Use of cumin spice. There is a rich history of the use of cumin seasoning. What is the difference between cumin and cumin?

Each nationality has its own favorite seasonings and spices. In Bulgaria, paprika is added to many dishes, because it is not for nothing that sweet peppers are called bell peppers. Georgians love to season meat and vegetables with hops-suneli. And in Asia, not a single pilaf can do without cumin - a spicy plant that resembles cumin in appearance.

But in fact, cumin and cumin are different spices. And the average person who does not understand plants can notice the difference only by tasting the seeds on the tooth. Indeed, even in appearance, the seeds of these plants are almost identical - narrow seeds of a marsh-green color, half a centimeter long, with prominent frequent edges. Cumin tastes like dill, but with a more pronounced spicy aroma, not bitter. The aroma of cumin is a little weaker, but its taste is pronounced, and at the same time a slight spicy pungency is felt.

When these spices are heat treated, the following happens: a pinch of cumin added to the dish during cooking saturates it with a strong spicy aroma that cannot be confused with the smell of any spice. In order for cumin to impart its taste and smell to the dish, you need to add at least half a teaspoon. And even more. But now we are talking about cumin, and therefore about those dishes to which it is added.

By the way, Powdered cumin also has a second name - cumin., and this confuses many.

What dishes are cumin added to?

Despite this peculiar pungent smell, it is very popular. It enhances the taste of meat, especially lamb. Therefore, it is often added to the marinade for barbecue, taking into account, of course, national traditions and taste preferences.

Zira is popular in Afghanistan, Iran, India, as well as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. For example, when marinating shish kebab in Tajik style, cumin seeds are added along with onions. And for kebab in Kokand (Uzbek cuisine), lamb kidneys and liver are marinated along with lamb. All these meat products sprinkle with crushed cumin, black pepper and salt.

Cumin is added to meat dishes, especially when frying, since whole cumin seeds burn when overcooked and acquire a sharp, unpleasant taste.

Both in Tajik and Uzbek cuisine, cumin is added to the minced meat for sausages along with onions and garlic. In the preparation of horse sausage (Uzbek cuisine), cumin is an essential component.

Zira is often added to rice dishes. This can be either spicy rice from Indian cuisine or Uzbek meat pilaf, which is prepared for the holiday.

Zira, along with dill, cumin and fennel, is added to marinades when canning tomatoes and cucumbers. It is also used for sauerkraut.

This spice can increasingly be found in European dishes: dumplings, omelettes, soups.

In the Baltic countries, fermented milk products and cheeses are prepared with cumin.

Zira in Indian cuisine

Jeera occupies a special place in Indian dishes. It is part of the famous spicy mixture garam masala. Along with cumin, cardamom, coriander, cloves, pepper, and cinnamon are added to it. These spices are lightly fried in a frying pan without oil and then ground in a coffee grinder.

This mixture is used to add a piquant taste to soups made from peas and other legumes, added to vegetable dishes, sauces, and used in baking pies and muffins.

Recipe for the occasion::

Jeera (cumin) is an essential ingredient in the spicy curry mixture. It can contain up to thirty different herbs and seeds. The most famous of them are coriander, mustard, chili, fenugreek, nutmeg, mint.

Just like for garam masala, they are first fried in a frying pan without oil and then ground in a coffee grinder. Curry goes well with meat, fish, vegetable dishes, as well as rice.

What spices does cumin go with?

Zira harmonizes well with dill, onions, and fennel.
It can be added to dishes along with cumin and coriander.
Zira along with cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon are added to dough products.
Zira, saffron and barberry are an ideal combination for pilaf.

Helpful information

In addition to its pronounced taste, cumin has other advantages.

It improves appetite and promotes better digestion of food.
It helps get rid of stomach colic and flatulence.
A decoction of cumin cures cough.
Jeera and honey added to milk relieve insomnia.
This spice improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and brain.

Note to the hostess

There are several varieties of cumin. The most commonly found on sale is white cumin (cumin). It has a slightly nutty taste and a mild aroma. It is customary to lightly fry this spice either in oil or in a dry frying pan before use.
Black cumin is less common. It has a sharp, bitter taste and a strong spicy aroma. It is added to food immediately and not large quantities.
Another type of black cumin - bunium - is common in Tajikistan. It has a pungent taste and is practically not used as food.
Zira begins to taste bitter from long storage. The culprit is cumin oil, which quickly deteriorates. Therefore, it is not prepared for future use.
Zira, like any spicy plant, can cause allergic reaction, therefore, its first use should be minimized in order to eliminate undesirable consequences.

