Dear Cumin, Come on In

If someone ever started a new spicy line of perfumes, the amazing smell of roasted and crushed cumin seeds would definitely top the list.

Have you ever wondered what is it about this tempting smell that makes you drool for food: a dash of this wonderful spice over any dish, and the dish instantly turns inviting.

There is more to it than its signature nutty peppery flavor.

Here are some secret strengths of cumin seeds, if you haven’t figured them out yet.

1. Cuts Fat: Cumin has been studied to be extremely strong when someone is aiming for weight loss, by reducing body fat, and assisting in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Many people, hence, consume cumin with boiling water, as a herbal tea or in jeera-banana combo to cut weight. Their powers as antioxidants and as metabolism rate-boosters help in melting away a lot of abdominal fat.

2. Balance and Re-hydration: It has been observed that when one drinks lukewarm cumin water, it leads to rehydration of the human body, due to high levels of potassium in cumin that restore the electrolyte balance in the body.

3. Great Digestion Boosters: They are also good in magnesium and sodium content, making them extraordinary in digestive health whether it is relief from a horrible stomach ache or conditions like piles. With rich levels of thymol and other essential oils inside, they easily act as salivary stimulants and improve food digestion. They can trigger the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, and further help in good digestion, and absorption of nutrients. The presence of organic compounds like Cuminaldehyde and elements like thymol, pyrazines help in better secretion of acids, bile, and other digestive enzymes. The Carminative characters of cumin seeds help in relief from gas troubles and overall appetite improvement.

4. Rich in fiber: Cumin seeds are dense in dietary fiber content, antifungal, antimicrobial and laxative properties.

5. Fights Anxiety: They can be used in cases of insomnia too because of essential oils that are hypnotic, stress-relieving, anxiety-fighting and tranquilizing in nature.

6. Respiratory infections and joint pains: It has been noticed that cumin seeds find use when it is about a bad swelling, a breathing problem, irregular bowel movement, a joint infection, an intestinal disease, umbilical hernia, and eye or tooth trouble etc. They are quite handy with respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, common cold  and their anti-congestive properties come quite useful thanks to the stimulating agent caffeine, Vitamin C and other aromatic essential oils and disinfectants in them.

7. Source of Iron & Calcium: Little is known about cumin when it comes to rich food sources of iron. They are highly recommended for people looking for better levels of calcium, those suffering from anemia or for lactating or pregnant women. In fact, the calcium present in them can cover quite a considerable level of requirement for the body. This use of iron renders them effective against cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

8. Detoxifying: Due to a strong detoxifying tendency (with components like Cuminaldehyde, thymol, and phosphorus), they come in quite useful in cases of skin disorders, boils, rashes, pimples and cancer.  Those who regularly use cumin in food have a significant reduction in the occurrence of boils, rashes, pimples, and other signs of excess toxin content. These seeds are good detoxifying agents which help in the regular removal of toxins from the body. A group of researchers from the Cancer Research Laboratory, South Carolina have noted their use in fighting cancer, pointing at the presence of the active compound Cuminaldehyde.

A spice so small can be a bundle of so many different powers and uses. That’s hard to believe but that does explain what makes this petite seed so powerful and tempting when sprinkled on a bland dish. Make Cumin all the more powerful with organic cumin seeds. Savour cumin today, in a new way.