Jeera The Miracle Spice

Most of us remember being served cumin (jeera) water after our meals when we were kids, although we never asked why! Today we know that drinking cumin water was one of the healthiest things we did during our childhood, even if we were the pickiest of eaters!

- Dr Hemapriya

Cumin, also known as jeera in India, is a plant that grows mainly in India, China, the Middle East and in the Mediterranean region. What we consume are the dried seeds of the fruits of the plant called Cuminum cyminum, which belongs to the parsley family.

There are three main types of cumin,

• The brown, small cumin seeds which are most commonly available,

• Black cumin, also known as Nigella seeds or kalonji

• Bitter cumin is also known as Shah jeera or Kashmiri jeera.

Cumin seeds are available whole or as powder. Cumin is considered a spice and is widely used in Indian cuisine, as well as Mexican and African cuisine. In India, cumin water or jeera water is popular throughout the country and is often had with meals. Cumin water is made by boiling cumin seeds in water and then straining the water.

Cumin water has many health benefits, thanks to the nutritional quotient of cumin seeds. Cumin seeds are rich in calcium, iron and magnesium, while being very low in calories; 1 teaspoon contains only 7 calories. Due to this, cumin seeds and cumin water are used as treatment for many common ailments and to boost overall health. Here is a look at the health benefits of jeera and jeera water.

Health Benefits of Jeera and Jeera Water

1. Improves Digestion