19 Amazing Benefits Of Cumin/ Jeera For Skin, Hair And Health

 

Spices play an important role in making a dish more flavorful. Cumin is one such spice that forms part of various dishes. Cumin or “jeera” is basically a tiny seed of an annual plant in the parsley family, native to the Mediterranean. A typical cumin seed has a striped pattern of nine ridges and oil canals. It is brownish in colour and oblong shaped, tapering at each extremity with tiny stalks attached. Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds in appearance but are lighter in colour, hotter to taste, larger in size and unlike caraway, have minute bristles that are hardly visible to the naked eye.

The warm and bitter flavor of this aromatic spice as well as its abundant oil content make it usable in Indian, Mexican, North African, Middle Eastern and western Chinese cuisines. In India, cumin seeds are an important component of curry powder and “garam masala”. They are generally fried or roasted before usage. Cumin seeds are generally available dried or ground to a brownish-green powder.

Cumin seeds are generally available in three colours- amber, white and black. The amber seeds are the most common. The black ones have a complex flavor and cannot be substituted for the other two. Black cumin seeds or nigella are different from cumin seeds though both are similar in appearance. Known as “kalonji” in India, they have a pungent, powerful, sharp and slightly bitter flavor and a spicy-sweet aroma. They are black in color and have a thin crescent shape. Besides its culinary uses, this aromatic spice is known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Being an excellent source of iron, it aids in digestion, boosts the immune system and has anti-carcinogenic properties.

Black cumin seeds contain about 100 chemical compounds including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fatty acids. They are known for their healing qualities. In Islam, it is believed that they can heal any type of disease except death while in Bible they are referred to as the curative black seeds. Thus, this spice has a rich history and was particularly favored by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In ancient times, it was even used as a method for payment of taxes and debts.

Jeera Benefits for Health: 

1. For Blood:

Cumin helps to lower blood sugar levels and thus helps in maintaining proper blood content levels in the body. This is a great boon for people suffering from Diabetes.

2. For Iron:

These seeds are very rich in Iron, which makes it an essential natural health ingredient. This iron content helps to treat anaemia, makes blood rich in haemoglobin content and also helps in acting as a carrier of oxygen to the cells in the body.

Cumin seeds contain Thymoquinone, which reduces inflammatory processes and other mediators that cause asthma. They also act as a bronchodilator.

4. Immunity:

This is achieved by its anti-oxidant characteristics that fight against impurities and free radicals thereby making the body immunity better in combating diseases. One of the good benefits of jeera.

5. Anaemia:

Cumin seeds are rich in Iron which is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood. This inturn is required for the transportation of Oxygen in the body. Thus Cumin protects us from Anaemia.

6. Menstrual Cycle:

Cumin is healthy for women of all age groups and is known to influence healthy menstrual cycle in them.

7. Cancer:

Cancer is a very dangerous disease and is even more dangerous in the last stage as turns fatal. That is why it needs to be taken care of in the initial stage itself. Cumin is helpful in treating colon and breast cancer due to the presence of thymoquinone , dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol which are anti-carcinogenic agents.

8. Cold And Respiration:

Cuminis rich in Vitamin C and anti fungal properties which helps it cure Cold and other respiratory problems. Cumin seeds are also suggested for kidney health.

9. Metabolism:

Good metabolism process helps to keep all the other body processes in check. Iron present in Cumin helps to properly maintain our metabolic activity.

10. Digestion:

Enzymes present in Cumin helps to breakdown foods and thus aids in digestion.

Skin Benefits of Cumin

As stated earlier, this aromatic spice is renowned for its medicinal value and health benefits. Hence, it can be beneficial to your skin as well. Some of the cumin benefits in skincare are as follows.

11. Treatment of Boils:

Boils are outlet for the elimination of toxic substances and foreign matters such as microbes etc. Occurrence of boils indicates the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Regular usage of cumin in your food helps in keeping your skin free from boils, rashes, pimples etc. This is because it has components such as Cuminaldehyde, Thymol and phosphorus which are good detoxifying agents, facilitating regular removal of toxins from the body through the excretory system and not through boils. If you are suffering from acne or boils, you can try applying vinegar with ground cumin seeds.