Indian cumin is one of the most popular spices in Oriental and Asian cuisine. It is used to add incredible flavor to various dishes. Not being a medicinal plant, cumin has beneficial properties and minimal contraindications, allowing it to be used in alternative medicine.

The seeds can improve digestion, normalize kidney function, remove toxins from the body, restore respiratory function and stimulate brain activity.

Zira (photo below) owes its beneficial properties and contraindications to its rich chemical composition:

vitamins of group B, A, C, E, K and PP are responsible for the processes of oxidation and reduction, the formation of blood elements, reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the development of thrombosis. Without their participation, the formation of the most important hormones and the normal functioning of the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, bone, genitourinary and immune systems are impossible. Vitamins improve vision, metabolism, protect cellular structures from carcinogens, promote the elimination of toxic compounds, normalize microflora in the intestines;
macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus) are the main components of bone tissue, activate the activity of certain enzymes and ensure the full functioning of the body. They are responsible for the adequate functioning of the kidneys, heart, nervous and circulatory system, coordinate cell growth and the formation of gastric juice, regulate blood volume, as well as the ratio of acid and alkali in the body;
microelements (iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc) are responsible for the formation of blood elements, the healthy condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Useful components are necessary to maintain reproductive function, proper functioning of the genitourinary and skeletal systems, liver, pancreas and thyroid gland. Antioxidant properties help prevent the formation and proliferation of cancer cells;
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid necessary for the health of the heart, blood vessels and joints, normal psycho-emotional state and strengthening the protective mechanisms of the immune system.
monounsaturated fatty acids reduce cholesterol levels and prevent the deposition of plaques on the walls of blood vessels, supply the body with energy, and suppress the spread of cancer cells. In addition, acids maintain the normal state of cell membranes, accelerate the burning of fat cells and stop inflammatory processes;
polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate the metabolism of fats and sugars, water and hormonal balance, and have a beneficial effect on digestion. Acids can reduce the likelihood of cancer, prevent the destruction of nerve cells, slow down the aging of the body, and during pregnancy, control the proper development of the fetus.

Jeera also contains a large percentage of dietary fiber, which restores proper intestinal function and healthy microflora, stimulates the synthesis of vitamins, amino acids and hormones, and promotes the elimination of toxic compounds. Fiber helps control appetite and helps in reducing weight, sugar and cholesterol levels.

Benefits for the body

The beneficial properties of cumin seeds (taking into account contraindications) allow them to be used not only in cooking, but also in alternative medicine. The spice has anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic, tonic, antiseptic, antitumor and regenerating properties.

Drinking tea, decoction and healing mixtures has the following beneficial effects on the body:

high iron content helps to increase the production of enzymes, as well as increase the level of hemoglobin, which is involved in the transport of oxygen to cellular structures;
controls proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, activates activity salivary glands;
enhances the secretion of bile and enzymes;
proven anti-carcinogenic effect, protects against the appearance of malignant tumors in the stomach and liver;
cleanses the body of toxic compounds and toxins;
protects against the development of diabetes;
relieves symptoms of toxicosis in pregnant women and increases milk production during breastfeeding;
improves kidney function;
restores vision;
increases brain activity, promotes better concentration and memory;
normalizes psycho-emotional state and sleep;
when applied externally, it increases the regenerative abilities of tissues;
restores proper functioning of the respiratory system;
Being a natural aphrodisiac, cumin helps increase libido;
tones and strengthens the immune system.

The beneficial effects of cumin on the body have been proven not only by its centuries-old use, but also by a number of scientific studies. And although the spice is not included in the register of medicinal plants, it is widely used to treat certain diseases:

indigestion;
colic, flatulence (including in children), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia;
Iron-deficiency anemia;
asthma and bronchial inflammation;
acute respiratory diseases;
general weakness and loss of strength;
skin rashes, pimples, cuts, purulent wounds;
bladder stones;
kidney diseases;
headache;
weakened immunity.

The beneficial properties of cumin (with the caveat of contraindications) are also used for weight loss. Useful material, which are part of it, accelerate metabolic processes, activate the production of enzymes and promote the rapid burning of excess fat deposits.

Zira helps remove excess water, toxic substances and waste from the body, which slow down the process of getting rid of extra pounds.

