Health Benefits of Cumin Water, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2020
Cumin is not only famous for its flavor, but also for its several health benefits. In many parts of the world, it is regularly used in food, In India, cumin is vastly used, either in the form of a powder or concoction that is commonly known as Cumin Water. Let check out the list of health benefits of drinking cumin water at night, this water is made by brewing Jeera/cumin seeds soaked in water overnight.
This herbal water is beneficial against indigestion and flatulence. Other health issues that can be prevented by regularly consuming cumin water are ulcers, pimples, psoriasis, hair loss, anemia, colon and breast cancer, wrinkles, stains, and scaly skin. So, in a way, cumin water is a complete package of health and wellness.
What is Cumin or Jeera water ?
Cumin is commonly called Jeera, Jira, Zeera, Jintan, and several other names in different parts of the world. It is the dried seed of an annual herbaceous plant Cuminumcyminum. The fruit is a lateral fusiform or ovoid achene, 4–5 mm in length.
Cumin seeds are like fennel in appearance, but darker in color. It has oil canals located in the eight ridges. Characteristic strong flavor and aroma have made cumin an indispensable spice, especially in the south Asian cuisine where it is essentially used in every savory dish.
Nutritional Value of Cumin Water
Cumin water is loaded with nutrients, especially dietary minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium. Cumin also provides a high amount of the daily value of fat (mainly monounsaturated fat), protein and fiber. The nutritional value of cumin water per 100 g has approximately 375 calories.
Furthermore, other vital nutritional values found in a 100g cumin water quantity comprise of zinc at 4.8mg, phosphorus at 499mg, magnesium present at 931mg, iron existing at 66.336mg, calcium at 931mg, fibers incorporating around 11g, protein at 18g, carbohydrates: 44g, potassium showing presence of 1788mg, sodium at 168mg, and oil at 22g.
Nutritional facts Per 250 ml in Cumin Water
Health Benefits of Cumin Water
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Cumin Water Improves digestive health
Cumin water is a trusted remedy for the loss of appetite. Thymol present in cumin seeds helps in promoting the production of saliva, bile, and other digestive juices. Cuminaldehyde contributes to induce secretion of digestive juices just by its aroma. This increases the desire to eat by reducing the accumulated toxins in the body.
Cumin Water improves the mucosal defense of the stomach and is effective against peptic disorders like hyperacidity, heartburn, acid reflux, peptic ulcers and related complications. Jeera water is anti-flatulent, carminative, and antispasmodic in action. Hence, it aids in curing flatulence and abdominal distention. It also prevents gas accumulation in the intestine.
Cumin water good for detoxification of body
Cumin water contains a fair amount of phosphorus, which is a vital nutrient for proper kidney function. Healthy kidneys remove toxins quickly and effectively. Therefore, regular consumption of cumin water helps in natural detoxification of the body.
Cumin water for immune system
A strong immune system is a pre-requisite for a healthy life. Stress is a major factor for the weak immune system. Cumin water contains iron, cumin aldehyde, and nutrients like Vitamins C and E, which act as immunity boosters. Other immunity boosters present in Cumin water scuh as magnesium and manganese. Hence, cumin water can be consumed for boosting the immune system.
Cumin Water used for nutritional deficiencies
Iron is a part of Heme, which attaches with globin protein to form hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, as a component of red blood corpuscles (RBCs), carries oxygen in the body. Deficiency of iron in the body causes less oxygen supply to the body, thereby resulting in fatigue.
Consuming cumin water regularly helps to overcome iron-deficiency. Other than iron, cumin cover-ups the deficiency of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin E.
Cumin Water good for pregnant and lactating women
Pregnancy is a period of acute indigestion and other related problems like chest-burn, acid reflux, and gas formation. Cumin water is a boon for pregnant women as it stimulates enzymes responsible for digestion. Cumin water has galactagogue action, i.e., it promotes lactation after delivery, facilitating the production of milk from mammary glands, and thus cumin water is suitable for both mother and child.
Cumin Water acts as an antioxidant
Cumin water contains a fair amount of Vitamins A and C that have antioxidant properties. Also, the presence of vitamin E helps to fight against free-radicals that improves overall body health. Therefore, consuming cumin water is essential for gaining a good percentage of antioxidants in the body.
Cumin Water treats respiratory disorders
Cumin water also has a constructive impact on the respiratory system. Being anti-congestive and expectorant, it dilutes the mucus accumulated in the airways and lungs. Hence, it clears the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It also acts as a stimulant and possesses antiseptic properties. When the airways are clear of mucus, congestion is drastically reduced.
Cumin water can also be used for treating asthma naturally by refining bronchial restriction. Being antimicrobial, it also helps in protection from microorganisms causing cold, cough and fever.
Cumin water benefits for skin lighting
The anti-oxidants present in cumin water detoxifies the body and reduce acne and blemishes. Presence of Vitamin A and E in cumin water amplify its anti-aging effects.
Cumin Water regulates blood sugar
Diabetes is among the most common lifestyle disorders. Cumin water helps in diabetes prevention by controlling hypoglycemia. Cuminaldehyde present in cumin seeds is a new component for anti-diabetic therapeutics as it improves glucose tolerance.
Cumin Water regulates blood pressure
Cumin water, being Potassium-rich, helps in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. As potassium helps in improving heart function, it helps in maintaining blood pressure. Drinking a glass of cumin water on an empty stomach is an effective remedy for controlling high blood pressure.
Cumin Water prevents cancer
As cumin water contains Vitamin A & C; it is helpful in treating cancer. The presence of a compound called thymoquinone also makes it an effective anti-cancer agent. This compound stops the growth of cancerous cells. This effect has specifically been observed in case of prostate cancer.
Cumin Water Treats Insomnia
Insomnia can be due to stress, indigestion, pain and other medical conditions. Adequate intake of B-complex vitamins and good digestive health are important tools in treating sleeping disorders. Cumin water aids digestion and possesses B-vitamins. Therefore, drinking cumin water induces sleep and helps in treating insomnia.
Uses of Cumin Water
Cumin water in Sanskrit is called as jiraka, which means something that enhances the digestion process. Considering Ayurveda, seeds of cumin have medicinal properties. Powdered seeds can be used in many varieties such as processed ghee, vati (pills/tablets), arishta (decoction that underwent fermentation), and Kashaya (decoction).
It is used both for internal and external applications. Jeera water is a popular drink in southern Indian states. The health benefits of this concoction come in addition to its warm and earthy flavor. It is also used as an essential spice in many dishes, gravies, stews, and soups.
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Allergies and Side effects of Cumin Water
Cumin falls in the category of herb, and it is primarily used to make medicine. People take it to overcome digestion related issues, including diarrhea and gas in the stomach. So, as of now, no such side effects have been noticed. You can say that Jeera water is tolerated well.
References
- Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacological activities of Cuminum cyminum-A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 2016;6(6):46-65. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mnif S, Aifa S. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications. Chemistry & biodiversity. 2015 May;12(5):733-42. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Gleick PH. Basic water requirements for human activities: meeting basic needs. Water international. 1996 Jun 1;21(2):83-92. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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