12. Treatment of Skin Disorders:

Cumin has a high content of vitamin E which keeps your skin healthy and glowing. Besides, the essential oils in cumin have disinfectant and anti-fungal properties which protect your skin from fungal and microbial infections. Topical application of cumin paste on boils, pimples, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders facilitates quick healing. A dash of ground cumin powder can also be added to your face pack to treat skin issues. Cumin is also a good source of dietary fiber which helps in the cleaning process and removes toxins.

13. Anti-ageing Benefits:

Vitamin E present in cumin triggers the anti-ageing processes within the body, thus preventing pre mature ageing symptoms. It acts as an antioxidant to combat the free radicals that attack the skin and cause signs of ageing like wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin. This combination of antioxidant effect and antibacterial capacity of cumin provides you with a healthy, beautiful skin that lasts far into your old age.

14. Cures Itchiness and Body Heat:

If you are suffering from body heat and skin itchiness, you can put some cumin seeds in boiled water. After cooling it, take a bath with that water.

15. Treatment of Burning Sensation:

Drinking cumin/jeera water can relieve the burning sensation of the palms and the soles. All you need to do is add one teaspoon of cumin seeds to 4 litres of water and boil. Remove it from the stove and keep it covered. You can drink this water whenever you feel thirsty as well as after your meals. It is advisable to drink it warm in order to reap greater benefits.

16. Cumin Face Pack for Glowing Skin:

You can prepare a face pack by mixing finely ground turmeric and cumin in the ratio 3: 1. In order to prepare a peel off face mask, you can use honey instead of water to mix both the ingredients. Apply this on your face till it dries up. This will make your skin smooth and glowing. Honey can soothe the inflamed tissue and prevents the spices from becoming too dry. If you have sunburns or acne prone or blotchy skin, you can mix plain organic yoghurt with the spices. Apply some jojoba oil after washing off your face.

Hair Benefits of Cumin:

Our hair is composed of many nutrients such as protein, fat, water and carbohydrates. Thus, these nutrients are required to replenish in the body to enable proper growth of hair. Black cumin contains more than 100 nutrients and vitamins to replenish your hair, thus providing you with a healthy mane.

17. Treatment of Hair Loss:

Nigella sativa or black cumin is known to combat thinning of hair, baldness and falling hair. You can mix equal quantities of black cumin oil and olive oil. After a bath, apply this on your hair or on the bald portion of your head. This will promote hair growth as well as treat hair loss. You can also consume black cumin oil in the form of capsules for a few months.

18. Long and Shiny Hair:

Black cumin seeds can provide you with those long and lustrous tresses. For this purpose, boil 1.5 tablespoons of black cumin seeds in ¾ cup of water for 10 minutes. When the mixture cools down, use a strainer to separate the seeds from the water. Add a raw egg yolk to the black cumin water and mix well to get a homogeneous creamy solution. If you want, you can add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to the mixture. Massage it on your scalp and allow it to stay for 30 minutes to an hour. Wash off with water. This should be done every week or every alternate week for best results.

19. Treatment of Dandruff:

Oil extract from cumin is a great stimulant, carminative, antioxidant and diuretic. It is often used for massage in aromatherapy and scalp treatments to get rid of dandruff.

How to Select and Store?

• Selection: This spice is widely available in supermarkets, local spice stores and ethnic markets in both whole and ground form. When buying cumin, always prefer whole seeds rather than cumin powder as the latter loses its flavour more quickly and may contain adulterated inferior quality spice mixtures. If you need it in powdered form, these seeds can be ground at home with a mortar and pestle.

Like other dried spices, always select organically grown dried cumin seeds as they are less likely to be irradiated. They should release pleasant yet peppery flavour when squeezed between index finger and thumb which indicates that they are of superior quality. The seeds should not be broken and should be in well packaged conditions. It is advisable to buy spices like cumin from local stores or ethnic markets in your area as they feature an expansive collection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness in comparison to those available in regular markets.

• Storage: Cumin seeds and cumin powder should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. It can be stored for months and the seeds can be milled using a hand mill as and when required. Ground and powdered cumin can be stored in the refrigerator in an air sealed container. It is advisable to use ground cumin as early as possible since it loses its flavour quickly. Whole cumin seeds can stay fresh up to a year whereas cumin powder has a shelf life of 6 months.