Jeera seeds can also improve mood, normalize sleep, restore mental balance, increase stress resistance and tone the entire body, which is very important when following a diet.

Contraindications

Despite the wide range of beneficial properties, cumin has several contraindications. It should not be used by people suffering from stomach ulcers and duodenum, as well as inflammation of the gastric mucosa and individual sensitivity to biological active substances, which is part of the spice.

Pregnant women can take cumin only after consulting their doctor. Exceeding the dosage and period of use may cause a miscarriage.

Uncontrolled consumption of spices often causes heartburn and severe belching, drowsiness, nausea and mental disorders.

People diagnosed with diabetes can take cumin, but only after consulting a specialist.

It is also worth considering that external use of cumin oil increases photosensitivity. For this reason, it is better to avoid direct sun rays, otherwise there is a high risk of sunburn.

Recipes

To maximize beneficial features cumin, you need to know how to properly take the spice when various diseases. Below are the basic recipes to restore proper functioning of organs:

Pour 15 grams of spice into 250 milliliters of boiling water, steam in a water bath for a quarter of an hour, leave to infuse for thirty minutes, strain. Take the drink three times a day, 100 milliliters. This infusion can improve the activity of the heart and blood vessels. To cure bronchitis and severe cough due to a cold, you need to consume 50 milliliters of this decoction, 3-4 times a day;
mix 15 grams of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, add a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, strain. To restore kidney function, consume 15 milliliters of infusion three times a day;
Pour 6 grams of spice into a glass cold water, put on the stove, bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 7-10 minutes, strain. To get rid of nausea and flatulence, you should consume 125 milliliters of the decoction, twice a day, before the main meal;
combine 5 grams of cumin, fennel and coriander, pour half a liter of boiling water, leave for thirty minutes, strain. By taking an infusion of 100 milliliters three times a day, you can cleanse the body of toxins, get rid of nausea and stomach pain;
mix 5 grams of spice with a teaspoon of honey, take three times a day. You cannot drink water. The mixture will help improve vision and brain activity;
Place 10 grams of green tea and 20 grams of cumin in a thermos, pour half a liter of boiling water, leave for one hour. To get rid of extra pounds, drink a few sips of tea immediately after meals or in between meals;
combine 30 grams of cumin, 10 milliliters of alcohol and the same amount of linseed oil, leave for thirty minutes. The tincture helps with multiple sclerosis if you take it a tablespoon, half an hour before meals, three times a day. Despite the effectiveness of the prescription, treatment can only be carried out after consultation with a specialist.

Additional information about the beneficial properties and contraindications of cumin is shown in the video.

In many countries, cumin is considered the queen of spices. It not only gives dishes an incredible aroma, but also has a beneficial effect on the entire body, normalizes the functioning of organs, tones, restores vital energy and enhances the barrier mechanisms of the immune system.

