Black Cumin
Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum cyminum, belongs to the Apiaceae family. It develops in height no more than 30 cm and has white flowers, sometimes tending to pink. The fruit, on the other hand, is an achene and therefore contains only one seed. It is precisely from the seeds of cumin that the famous spice is made. From findings made in various archaeological sites, it seems that cumin and its properties were already known to the populations that inhabited the earth already two thousand years before the coming of Christ.
Cumin widely used as a condiment 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 healthy due to its bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic and antiseptic properties that offer 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 population, among the most precious phytotherapeutic herbs of all time.
Used to reduce the risk of contracting diseases and counteract existing ones, acting as a strengthener of the immune system, as more and more scientific studies show that the disease arises from an imbalance (or dysfunction) of the immune system.
Cumin contributes to a natural detoxification of the body, along with other useful spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and fennel.
The term "Nigella" implies the black coloration of the seed while the term "Sativo" simply means cultivated.
Properties and Benefits
Cumin is a good source of energy, vitamin 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 proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a reasonable amount of fats and fatty acids. Consuming about a teaspoon of cumin a day can help you meet your daily nutrient needs.
Cumin is known for the benefits it offers, more than its flavor, as it helps to lose weight, improve digestion and immunity, and treat skin disorders, acne, insomnia, and respiratory disorders. 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, only insomnia 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 cumin essential oil are hypnotic in nature and have tranquilizing effects, which also help relieve the stress and anxiety that commonly cause insomnia.
The presence of caffeine (a stimulating agent) and richly aromatic essential oils (disinfectants) make cumin an ideal anti-congestive combination for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. It acts as an expectorant, which means that it loosens the accumulated mucous membrane and mucus in the respiratory tract, and makes it easier to eliminate 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 additional 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 body when our immune system weakens. Again, the essential oils found in cumin act as disinfectants and help fight viral infections that can cause the common cold. Cumin also suppresses the development of cough in the respiratory system since it dries out 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 getting worse.
Cumin Seeds: In the Kitchen
Because of its distinctive flavor and fragrance, cumin, such as seeds, ground cumin or cumin oil, is used in various ways.
Culinary Uses – Cumin is traditionally used as a spice in Indian cuisine, both as whole seeds and in powder form. It is an important component in the preparation of curry and other food products.
Cumin essential oil - Derived from cumin seeds, this oil is used as a perfume in cosmetics including creams, perfumes and lotions.
Tasty substance - It is used to add flavor to alcoholic beverages and desserts.
Medicinal Uses – Cumin seeds are used to produce medicines that help treat problems such as diarrhea, colic, inflammation, bowel, and muscle spasms and gas.
Aphrodisiac - When ground cumin mixes with honey and pepper, it works as an aphrodisiac.