Health Benefits of Cumin
Cumin is a spice which provides a strong, unique and soothing aroma. It is used to provide flavor to various cuisines. This spice is widely used in curries, stews and soups. They are either grounded or taken as a whole. It comes with various health and nutritional benefits. Let’s have a look at the health benefits of cumin.
Nutritional Health Benefits of Cumin
Cumin has fairly low calories as it provides only around 20 calories for one tablespoon. Cumin is very rich in iron and provides dietary fibre, protein and minerals.
Health Benefits of Cumin – Helps in Digestion
Cumin has been found to be very beneficial for digestion. Cumin seeds help in the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that aids in proper digestion and helps in absorption of the nutrients. It aids in the secretion of bile acids. It contains a compound called cuminaldehyde which activates salivary gland and facilitates proper digestion of food. It is carminative in nature and thus reduces gas formation.
Cumin increases Memory power
Cumin has been found to increase the memory of a person. It helps in maintaining acetylcholine in the brain which helps in retaining memory. Cumin contains antioxidants that are helpful in boosting the memory. It also helps in speedy recovery from amnesia.
Cumin for Skin Nourishment
Cumin is high in Vitamin-E which helps in keeping the skin healthy and young. Cumin also has anti-microbial properties which helps skin from fungal and viral infections. Cumin paste can be applied on boils, pimples, eczema, psoriasis and various other skin related diseases for quick healing. Cumin is a source of dietary fibre which helps in the cleaning process and removes toxins. Vitamins present in cumin triggers the anti-aging processes in the body. Cuminaldehyde, phosphorous in cumin are natural detoxicants that helps the in reducing wrinkles and making it smooth and supple.
Cumin helps in inducing sleep. Cumin is a source of Vitamin–B which helps in improving sleep. Good digestion also helps in inducing sleep. It has been found that essential oils in cumin can trigger sleep because of their hypnotic effects. Cumin along with ripen banana is consumed just before bed to induce sleep.
Cumin helps in preventing various stress inducting chemicals in the body and thus aids in mental relief.
Cumin prevents Common Cold
Cumin has antiseptic and anti-microbial properties. It keeps various viral infections at bay. They help in boosting the immunity of the body. Cumin has been found to be very beneficial for the respiratory organs. Because of its warm nature it helps in suppressing the mucus formation. Common cold can be prevented by cumin as it contains Vitamin-C and iron which improves immunity and keeps infections away. It provides with great relief when cumin seeds are taken along with hot water, basil leaves and honey. Sore throat, flu and other viral infections are also prohibited by it.
Health Benefits of Cumin – Prevents Anaemia
As cumin is rich in iron, the formation of haemoglobin and RBC is increased in the blood. Haemoglobin helps in transferring oxygen to various body parts of the body. High intake of oxygen helps in making a person fresh and removes fatigue and dizziness.
Cumin inhibits Cancer Cells
Cumin is rich in antioxidants and various essential oils. They help in the secretion of anti-carcinogenic enzymes from the glands and helps in preventing the growth of cancer cells. It is known to provide strong radical scavenging activity. Eugenol and limonene in cumin has strong anti-tumour properties. They are helpful in preventing colon, breast, liver and stomach cancer.
Other Health Benefits Of Cumin
- High quantity of iron and calcium makes it really helpful for lactating women as it helps in the secretion of milk.
- It is anti-congestive in nature and is helpful against various respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis.
- Because of high dietary fibre content cumin is potent against constipation and helps in combating diseases like piles.