Hello! Welcome to my channel! Today you will learn how just one teaspoon of the well-known spice will help melt fat and maintain weight, stop aging of the body and hair loss, boost immunity and increase love desire, and we will talk about cumin. In our modern world, many of us are concerned about the problem excess weight. But to start the process of weight loss, three factors need to come together: 1) first, you need to speed up your metabolism, that is, metabolism; 2) the second is that we need to reduce the feeling of hunger and find a way to control it; 3) and the third point is as important as the first and second - we need to melt the accumulated fat, simply find a way to burn it. You will only need to combine one teaspoon of the spice with the food. And this spicy spice is the well-known cumin, exactly cumin! Cumin fits all of the above requirements; it has thermogenic properties that accelerate metabolic processes in the body and promote the burning of fat cells. Cumin removes excess water from the body, eliminates swelling, the figure is tightened, the waist becomes slimmer. When consumed, the spice improves digestion and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The feeling of hunger is also suppressed and appetite is reduced since cumin regulates blood sugar levels, which prevents the appearance of a sharp and strong feeling of hunger. The use of cumin gives very good results for weight loss... It contains the substance phytosterol and it has been scientifically proven that it is phytosterol that helps us reduce the digestion and absorption of cholesterol, which we consume with food, and this is precisely one of the reasons why there is active weight loss. Cumin also contains the essential amino acid leucine, but our body cannot produce essential amino acids and we must obtain these amino acids from food. Leucine is a broad-spectrum amino acid. Leucine is involved in protein synthesis, leading to high calorie expenditure; having anabolic properties, it helps build muscle mass and burn fat. And we know that fats are burned only in muscles, and they cannot be burned anywhere else. If you have muscles, you will lose weight and maintain your weight; if you don’t have muscles, even if you lose weight, it will be very difficult to maintain the weight, and leucine helps to improve the development of muscle mass, in the presence of which active fat burning occurs. The fat will simply burn away day after day, like in a combustion chamber. Leucine also dulls the feeling of hunger. Studies have shown that athletes who consume leucine in conjunction with diet and exercise lose fat 20% more effectively than those who do not take it. Cumin also has a large amount of bioflavonoids, these are active substances that help kill bacteria and even cancer cells. It has been proven that cumin has antioxidant properties and thanks to this, by consuming cumin, we slow down the aging process of our body. In order to stop hair loss, rinse your hair with a decoction of cumin after washing, and at the same time stop the spread of gray hair. To increase libido, men actively use cumin seeds. It has a healing effect on the prostate. The benefits of cumin in love affairs are invaluable. To prepare love potions, back in the Middle Ages, sorcerers secretly and with great success used cumin seeds for their potions, since cumin is a natural, potent aphrodisiac that enhances love desire. This spice contains a lot of iron, so it increases hemoglobin well. For those who suffer from anemia, doctors advise adding caraway seeds to their food. Cumin also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Its use in small quantities, as a seasoning, increases stress resistance, promotes concentration, and improves memory. IN last years Scientists are actively studying the chemopreventive properties of the plant to catalyze the body’s production of anti-carcinogenic enzymes, as they claim that cumin seeds can inhibit the development of cancer tumors. Another benefit of cumin lies in its ability to strengthen the immune system and restore the body’s strength after long-term illnesses. Now how to use cumin? Daily norm Cumin consumption is a teaspoon per day. Cumin should be washed before use. Of course there are variations in application. You can simply chew washed cumin (1 teaspoon) in your mouth every morning and drink it with lukewarm water 30 minutes before meals on an empty stomach. To speed up weight loss, you can prepare a fat-burning drink with cumin that will speed up your metabolism. You will need: cumin – 1 teaspoon; fresh grated ginger – 1/2 teaspoon; 2 slices of lemon and 200 milliliters of boiling water. Application: it is better to prepare this drink in a thermos, or you can use a jar or cup and then insulate it. Pour in the seeds, then add grated ginger root and 2 slices of fresh lemon. Pour boiling water over all components and, sealing the thermos, leave for 3 hours. Or place all the components in a jar or brewing cup, pour boiling water over it and let it brew, wrapping it in a towel on top. By the way, this drink has a beneficial effect on the dissolution of kidney stones. You can also simply add cumin to a variety of dishes. The most important thing is that heat treatment does not harm the lycin or phytosterol contained in cumin. That is, cumin will retain all its beneficial properties, even if you add it during cooking. Now about the contraindications: uncontrolled use of cumin, in too large doses, can be harmful. It must be used in doses since it is very biologically active; using it in too large quantities will not have a therapeutic, but a toxic effect on the body. The use of cumin, in any form, even in very small doses, is prohibited for heart patients, as it can cause a heart attack. Cumin should not be used by pregnant women. In this case, there is a high risk of miscarriage. Nursing mothers should also not use this spice. Because it can cause an allergic reaction in a child. Cumin is also contraindicated for diabetics. So, today you learned about the benefits of such a common spice as cumin. We remind you that the information on the channel is provided for informational purposes and before use, consult your doctor. Well, that's all for today. I wish everyone good health! Subscribe to the channel so as not to miss updates. Add this video to playlists and share on social networks. Until next time, bye!

India is considered the birthplace of cumin, where it grows in the gardens of the local population. In nature, it is found only in a few mountainous regions. It is also grown in Afghanistan, Iran, some African countries and eastern Asia.

ZIRA – BIOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

Zira represents annual plant with a spindle-like tap root. The stem is erect, quite branched at the base, 20-60 cm high, with sufficient watering it can be up to 120 cm. The branches are well leafy. The foliage is turquoise-green, pinnately dissected. The flowers are small, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, they are collected in umbrellas composed of 6-12 rays, the peduncles are long.

Flowering period – June-July.

Ripe cumin seeds have a color from gray-greenish to rich brown. They have 2 seeds, the shape and size resemble celery seeds. They have a specific spicy aroma that resembles thyme and are slightly bitter in taste. The fruits ripen in August-early September. The weight of a thousand semi-fruits is 0.3-0.35 g.

