Cumin

Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum Cyminum, belongs to family Apiaceae and is extensively used in culinary in 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 health should note that cumin can be beneficial for some of their most dreaded diseases. Let’s see how.

The health benefits of cumin include the following:

* Digestion: Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems. The very smell (aroma) of it, which comes from an aromatic organic compound called Cuminaldehyde, the main component of its essential oil, activates our salivary glands in our mouth (the mouth watering flavor), facilitating the primary digestion of the food. Next is Thymol, a compound present in cumin, which does same to the glands which secrete acids, bile and enzymes responsible for complete digestion of the food in the stomach and the intestines, due to its Stimulating properties. Cumin is also Carminative i.e. relieves from you from gas troubles and thereby improves digestion and appetite. Due to its essential oils, magnesium and sodium content, it promotes digestion and also gives relief in stomach-ache when taken with hot water (like aqua ptycotis and mint).

* Piles: The main reason behind piles is constipation added with infections in the wound in the anal tract, which again is caused by constipation. Cumin, because of its dietary fiber content and carminative, stimulating, anti fungal and anti microbial properties due to the presence of essential oils comprising mainly of Cuminaldehyde and certain pyrazines, acts as a natural laxative in powdered form, helps healing infections or wounds in the digestive & excretory system and speeds up digestion too.

* 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. But studies show that a proper intake of vitamins (particularly B-complex) and a good digestion help induce a sound sleep. Cumin helps both of these. Some of the components of the essential oil have tranquilizing effects.

* Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis etc: Presence of caffeine (stimulating agent) and aromatic essential oils (disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anti congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as Asthma, Bronchitis etc.

* Common Cold: Common Cold is a viral infection which affects our body frequently when our immune system is weak. Again, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight the viral infections which cause common cold. Cumin also prevents cough formation in the respiratory system as it dries up the excess mucus.

* Lactation: It is rich in iron and thus very good for lactating mothers as well as 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 presence of Thymol, which tends to increase secretions from glands, including milk which is a secretion from mammary glands. It is more beneficial if taken with honey. Cumin has remarkable amount of calcium (above 900 mg per 100 grams) which accounts to 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 rich in iron (above 66 mg. per 100 grams) which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the main constituent of haemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles of blood. It is haemoglobin which transfers oxygen (as oxide of iron) to the body-cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. So, cumin can be a nutritious additive to daily diet for anemic people.

* Skin Disorders: Almost all of us know that vitamin-E is good for skin. It keeps the skin young and glowing. This vitamin is also present in abundance in cumin. The essential oils present in cumin also have disinfectant and anti fungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from affecting the skin.

* Boils: Boils are just outlets for removal of toxic substances and foreign matters such as microbes etc. from the body. So, they are rather symptoms which show that a lot of toxic substances have accumulated in the body. Here cumin can help you a great deal. Those who regularly use cumin in food have been seen keeping free from boils, rashes, pimples etc. Components such as Cuminaldehyde, Thymol, phosphorus etc. are good de-toxicants which help in the regular removal of toxins from body, through the excretory system, and not through boils.

* Immunity: As discussed above, abundance of iron, presence of essential oils and vitamin-C & vitamin-A in cumin boosts our immune system.

* Cancer: Cumin itself has detoxifying and chemo-preventive properties and accelerates secretion of detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic enzymes from the glands, as it does to other secretions.

* Other benefits: Cumin is also beneficial in treating renal coli, weak memory or lack of concentration, insect bites and sting etc.

Source - Organic Facts