14 Benefits Of Cumin Seeds (Jeera): From Weight Loss To Strengthening Bones

Cumin seed or jeera is a common flavouring spice used widely in cooking, foods and beverages. It is a spice that comes from the plant Cuminum cyminum and it is considered the second most popular spice after black pepper. This article will talk about the health benefits of cumin seeds.

Cumin seed gives out a distinctive aroma and flavour to various Indian, Mexican, African and Asian dishes and it's characterized as something that is nutty, spicy, earthy and warm.

In many parts of the world, cumin seeds have also been used medicinally to cure digestion-related problems, pain, coughs and liver health.

Nutritional Value Of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds contain many phytochemicals that are known to have carminative, antioxidant and antiflatulent properties. 100 g of cumin seeds contain 375 calories. They also contain:

• 22 grams fat
• 44 grams carbohydrates
• 18 grams protein
• 168 milligrams sodium
• 1,788 milligrams potassium
• 931 milligrams calcium
• 66.4 milligrams iron
• 366 milligrams magnesium
• 0.4 milligrams vitamin B6
• 7.7 milligrams vitamin C

Let's have a look at the health benefits of consuming cumin seeds.

1. Aids In Weight Loss & Fat Reduction

Cumin is an excellent spice for people who are trying to lose weight. A study^[4] was conducted to determine the effects of cumin intake for weight loss and metabolism among overweight people. The result concluded that overweight people lost a significant amount of weight with the use of cumin seeds. Another effective study^[5] found that obese women who consumed 3 g of cumin powder in yogurt daily for three months consecutively had a decreased body weight, body fat and waist size.

2. Prevents Food-borne Illnesses

Cumin seeds have antimicrobial properties that reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. The essential oils in cumin were tested against the bad bacteria in foods minced meat, sausages and pork fillet, and the results were positive, according to a study ^[2] . Another study also explains how cumin reduces the growth of food-borne bacteria and certain kinds of infectious fungi ^[3] .

3. Fights Inflammation

Cumin seeds have the potent ability to inhibit inflammation. Inflammation occurs as a reaction to an injury and the parts of the body become swollen, red and painful. Inflammation is also associated with diseases like arthritis, allergy, asthma and cancer. Cumin seeds contain a phytochemical known as anethole which can help fight inflammation ^[1] .

4. Lowers Cholesterol

A study^[6] showed that taking 75 mg of cumin seeds twice daily for eight weeks lowered the level of triglycerides. Cumin seeds also lowered bad cholesterol by 10 per cent in patients who had consumed them for one and a half months, according to a study ^[7] .

5. Treats Boils

Boils on the skin can be an indication of toxin accumulation in the body. The liver is responsible for eliminating toxins from the body and when the liver is not able to do its function due to toxin overload, the skin tries to eliminate it, which shows up as boils.

Cumin seeds contain components such as cuminaldehyde, thymol, phosphorus etc., which are detoxifying agents that help in the removal of toxins from the body. Therefore, including cumin regularly in your food will keep your body free from boils, pimples, rashes, etc.

6. Treats Skin Disorders And Improves Skin Health

The disinfectant and antifungal properties of cumin prevent any unwanted microbial and fungal infections on the skin. Another benefit of cumin seed is that it helps in delaying the ageing of the skin due to the presence of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a natural anti-ageing nutrient that helps to maintain healthy and youthful looking skin and prevents signs of ageing like wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

7. Combats Hair Loss

Cumin seeds have the powerful ability to prevent the loss of hair. It contains many nutrients that can nourish and replenish the hair roots, thereby combating hair thinning and hair loss.

8. Prevents Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has remarkably increased in recent years. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, foot wounds and cataracts. A study ^[8] has shown the effectiveness of cumin essential oil on blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. There was a significant improvement in insulin resistance.

9. Prevents Anaemia

Cumin is a good source of iron. Iron is an important component of haemoglobin that helps in transporting oxygen to other parts of the body. Without oxygen, the red blood cells become weak, resulting in anaemia. Consumption of cumin seeds can be a nutritious addition to the diet for anaemic people.

10. Cures Piles

One of the primary causes of piles or haemorrhoids is constipation. Piles occur when there is a strain during bowel movements where the veins inside or outside the anus get swollen and sometimes starts bleeding. As cumin seeds have fibre content, it acts as a natural laxative, thereby easing your bowel movements, indirectly targeting the cause.

11. Boosts The Immune System

Cumin seeds have a significant amount of vitamin C which acts as a great immunity booster. By consuming jeera water or adding the seeds to your dishes, you can double the strength of the immune system. Several cells of the immune system, especially phagocytes and t-cells require vitamin C to perform their task. So, a deficiency of this vitamin results in reduced resistance against pathogens.

12. Promotes Digestion

If you are having indigestion problems, having a glass of jeera water will soothe your stomach. The reason being, it increases the activity of digestive enzymes, speeding up digestion, according to a study ^[9] . The antiflatulent properties of cumin seeds prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby lowering stomach ache.

Cumin seeds also increase the amount of bile released from the liver and bile helps in digesting fats and nutrients in the gut, thus effectively completing the process.

13. Increases Milk Secretion In Lactating Mothers

As cumin seeds or jeera are rich in iron, it's considered very good for lactating mothers and pregnant mothers. Consuming cumin is known to help ease and increase the secretion of milk due to the presence of thymol, which increases the secretions from glands including milk. Growing children and adolescents also require a lot of iron.

14. Strengthens Bones

Our bodies cannot produce calcium, which is why it is important to consume sufficient amount of this mineral through our diet. Deficiency of calcium can lead to loss of bone density. Calcium is present abundantly in cumin seeds. Calcium helps in hormone secretion, blood clotting, muscle contraction and strengthening the bones.