ZIRA: GROWING FEATURES

Iowan is demanding of light; it needs a lot of heat from the moment the stem begins to develop until the end of the growing season. Seeds begin to germinate already at a temperature of 8C. After sowing the seeds, seedlings will appear in 12-18 days. During germination and rosette development, Iowan is resistant to frost.

Zira loves nutrient-rich, loose soil. Clay, sandy, swollen and heavy are not suitable for her. The growing season lasts up to 140 days.

PLANTING ZIRA SEEDS

After sowing the seeds, during germination and in the first few weeks of the growing season, azhgon needs abundant watering. During ripening, on the contrary, dry weather is required.

Zira is sown simultaneously with grains - in early spring when the soil warms up to 10’C. The distance between rows is 45 cm, wide-row sowing. In an area free of weeds and with sufficient moisture, continuous sowing can be used at the beginning of the growing season. For wide-row sowing, the seeding rate is 6 kg/ha, and for continuous sowing – 10 kg/ha.

The seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm - with a sufficient amount of moisture, and if dry weather is expected, then 3-4 cm. Immediately after sowing, the soil is compacted. Shoots appear in 15-20 days.

To speed up their appearance and shorten the growing season, the seeds are fermented. They need to be immersed with the bag in warm water (45 C) for 15 minutes, then immersed in water room temperature for 5 o'clock. After swelling, the seeds are kept for 2-3 days at a temperature of 20-22″C. After the seeds begin to hatch (up to 5%), they are dried to a free-flowing state. Fermentation will help speed up germination by 7-10 days and by several days - the growing season, which on average lasts 130-150 days.

After the emergence of seedlings, when the rows begin to appear, it is necessary to fill the rows and weed them. There is nothing unusual in caring for azhgon; it only requires weeding and loosening the rows.

HARVESTING

Zira ripens unevenly; harvesting begins when 55-60% of the fruits on the central umbels are fully ripe. At this time, on the umbels of the first and second orders, the seeds are in the browning stage. The azhgon is cleaned separately. First, it is mowed into windrows. After a few days, the seeds in the windrows dry to a moisture content of 12%, after which they are threshed.

USES OF ZIRA AND ITS USEFUL PROPERTIES

Zira contains a lot of thymol, which is extracted from essential oil, the most a large number of it is contained in seeds (12%). It is a transparent, sometimes slightly brown, liquid, has a sharp and harsh taste, smells of thymol, its content in the oil is up to 40%.

Iowan blooms at different times; on the same stem there are inflorescences at different periods of development.

Composition and physical properties essential oils vary depending on the growing season. But the maximum amount of essential oil during the milky ripeness of the seeds is in the umbrellas. The essential oil, which is collected during full flowering, contains a large amount of thymol, a little paraffin with terpinene.

The essential oil obtained from mature seeds contains high amounts of thymol (although thymol content peaks during milk maturity). It also contains paraffin, dipantene, carvarol, glycerides and up to 17% protein.

Due to their pungent taste and smell, cumin seeds are used in cooking as a spice or seasoning. In India, the seeds are added to curry seasoning ingredients and used in cooking vegetable dishes. Africans love to season meat dishes with cumin.

In countries Central Asia Only seeds are taken for cooking. In Kyrgyzstan, azhgon is used to fry meat with vegetables, season sauces with it, and marinate meat. Uzbeks use azhgon when preparing soups, main courses, cold appetizers, and baked goods. In Turkey, ajovan is added to fish, meat, and porridge. And also, not a single pilaf is complete without fragrant azhgon.

Ajgon fruits have many pronounced medicinal properties.

The essential oil from the seeds contains thymol. It has pronounced antiseptic, wound-healing, and antihistamine properties; it is used in dentistry. In India, it is used as a diuretic and also for stomach pain and colic. To obtain essential oil from ajgon fruits, you need to steam distill the crushed fruits. The main product obtained from essential oil is thymol.

It is extracted from the oil using a solution of sodium hydroxide. In this case, a mixture of terpenes is separated and used in soap making as a fragrance. And the waste is used as animal feed. Try growing this wonderful spice. And you can get its seeds at points where they sell spices.

True, such seeds are not always viable (like all celery seeds, cumin quickly loses its viability - within a year), so choose those that smell the most, take from different batches and sow in pots of flowers for testing.

