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To live a healthy life, our health-conscious self always looks for easily available, easy-to-use, and beneficial ingredients.
One of those ingredients is Jeera (Cumin Seeds), a crackling pantry staple of Indian households. This ancient ingredient not only adds a mouth-smacking taste to dishes but is also a cornerstone for traditional medicinal utilities.
Jeera’s potential goes beyond the kitchen. Many dieticians use it to improve digestion, manage weight, and treat acidity. Preparing Jeera water is the easiest way to consume it.
Let’s explore jeera water, a basic mixture that connects traditional knowledge with contemporary health.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Jeera water, a basic mixture of cumin seeds and water, is closely connected to traditional healing techniques from long ago.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts have always praised the medicinal benefits of jeera for digestive issues and overall gut health.
Jeera is an essential spice in Indian cooking, providing richness to different dishes. It goes beyond the subcontinent and is widely used in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mexican cooking customs.
Nutritional Values of Jeera
Jeera water is a pack of nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content of Jeera water:
Nutrient per 100 gm [1] | Amount |
Calories | 1274 kcal |
Total Fat | 16.64 g |
Sodium | 125 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 22.6 g |
Dietary Fiber | 30.35 g |
Sugars | 1.38 g |
Protein | 13.91 g |
Calcium | 878 mg |
Iron | 20.58 mg |
Potassium | 1886 mg |
Magnesium | 442 mg |
Jeera’s nutrient content makes it the powerhouse of vitamins and minerals in Indian households.
Let’s dive into the benefits that jeera water provides.
Health benefits of Jeera Water
Jeera water is a power pack of healthy nutrients, and it has several health benefits. Its goodness extends far beyond its taste. It is a simple mixture of cumin seeds simmered in hot water. Let’s explore some key benefits of Jeera water.
1. Jeera Water Helps in Digestion
Be it constipation, bloating or flatulence, jeera water got your back!
We all have seen our mothers and grandmothers coming up with a glass of water and jeera whenever we complain to them about stomach pain or gastric issues.
Jeera water is a natural remedy for its digestive benefits. It may have a potential role in enhancing the secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption [2]
Additionally, it may help with settling bloating and gas. Regular consumption of jeera water may also soothe the gut, helping manage acidity and discomfort, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Quick indigestion remedy
Take about 15g of roasted jeera seeds with 200ml of lukewarm water on an empty stomach to boost your digestion.
2. Helps in weight management.
Jeera water is a popular natural remedy for weight loss, known for boosting metabolism and helping to manage body fat.
Jeera water may reduce appetite, accelerate body metabolism, and aid in weight management making you look fitter. The active compounds in cumin seeds may help improve digestion and reduce bloating, making you feel lighter and more energetic. [4]
By stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, jeera water enhances nutrient absorption and curbs unnecessary hunger pangs.
It is a low-calorie refreshing drink with detoxifying properties to help flush out toxins, supporting overall wellness and aiding in weight management.
3. Jeera Water Helps in soothing inflammation
Jeera water is recognized for its anti-inflammatory benefits. According to a study, Jeera possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties. [6]
The study highlights that compounds found in cumin, such as thymol and cumin aldehyde, may play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and, thus, inflammation in the body.
Regular consumption of jeera water may help manage chronic inflammation by soothing inflamed tissues and relieving symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
Next time you feel inflammation run to your kitchen and use this easy-to-make recipe!
4. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Jeera water boasts notable antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective natural remedy for overall health. The essential oils present in cumin seeds used to prepare jeera water contain compounds that may have antimicrobial properties. [7]
These compounds may prevent the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, helping prevent infections and supporting a healthy immune system. Jeera water may promote a balanced microbial environment in the body.
5. Jeera Water helps to Improve immunity power
With all that is happening in the external environment, we need to boost our immunity. Health experts have often recommended Jeera water as one of the immunity boosters. It is considered “balya” in Ayurveda, meaning it gives strength and supports immunity.
The antioxidants in jeera may help protect immune cells from damage caused by free radicals. Jeera also contains vitamins C and A, enhancing immune function and boosting overall health.
How to prepare Jeera Water
Jeera water is the simplest to make! Here are two ways in which you can make it
Method 1:
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pan
- Add 1 tablespoon of jeera seeds to this
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes
- Strain the water
- Let it cool to room temperature
- Drink it sip-by-sip
Method 2:
- Take a glass of lukewarm water
- Pour in 5-10 g of jeera in it
- Let it soak overnight
- Drink it in the morning
Potential side effects and precautions
Although jeera water is usually safe to drink, it can lead to minor side effects in certain people. Possible negative effects of consuming jeera water are:
Allergy Symptoms- If you are allergic to jeera water, jeera, or similar plants, you might have reactions like itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Digestive Problems- Consuming too much jeera water can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, overconsumption of cumin water can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and decrease the amount of breast milk produced.
To prevent these side effects of jeera water, make sure to consult with your doctor before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The final sip
Infused with the tasty flavor of cumin seeds, jeera water is a simple and effective way to incorporate multiple health benefits into your daily regimen. This ancient drink can assist in weight management, aid digestion, and potentially boost immunity.
FAQs
Jeera water is generally considered to have hot potency, it is advised to consult your physician.
Yes, jeera water may be beneficial for acidity. It helps neutralize stomach acids, soothes the stomach, and reduces acid reflux and heartburn.
Yes, jeera water is considered a detox water. The antioxidants in cumin seeds help eliminate toxins from the body, support liver function, and enhance the body’s natural detoxification processes.
People with bleeding disorders must not take jeera water. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take jeera water without consulting a doctor. Additionally, overconsumption can also cause digestive discomfort.
Yes, you can drink jeera water daily. It is generally safe and can be part of a healthy diet. However, moderation is key to avoiding potential side effects like digestive issues.
Jeera water may aid in overall weight loss. It boosts metabolism, improves digestion, reduces bloating, and helps detoxify the body, all of which contribute to weight loss and management when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.