Tips for Usage (Cooking/Eating)

Cumin is an important ingredient in Indian kitchen. Both ground and whole cumin seeds are used to season a variety of recipes such as curries, soups and stews. Since they might have raw and unpleasant flavour, whole cumin seeds should be lightly roasted before adding them to any recipe to obtain their full aroma and flavour. Given below are certain tips for using this spice.

1. Jeera Rice:

Jeera rice is a common dish in India which is prepared by roasting cumin seeds in butter, frying rice in it and cooking it with water. It is a tasty combination that can be used to flavour vegetables, chicken and fish dishes. Cumin seeds can also be added to brown rice along with dried apricots and almonds.

2. Flavour In Dal And Curry Varieties:

This spice is a healthy addition to enhance the flavour of legumes such as lentils, garbanzo beans etc. Its aroma and taste greatly complements the recipe made from these foods.

3. Chilli -Cumin Bean Salad:

Chilli- cumin bean salad is a healthy meal that requires minimal preparation. You can prepare this salad by mixing some pinto beans, black beans, drained hominy, chopped onions and tomatoes, and fresh cilantro in a salad bowl. Combine lime juice, canola oil, onions, ground cumin, chilli powder, salt and pepper in a jar. Seal this jar and shake it well. Toss your salad with this cumin mixture and refrigerate it for two hours before serving.

4. Tadka In Dal:

Dal is regarded as a staple diet of Indian cuisine. Whole cumin seeds are used for tempering (providing tadka) this dal, thus imparting a warm flavour. It is also used to temper meat dishes, particularly North Indian tandoori dishes.

5. Seasoning In Sauteed Vegetables:

Healthy sautéed vegetables can be seasoned with cumin. For instance, beet can be easily prepared with cumin. All you need to do is heat a saucepan over medium heat and add canola oil, chopped onion and minced garlic. These should be sautéed until they are slightly cooked. Now add some cumin powder and sauté for two minutes. Add some flour and stir for a minute. After this, add water, salt, chopped tomatoes, and peeled and quartered beet slices. Simmer the mixture for at least half an hour until the beets are cooked and tender.

6. Chicken Preparation:

Besides dal and vegetables, cumin can be used in preparing chicken. For this purpose, grease a large skillet with butter and cook chicken leg quarters in it until they turn brown. Place the chicken pieces on a greased baking dish. Saute the mushroom pieces, chopped apples and sliced onions until the apple pieces become crisp. Add some flour, condensed cream of mushroom, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to this mixture and pour it over the chicken pieces. Covering the baking dish, bake it for an hour at a temperature of 350 degrees. Sprinkle some chilli powder on the cooked chicken and serve with rice.

7. Panch Phoron:

Cumin seeds are used in preparing Bengali spice mixture known as “panch phoron”. It is basically a combination of nigella seeds, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds and cumin. This spice mix is used in several dishes such as potato curry, pan roasted potatoes and salmon.

8. Cumin Tea:

A warming and soothing cumin tea can be prepared by boiling cumin seeds in water and allowing it to steep for 8 to 10 minutes.

9. Flavouring In Rasam:

Roasted cumin seeds along with ground black pepper are used in flavouring rasams.  They are toasted with coriander to provide a distinct aroma and are widely used in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines.

10. Preparation Of Soups, Sauces And Pickles:

Cumin seeds are used in the preparation of soups, barbecue sauces, pickling and is one of the ingredients in curry powder. Black cumin seeds are used as a spice in Persian and Mughlai cuisine.

Cumin Nutrition Value: (USDA)

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	375 Kcal	19%
Carbohydrates	44.24 g	34%
Protein	17.8 g	32%
Total Fat	22.27g	74%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	10.5 g	26%
Vitamins
Folates	10 µg	2.5%
Niacin	4.58 mg	28.5%
Pyridoxine	0.435 mg	33%
Riboflavin	0.32 mg	24.5%
Thiamin	0.628 mg	52%
Vitamin A	1270 IU	42%
Vitamin C	7.7 mg	13%
Vitamin E	3.3 mg	22%
Vitamin K	5.4 µg	4.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium	1788 mg	38%
Potassium	68 mg	11%
Minerals
Calcium	931 mg	93%
Copper	0.867 mg	96%
Iron	66.36 mg	829%
Magnesium	366 mg	91%
Manganese	3.3 mg	145%
Phosphorus	499 mg	71%
Zinc	4.8 mg	43.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	762 µg	–
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 µg	–
Lutein-zeaxanthin	448 µg	–

We will discuss the nutritional benefits of jeera in a quantity of a table spoon which weighs close to 6 grams.