Although cumin seeds look pretty unassuming, there's no substitute for their nutty, peppery flavor when it comes to Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mexican dishes where this spice plays a key role. Ground cumin seeds are used in a spice mixture known as curry.

What is jeera

Zira seeds are very reminiscent of the more familiar cumin. They are also oblong, ribbed, yellow-brown, but slightly smaller than caraway. Appearance are close to the seeds of dill, parsley and other plants of the Apiaceae family, to which cumin actually belongs. This plant is known by many names around the world, including cumin and Roman caraway.

There is a so-called white cumin, also known as Cuminum cyminum (the most common type). Cuminum nigrum is black cumin (easily identified by its pungent, bitter taste). Buniumpersicium, or bunium, is the rarest variety of the plant.

The homeland of this plant is Egypt, but for many centuries cumin has been growing in the countries of the Middle East, India, China, and Mediterranean countries, where its seeds were used not only in cooking, but also as medicine.

Interestingly, memories of this plant can be found in the Bible, where it is spoken of not only as a seasoning, but also as a “currency” used to pay priests. IN Ancient Egypt Cumin was known as a culinary spice and as an ingredient used for the mummification of pharaohs.

This seasoning was actively used by culinary specialists Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. By the way, sometimes cumin, thanks to its peppery flavor, was used as an alternative to black pepper, which in those days was very expensive and not accessible to everyone. Also in ancient times, the seeds were used in cosmetology as a means of making the skin white.

During the Middle Ages, cumin became one of the most popular spices in Europe. It is interesting that the seeds of this plant in those days were considered a symbol of fidelity and love. During wedding ceremonies, there was a tradition of keeping the seeds in the pocket, and when sending husbands on a hike, wives gave them bread with cumin seeds. In Arabic tradition, cumin was used as an aphrodisiac.

Nutritional value

The seeds of this exotic plant are a delicious source of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and.

Calorie content	375 kcal
	44.2 g
	18 g
	22.3 g
	10.5 g
	10 mcg
	0.4 mg
	0.3 mg
	0.6 mg
	10 mcg
	1270 IU
	7.8 mg
	3.3 mg
	5.4 mcg
	1788 mg
	68 mg
	932 mg
	0.87 mg
	66.4 mg
	366 mg
	3.4 mg
	500 mg
	4.8 mg

Health Benefits

Be that as it may, it’s probably not only the taste that made cumin a star in traditional cuisine Middle East and India. Humanity has known about the beneficial properties of this plant for hundreds of years.

Source of iron

Cumin seeds are an excellent source of iron, a mineral that plays a vital role in the body. This element is an integral component of hemoglobin, on which the transport of oxygen throughout all cells of the body depends. In addition, ferrum is necessary for the production of many, as well as energy metabolism. In addition, the mineral is important for maintaining the immune system.

Benefits for digestion

These seeds, like cumin, have a very beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system.

Modern Scientific research and recipes traditional medicine, proven by centuries of experience, show that cumin can stimulate the secretion of enzymes necessary for proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

Among other things, cumin contains essential oils that activate the salivary glands, which facilitates the primary digestion of food. And the thymol present in the seeds activates the secretion of the gland that produces bile and enzymes, which are necessary for the digestion of food in the stomach and intestines. Magnesium and sodium contained in the seeds of the plant also facilitate digestion. Thanks to these components, cumin seeds steamed with boiling water relieve abdominal cramps.

Cancer Prevention

The anti-carcinogenic properties of cumin have been laboratory proven. The results of several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of this spice as a protection against stomach and liver cancer. At least on the bodies of experimental animals, the antitumor properties of cumin worked. Scientists explain the anti-cancer effect of seeds by their ability to absorb free radicals, as well as cleanse the liver of toxins. Researchers have found a compound in this plant called Cuminaldehyde, which has anti-cancer properties.

In addition, thanks to antioxidant vitamins, cumin has a beneficial effect on the body, increasing its protective abilities.

Benefits for diabetes

Research has shown that cumin contains substances that prevent the development of diabetes. Experiments conducted with animals have proven that consumption of these seeds also helps reduce the frequency of hypoglycemia and reduce glucosuria (a condition in which there is a lot of sugar in the urine). And although testing of cumin continues, scientists today say that this plant can protect against diabetes.

During pregnancy

An infusion of seeds or spices made from them are useful for pregnant and nursing mothers. This plant helps cope with the symptoms of toxicosis, and after childbirth improves lactation. In addition, the large amount of iron and calcium in the seeds of this umbrella plant helps to enhance production.

