Cumin in Seeds

Cumin in Seeds

Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum cyminum, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It grows no taller than 30 cm and has white flowers, sometimes tending to pink. The fruit, on the other hand, is an achene and thus contains only one seed. It is from the seeds of cumin that the famous spice is made. From findings at various archaeological sites, it seems that cumin and its properties were already known to the people who inhabited the earth as early as two thousand years before the coming of Christ.

Cumin widely used as seasoning or spice in the culinary practices of the Indian subcontinent and other Asian, African and Latin American countries.

Cumin boasts a number of important nutrients that can help keep you healthy. Because of its strong aroma, only a small amount of cumin essential oil is used in recipes to provide them with a powerful punch. Cumin essential oil is also considered healthful due to its bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic, and antiseptic properties that provide numerous benefits.

Nigella sativa, commonly called black cumin and known as "the Blessed Seed," has been considered for millennia and by a large portion of the world's population to be among the most valuable herbal medicines of all time.

Used to reduce the risk of contracting diseases and counteract existing ones by acting as an immune system booster, as more and more scientific studies show that disease arises from an imbalance (or dysfunction) of the immune system.

Cumin contributes to a naturaldetoxification of the body, along with other useful spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and fennel.

Properties and Benefits

Cumin is a good source of energy, vitamins A, C, E and B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It is also rich in protein and amino acids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a reasonable amount of fats and fatty acids. Consuming about a teaspoon of cumin daily can help you meet your daily nutrient needs.

Cumin is known for its benefits, more than its flavor, as it helps lose weight, improve digestion and immunity, and treat skin disorders, acne, insomnia, and respiratory ailments. Some studies report that cumin, among a number of other spices, may have a powerful effect in preventing diabetes by reducing the chances of hypoglycemia.

Cumin is both stimulating and relaxing. This property cannot be attributed to a single component alone; insomnia alone cannot be attributed to a single cause. However, it is believed that proper intake of vitamins (especially B-complex) and good digestion help induce deep sleep. Some of the components of caraway essential oil are hypnotic in nature and have calming effects, which also help relieve the stress and anxiety that commonly cause insomnia.

The presence of caffeine (a stimulating agent) and the richly aromatic essential oils (the disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anti-congestant combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. It acts as an expectorant, which means it loosens accumulated mucous and mucus in the airways, and makes it easier to clear them from the system through sneezing or coughing and spitting. By eliminating mucus and phlegm as much as possible, it can inhibit the formation of further material and help heal the initial condition that led to its formation in the first place.

Cumin also fights colds. The common cold is a viral infection that often affects our bodies when our immune systems weaken. Once again, the essential oils in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight the viral infections that can cause the common cold. Cumin also suppresses the development of coughs in the respiratory system as it dries up excess mucus. Cumin is rich in iron and has a significant amount of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and prevents infections from forming or worsening.

Cumin Seeds: In Cooking

For its distinctive flavor and fragrance, cumin, as seeds, ground cumin or cumin oil, is used in a variety of ways.

Culinary Uses - Cumin is traditionally used as a spice in Indian cooking, either as whole seeds or in powder form. It is an important component in curry preparations and other food products.

Cumin Essential Oil - Derived from cumin seeds, this oil is used as a fragrance in cosmetics including creams, perfumes and lotions.

Flavorful substance - It is used to add flavor to alcoholic beverages and desserts.

Medicinal uses - Cumin seeds are used to make medicines that help treat problems such as diarrhea, colic, inflammation, bowel and muscle spasms and gas.

Aphrodisiac - When ground cumin is mixed with honey and pepper, it works as an aphrodisiac.