Cumin, a sweet and pungent spice, is widely used in many curries, spices and other dishes, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and Asian and Latin American countries. It also has many medicinal properties, primarily due to its antioxidant properties, as healers for thousands of years have used cumin to treat a variety of ailments. Here are some of the health benefits of cumin:
Digestion – Cumin contains a compound called Cumin-aldehyde which activates our salivary glands, which facilitates the digestion of our food, and Thymol, which helps secrete acids, bile, and enzymes for the digestion of food in the stomach and lower intestine. It also relieves you from gas troubles and stomachaches.
Insomnia – Due to its digestive aiding properties and high quantity of B vitamins, cumin helps with inducing a sound sleep. Also, the essential oils in cumin are believed to have a tranquilizing effect.
Respiratory Disorders and Colds – Cumin has anti-congestive properties to help those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Also, the essential oils present in cumin act as disinfectants that fight viral infections that cause common colds. Cumin dries up excess mucus and stops conditions for cough formation.
Skin Disorders – Cumin has an abundance of vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin. Also, the essential oils have disinfectant and anti-fungal properties which help prevent microbial and fungal infections of the skin.
Immunity – The presence of iron, essential oils, and vitamins A and C help boost the immune system.
Cancer – Cumin helps prevent cancer, particularly cancer of the colon. This is due to its detoxifying and chemo-preventive properties, high concentration of anti-oxidants like vitamins A and C, and the presence of essential oil, which in addition to numerous other benefits, have anticarcinogenic properties as well.
Anemia – 100 grams of cumin contains five times the recommended daily requirement for an adult. Iron is the main constituent of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transfers oxygen to the cells of the body, and a deficiency of hemoglobin causes anemia. Therefore, the high iron component of cumin helps people anemia.
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