
Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor and enticing smell with a bit of both sugariness and bitterness. The whole seeds need to be toasted to reach its ideal flavor.
Nutritional Value of Cumin
1 tablespoon of Cumin contains:
- 23 calories
- 3 grams of carbohydrate
- 1 gram of fat
- 1 gram of protein
5 Health Benefits of Cumin
It’s excellent for digestion and gastrointestinal complaints.
Cumin contains numerous essential oils plus thymol, which helps promote saliva, bile, and other enzymes accountable for digesting food.
Moreover, Cumin is also a tremendous carminative – so it helps get rid of feelings of bloating and gassy build-ups – and it can also help flush out hemorrhoids.
Great if you want to lose weight!
Cumin can be used for weight loss because it is a powerful weight loss remedy. Taking Cumin regularly can help burn calories of your body quicker by increasing your metabolism speed and improving digestion.
If you have a healthy digestive system and faster metabolism, it is easier for you to lose weight. You can lose fat from your belly and your whole body within just 15-20 days by consuming cumin seeds or drinking cumin water regularly.
It can help you sleep better.
Cumin has high levels of the substance melatonin, which supports and regulates sleep cycles.If you are an insomniac or anyone who has a problem getting a good night’s sleep, including Cumin as part of your evening meal can help.
Melatonin also contains other necessary oils that help keep you stress-free.
Nutritionists suggest that the very best way to use Cumin to help you sleep is to take in a spoonful of Cumin with some mashed-up bananas before bed. It is because bananas help the melatonin work better.
The combination will help you sleep better when used on a regular basis. Unlike some sleeping pills, it is non-addictive.
It’s great for the skin.
Cumin is an excellent source of Vitamin E, known for its superb benefit to keep your skin looking young and glowing. It acts as an antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals responsible for aging your skin cells and promoting the appearance of wrinkles on your face.
The essential oils contained in Cumin have antifungal properties that can weaken the effect of infections that negatively impact the appearance of your skin.
It could help prevent diabetes.
Early studies suggest that Cumin can have a significant impact on preventing symptoms of diabetes. Tests performed on diabetic animals show that cumin seed can cause a decline in blood glucose levels, increase insulin content, and decrease the danger of hypoglycemia.
More studies and research should be looked for but the early indications show that Cumin could be an excellent tool for both easing and preventing symptoms of diabetes.
Does Cumin Have Any Side Effects Or Risks?
Cumin is known to have narcotic components, and for that reason, they should be consumed with carefulness. Side-effects of cumin seeds consist of drowsiness and nausea. It may happen due to excessive consumption of them.
How To Make Cumin Water/Cumin Tea?
To make cumin water, you can choose two options; boiling or soaking the seeds.
Method 1: Boil Cumin
- Add One and a half liters of drinking water to a boiling container.
- Add two teaspoons of cumin seeds.
- Boil for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot cool down
- Strain the cumin water into your desirable cups.
- Drink it.
Method 2: Soak Cumin
- Add one teaspoon of Cumin to a glass of drinking water.
- Let the cumin seeds soak overnight.
- The next day, filter the cumin water and drink, if possible, drink on an empty stomach.
You can also incorporate cumin powder into your dishes. It makes your meals healthier.
That’s about it!
Cumin is a spice that is used in almost every Indian, African, and Middle Eastern kitchen. Cumin seeds have a warm and enticing smell. They have a high therapeutic value.
Its seeds, oil, powder, and capsules are great for digestive relief and boost immunity. As a starter, to reap the benefits of Cumin, you should start by taking cumin water regularly.
Until Next time, Happy cumin cooking!