By the way, pregnant women can add crushed seeds to milk or honey to improve their well-being. You can take this natural remedy twice a day (provided you are not allergic to bee products).

Who benefits from this spice?

If we summarize the beneficial properties of this herb, it becomes clear that it can be used as medicinal plant for many diseases. Zira in any form is useful for:

How to choose and store correctly

If possible, it is always better to give preference to cumin seeds instead of powder (this form is often sold in spice stores). When crushed, cumin quickly loses its aroma. Moreover, it is not difficult to grind the seeds yourself. But in any case, it is important to store cumin in a tightly closed glass container, in a dry, dark and cool place. Shelf life of crushed seeds at proper storage no more than 6 months, and whole ones will not lose their properties throughout the year.

To experience the fullness of the taste and aroma of cumin, you can fry it a little before adding the spice to the dish.

The combination of cumin, black pepper and honey in eastern countries is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Whether this mixture is a “love potion” or not is difficult to say, but the fact that the combination of these spices is excellent as a seasoning for chicken, fish dishes or vegetables is indisputable. In addition, cumin will perfectly highlight the taste of legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. A mixture of cumin, almonds and dried apricots will help give brown an unusual taste. And by adding some roasted seeds to vegetables, you can create an almost Indian dish. If you pour boiling water over the seeds and let them steep for 8-10 minutes, you will get an excellent warming and soothing drink.

Several recipes from traditional medicine

To improve digestion

Add a teaspoon of seeds to a glass and bring to a boil. When the water turns dark, remove from heat and cover the pan. Cool the broth to room temperature. Consume 3 times a day to improve digestion and relieve abdominal cramps.

To stabilize blood pressure

To “pacify” unstable blood pressure, it is enough to drink a glass of water daily on an empty stomach in which cumin seeds have been infused. This simple procedure is extremely beneficial for the heart.

For insomnia

A tasty natural remedy will help you overcome insomnia. For this you will need a mashed banana and freshly ground cumin powder. It is important that you can consume this product every evening without fear of addiction or side effects.

To improve memory

Jeera seeds are rich in riboflavin, zeaxanthin, vitamin B6 and many other components important for brain function, memory recovery and improved mental health. In Ayurveda, cumin is often remembered as a remedy for amnesia. To restore and improve the functions of brain cells, yogis advise chewing several roasted cumin seeds daily.

To increase appetite

Mix cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and black salt in equal quantities. Grind all the spices, mix and add to food. Or you can dissolve a little of the mixture in a glass and take it an hour before meals.

Against nausea and vomiting

Pour a glass of boiling water over the cumin seeds and a little chopped nutmeg. Use to relieve attacks of nausea and vomiting.

To treat bleeding gums

Mix roasted cumin seeds with rock salt and grind. Massage the gums with the resulting mixture.

Use in cosmetology

Almost 100 different chemical compounds are found in black cumin. In Islamic countries, they believe that this plant can cure all diseases and prevent aging.

In cosmetology, cumin is used to treat rashes, boils, and also to relieve the consequences of insect bites. Essential oils This plant is used against fungi and microbes, they treat eczema, psoriasis, and accelerate wound healing.

Thanks to vitamin E, tincture from seeds helps slow down skin aging, eliminates wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Baths with seeds will help relieve itching and burning.

A mask made from olive oil and crushed seeds will help against hair loss. The same product will strengthen your hair, accelerate its growth, and make it shiny. Jeera oil extract, when regularly rubbed into the scalp, will relieve dandruff.

Possible dangers

Zira is a plant that is safe for humans and has many beneficial properties. As a rule, consuming its seeds does not pose any health risks.

Meanwhile, since the herb has hypoglycemic properties, it is important to use it with caution in people with diabetes. And people with photosensitivity should use cumin oil carefully, as it can increase the likelihood of sunburn.

In addition, consumption of this spice in particularly large doses can cause heavy menstruation or miscarriages in women, can also cause heartburn and belching, and cumin oil can lead to liver and kidney damage. Interestingly, cumin seeds have narcotic properties and, if consumed excessively, can cause drowsiness, nausea, and mental disorders.

Zira is a plant with a rich history, occupying a special place in world cooking. However, the role of these seeds is by no means limited to the kitchen. Their healing properties It was appreciated by doctors and cosmetologists not only in the East, where cumin is loved most of all. This plant is known and revered far beyond its homeland. And if you know about his abilities, it becomes clear why.