Cumin is the seed of a medicinal plant also called caraway, widely used as a condiment in cooking or as a home remedy for flatulence and digestive problems.
Its scientific name is cuminum cyminum and has a strong aroma and striking flavor, and can be found in the form of whole or crushed seeds in markets, natural products stores and in some street fairs.
Among its benefits are:
- improve digestionas it favors the release of bile and the processing of fats in the intestine, also helping to control problems such as diarrhea;
- Reduce the formation of gasesfor being digestive
- Combat fluid retentionby acting as a diuretic;
- be aphrodisiacincreasing sexual appetite;
- reduce colic and abdominal pain;
- Strengthen the immune systemas it is rich in B vitamins and zinc;
- help relax and improve circulation, as it is rich in magnesium.
These benefits are mainly known for the popular use of cumin, and more scientific studies are needed to prove its health effects. Discover 10 home remedies for poor digestion.
how to use cumin
Cumin powder can be used as a seasoning for soups, broths, meat and chicken dishes. The leaves or seeds can be used to make tea, according to the following recipe:
Place 1 tablespoon of cumin leaves or 1 teaspoon of seeds in 200 ml of boiling water, with the fire already off. Smother and let rest for 10 minutes, strain and drink. A maximum of 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day is recommended.
Nutritional information
The following table provides nutritional information for 100 g of cumin powder.
Nutrient | 100 g cumin powder |
Energy | 375 kcal |
Carbohydrate | 44.2 g |
Protein | 17.8 g |
Fat | 22.3 g |
fibers | 10.5 g |
Iron | 66.4 mg |
Magnesium | 366 mg |
Zinc | 4.8 mg |
Phosphor | 499 mg |
It is important to remember that the health benefits of cumin are obtained when its consumption is done in the context of a healthy diet.
Beans with Cumin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of black beans, already soaked
- 6 teacups of water
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Method of preparation:
Put the beans already soaked in the pressure cooker, add the 6 cups of water and the bay leaves, leaving it in the pan after getting pressure for 10 minutes. After the beans are cooked, heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it starts to lighten, then add the garlic and cumin. Add 2 ladles of the cooked beans, mix well and mash with a spoon, to help thicken the broth of the rest of the beans. Add this mixture with the rest of the beans and sauté everything on low heat for another 5 minutes.
Chicken with Cumin recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken fillets cut into cubes
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander
- 1 coffee spoon of cumin powder
- 2 bay leaves
- juice of 2 lemons
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
Method of preparation:
Stir all the ingredients together and mix into the chicken breast cubes and marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge. Then, grease a frying pan with olive oil and place the chicken, basting it little by little with the marinade moho.