What are different health benefits of including cumin seeds in your diet?
Scientifically cumin is known as Cuminum cyminum. The peppery taste of cumin makes this seed a very popular and important ingredient in innumerable cuisines throughout the world.
Apart from its well known and appreciated taste, health experts now recommend cumin as a must in every diet due to it rich store of vitamins, iron and manganese. There are various health benefits of cumin seeds to the body. Some of the common benefits are discussed below.
Anemia
Cumin seeds are rich in iron, a key factor in the hemoglobin part of the blood. The presence of iron in the blood allows the binding of oxygen to the blood allowing it to be transported throughout the body for all the metabolic activities to be conducted. A deficiency in this key mineral leads to anemia resulting in breathlessness and general weakness of the body.
Digestion
Cumin seeds are rich in dietary fibers which help in the elimination process in the body. Recent studies have also indicated that cumin seeds enhance the secretion of pancreatic juice which assists in the process of digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Due to its carminative properties it helps in overcoming flatulence or gas problems.
Piles
Cumin seeds due to the high content of dietary fibers, its antibacterial and anti fungal properties help in the treatment of piles, which is mainly caused due to constipation and infection or wounds in the excretory tract. The essential oils present in cumin seeds act as a natural laxative and help in healing the wounds to overcome piles.
Anti carcinogenic
Cumin seeds are also known to possess anti carcinogenic properties which help in removing the harmful free radicals from the body. These free radicals produced in the body during various metabolic activities may lead to the formation of tumors in the body. Cumin seeds also help in detoxification by enhancing the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes.
Colds and respiratory diseases
Cumin seeds are recommended for the treatment of respiratory disorders as well as for the treatment of colds. This seed has various essential oils which make it anti congestive. Apart from this some amount of caffeine is also present in cumin which helps in soothing and relaxing a person suffering from these health problems.
Insomnia
Studies on cumin seeds and its nutrients have shown that it helps in overcoming insomnia. This is not yet ascertained as to which factor contributes to this property of the seed but it is believed that the essential oils may have hypnotic properties apart from assisting in digestion and relaxing the mind.
Lactation
Cumin seeds benefit women immensely. It not only makes up for the loss of iron during the menstrual cycle but because of the presence of thymol, it also helps lactating women in increasing the secretion of milk from the mammary glands. Cumin seeds are also rich in the content of calcium which again is beneficial to a lactating mother.
Skin
Another health benefit of cumin seeds is its impact on the skin. This seed is rich in vitamin E which helps in nourishing the skin and keeping it clear off blemishes and wrinkles.
Anti microbial
This seed, due to the presence of the essential oils have anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. Cumin also has detoxifying capacities that help keep the body especially the skin away from infection.
Due to the awareness in its nutritive value, cumin seeds have gained importance in our diet. Cumin seeds can be taken as a spice in the food that we cook or it can added in fruit juices as a powder. Which ever way you take it, cumin seeds only enhances the taste of the food.
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Categories: Anemia, Antibiotics, Body, Cumin Seeds, Vitamins Tags: Anemia, Anti-carcogenic, Body, Colds, Cumin, Cumin Seeds, Diet, digestion, Food, health, Healthy, Iron, Kitchen, Lactation, Manganese, Minerals, Piles, Rich, Skin, Vitamins
What are various health benefits of Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is sweet, spicy and nutty in taste and is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens. Nutmeg is a warm, rich, somewhat sweet, brownish-red spice. It comes from the seed of the fruit of the nutmeg tree, which looks similar to a walnut. This spice is very aromatic, with rich, sweet, savory, warm tones. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, but mace has a stronger flavor.
Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rain forest Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands. The tree grows to about 50-60 feet in height, is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. Inside the fruit is a hard egg-shaped seed of about 20 mm to 30 mm long and 15 mm to 18 mm wide, and 5 to 10 grams in weight.
Nutmeg is a popular ingredient for cooking and used in various sweet and spicy dishes like baked goods, white sauces and puddings. Nutmeg should be stored in cool, dark, dry areas. This spice is very versatile.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG
- Nutmeg can stimulate the brain, prevent mental exhaustion as well as rid our minds of stress. It acts like a brain tonic.
- Nutmeg eases stomach problems like indigestion, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Nutmeg and nutmeg oil can treat liver problems by eliminating the toxins that cause ailments to this vital body organ.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Nutmeg oil can treat anything from toothaches, to sore gums to bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil helps in improving concentration.
- Nutmeg is also an effective sedative i.e it is used as a pain relief.
- Nutmeg has antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath.
- Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems.
- Nutmeg is rich in vital B-complex vitamins including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A.
- Nutmeg proves to be an excellent tonic for the cardiovascular system.
- Nutmeg is useful during congestion and cough.
- Drinking one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg promotes sleep.
- Nutmeg oil is also a good herb for the kidney, helping it dissolve kidney stones as well as relieve infections.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia. To treat insomnia, consume 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 cup of milk and bring to boil.
- Rub nutmeg on a stone slab in water and apply the paste on the skin which is affected.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE HAVING NUTMEG
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.
- Touching nutmeg can cause allergic skin reaction.