• It contains 22 calories, 1 gram of fat, which contributes about 11 calories.
• It is a zero cholesterol herb that can be consumed in good proportions without worrying about cholesterol content.
• Carbohydrates are about 3 grams and proteins 1 gram in this quantity of cumin.
• The low saturated fat and sodium contents are low in this spice and it is also a good source of thiamine, phosphorous, thiamine, fiber and copper.
• This amount of cumin contains 2% DV of Vitamin A, 1% DV of Vitamin C, 6% of calcium and 22% of iron.

These daily values are based on a daily 2000 calorie intake of a human body. It is mildly inflammatory and is a good source of proteins and fibers.

So, are you going to include this wonderful seed in your diet and topical applications? Experience all these jeera benefits and let us know if you already have them in your diet and list of topical treatments.

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-cumin-jeera/

Health Benefits of Cumin

The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid in digestion, improve immunity and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer.

Many of you might remember having hated those curries and soups which had roasted or fried cumin seeds in them when you were kids, because they looked like small black insects. However, you probably liked the taste. So your mother might have removed these flavorful parts before she served you the food. That was cumin!

Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminun Cyminum belongs to family Apiaceae and is extensively used in culinary practices of the Indian Subcontinent and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries as a condiment or spice. Those who are of the opinion that spices are bad for one’s health should note that cumin can be beneficial for some of the most dangerous diseases, and is generally consider a boost for overall health. Let’s explore just how it benefits your health in the section below.

Health Benefits of Cumin

The health benefits of cumin include the following:

Digestion: Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems.  The very aroma of cumin, which comes from an aromatic organic compound called Cuminaldehyde, the main component of its essential oil, activates our salivary glands in our mouth, which facilitates the primary digestion of food. Next is thymol, a compound present in cumin, which stimulates the glands that secrete acids, bile and enzymes responsible for complete digestion of the food in the stomach and the intestines. Cumin is also Carminative, which means that it relieves from you from gas troubles and thereby improves digestion and appetite. Due to its essential oils, magnesium and sodium content, cumin promotes digestion and also gives relief for stomach-aches when taken with hot water.

Piles: The main cause behind piles (hemorrhoids) is constipation added with infections in the wound in the anal tract, which are also caused by constipation. Cumin, because of its dietary fiber content and carminative, stimulating, antifungal and antimicrobial properties, acts as a natural laxative in powdered form. These characteristics are due to the presence of essential oils comprised mainly of Cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines. Adding cumin to your diet also helps in healing up of infections or wounds in the digestive and excretory system and speeds up digestion as well. That pretty much means that cumin clears up all of the symptoms and causes of hemorrhoids, so keep that it mind when you start itching!

Diabetes: Although research is still ongoing, early studies report that cumin, among a number of other spices, can have a powerful effect in preventing diabetes by reducing the chances of hypoglycemia. The animals that were tested showed a sharp decline in hypoglycemia when fed cumin seeds in their diet, and they also showed a decrease in glucosuria, which is a condition where the urine contains too much glucose, also resulting in hypoglycemia and diabetes. Human testing is ongoing, but early reports show that cumin can be a very powerful tool in the battle against diabetes!

Insomnia: This is a very peculiar property of cumin. It is a stimulant as well as a relaxant at the same time. This property cannot be attributed to a single component alone, just as causes of insomnia cannot be attributed to a single cause. However, studies show that the proper intake of vitamins (particularly B-complex) and good digestion help to induce a sound sleep. Cumin helps in both of these factors. Some of the components of cumin essential oil are hypnotic in nature and have tranquilizing effects, which also help to relieve stress and anxiety that commonly causes insomnia.

Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis: The presence of caffeine (the stimulating agent), and the richly aromatic essential oils (the disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anticongestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. It acts as expectorant, meaning that it loosens up the accumulated phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts and makes it easier to eliminate them from the system via sneezing or coughing up and spitting. By eliminating as much of the mucus and phlegm as possible, it can inhibit the formation of additional material and help to heal the initial condition that led to its formation in the first place.

Common Cold: The common cold is a viral infection which affects our body frequently when our immune system becomes weakened or vulnerable. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight viral infections which can cause the common cold. Cumin also suppresses the development of coughing in the respiratory system since it dries up the excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron and has considerable amount of vitamin-C, which are essential for a healthy immune system and keeps infections from forming or becoming worse. Vitamin-C is also a natural antioxidant, so it defends against other infections and toxins as well, further boosting the immune system.

Lactation: Cumin is rich in iron and thus very good for lacting mothres as well as for women who are undergoing menses or who are pregnant, since they are more in need of iron than others. Moreover, cumin is said to help ease and increase secretion of milk in lactating women due to the presence of thymol, which tends to increase secretions from our glands, including milk, which is a secretion from the mammary glands. Also, cumin is more beneficial if taken with honey. Cumin has remarkable amount of calcium (more than 900 mg per 100 grams) which accounts for over 90% of our daily requirement of calcium. This calcium is an important constituent of milk and hence cumin is very good for lactating mothers.

Anemia: As stated above, cumin is very rich in ironn (more than 66 mg. in every 100 grams) which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the main constituent of hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles of blood. It is hemoglobin which transfers oxygen (as the oxide of iron) to the body’s cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. So, cumin can be a nutritious additive to daily diet for anemic people and avoid the symptoms of anemia like fatigue, anxiety, cognitive malfunction, and digestive issues.

Concentration and Cognitive Malfunction: The amount of iron in cumin leads to increased hemoglobin production and subsequent prevention of anemia, but that increased blood flow has other benefits as well. When your blood circulation is in top form, adequate amounts of oxygen are able to reach the organs and the brain, leading to optimal performance of those bodily systems. Proper amounts of oxygen and iron in the brain lead to increased cognitive performance and a decrease in cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. For other organs, increased oxygenation increases efficiency and speeds up the metabolism, which can boost your overall health, increase strength, and prevent signs of aging.

Skin Disorders: Almost everyone knows that vitamin-E is good for the maintenance of skin and the prevention of premature aging symptoms. It keeps the skin young and glowing. This vitamin is also present in abundance in cumin. The essential oils present in cumin have disinfectant and antifungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from affecting the skin. Not all skin issues are disorders or infections, some of them are simply signs of aging. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in this regard and combats the free radicals that attack the skin and result in signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. This, combined with the antibacterial capacity of cumin, makes for healthy, beautiful skin that lasts far into your old age.

Boils: Boils are outlets for the removal of toxic substances and foreign matters such as microbes from the body. This means that they are symptoms which show that a high amount of toxic substances have accumulated in the body. In this way, cumin can help you a great deal. Those who regularly use cumin in food have a significant reduction in the occurance of boils, rashes, pimples, and other signs of excess toxin content. Components such as cuminaldehyde, thymol, and phosphorus are good detoxifying agents which help in the regular removal of toxins from the body. The healthy way of removing toxins is through the excretory system, not through boils.

Immunity: As discussed above, an abundance of iron, the presence of essential oils, vitamin-C, and vitamin-A in cumin boosts our immune system in a number of ways. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants that we have in our body, and it also stimulates the function and activity of white blood cells. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights the detrimental effects of free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. They are constantly being created in the body, and therefore, must be constantly eliminated. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that lead to many diseases, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Cancer: Cumin itself has detoxifying and chemopreventive properties, and accelerates the secretion of detoxifying and anticarcinogenic enzymes from the glands, as it also does to other secretions. Furthermore, it has beneficial antioxidants like vitamin-C and vitamin-A within its chemical makeup, in addition to those essential oils. Besides having countless other benefits, the antioxidants have anticarcinogenic properties too, and those found in cumin are particularly good for colon cancer prevention.

Other benefits: Even more? Cumin is also beneficial in treating renal coli, weak memory, insect bites and painful stings. With all of these benefits, how could you say no? Add some cumin to your diet as soon as you can!

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-cumin.html