Although cumin seeds look rather unassuming, their nutty-peppery flavor is no substitute for Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mexican dishes where this spice plays a key role. Crushed cumin seeds are included in a spice mix known as curry.
What is zira
Seeds of spirits are very similar to the more familiar for us cumin. They are also oblong, ribbed, yellow-brown, but slightly smaller than cumin. The appearance is close to the seeds of dill, parsley and other Umbrella plants of the family, to which zira actually belongs. In the world, this plant is known by many names, including cumin and roman cumin.
There is a so-called white zira, also known as Cuminum cyminum (the most common form). Cuminum nigrum is a black cumin (easy to recognize by its sharp bitter taste). Buniumpersicium, or Bunium, is the rarest variety of the plant.
The homeland of this plant is Egypt, but over the course of many centuries, zira grows in the countries of the Middle East, India, China, and the countries of the Mediterranean, where its seeds were used not only in cooking, but also as a medicine.
Interestingly, the memories of this plant can be found in the Bible, where it is spoken of not only as seasoning, but also as a “currency” used to pay priests. In ancient Egypt, cumin was known as a culinary spice and as an ingredient used for the mummification of the pharaohs.
This seasoning was actively used by culinary specialists of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. By the way, sometimes cumin, due to its pepper taste, was used as an alternative to black pepper, which at that time was very expensive and not accessible to everyone. Also in ancient times, seeds were used in cosmetology as a means of whitening the skin.
In the Middle Ages, cumin became one of the most popular spices in Europe. Interestingly, the seeds of this plant in those days were considered a symbol of loyalty and love. During wedding ceremonies, there was a tradition to keep seeds in a pocket, and by sending husbands on a camping trip, wives gave them bread with cumin seeds. In the Arab tradition, zira was used as an aphrodisiac.
Nutritional value
The seeds of this exotic plant are a delicious source of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin B1.
Calories 375 kcal Carbohydrates 44, 2 g Proteins 18 g Fats 22,3 g Fiber 10,5 g Niacin 10 μg Pyridoxine 0,4 mg Riboflavin 0,3 mg Thiamine 0,6 mg Folic acid 10 μg Vitamin A 1270 IU Vitamin C 7,8 , 3,3 mg Vitamin E 5,4 mg Vitamin K 1788 μg Sodium 68 mg Potassium 932 mg Calcium 0,87 mg Copper 66,4 mg Iron 366 mg Magnesium 3,4 mg Manganese 500 mg Phosphorus 4,8 mg Zinc XNUMX mg
Health benefits
Whatever it was, but, probably, not only the taste made zira a star in the traditional cuisine of the Middle East and India. About the beneficial properties of this plant, humanity has been known for more than a hundred years.
Iron source
Cumin seeds are an excellent source of iron, a mineral that plays a vital role in the body. This element is an integral component of hemoglobin, on which oxygen transportation throughout all cells of the body depends. In addition, ferrum is necessary for the production of many enzymes, as well as energy metabolism. In addition, the mineral is important for maintaining the immune system.
Benefits for Digestion
These seeds, like cumin, have a very beneficial effect on the work of the digestive organs.
Modern scientific research and recipes of traditional medicine, proven by centuries of experience, show that zira is able to stimulate the secretion of enzymes necessary for proper digestion of food and for the absorption of nutrients.
Among other things, the composition of the spirits include essential oils, which activate the work of the salivary glands, which facilitates the primary digestion of food. And the thymol present in the seeds activates the secretion of the gland, which produces bile and enzymes, and they are necessary for the digestion of food in the stomach and intestines. Also facilitates the digestion of magnesium and sodium contained in the seeds of the plant. Thanks to these components, boiled water steamed seeds of spirits relieve abdominal cramps.
Cancer Prevention
The anticarcinogenic properties of cumin are laboratory-proven. The results of several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of this spice as a protection against gastric and liver cancer. At least, on the bodies of the experimental animals, the anti-tumor abilities of Zira worked. Scientists explain the anti-cancer effect of seeds by their ability to absorb free radicals and also to cleanse the liver of toxins. Researchers found in this plant a compound called Cuminaldehyde, which has anti-cancer properties.
In addition, thanks to antioxidant vitamins, cumin has a beneficial effect on the body, increasing its protective abilities.
Diabetes benefits
Studies have shown that zira contains substances that prevent the development of diabetes. Experiments with animals have shown that the consumption of these seeds also contributes to a decrease in the frequency of hypoglycemia, a decrease in glucosuria (a condition in which urine contains a lot of glucose). And although testing zira continues, today scientists say that this plant can protect against diabetes.
In pregnancy
Infusion of seeds or spices from them are useful for pregnant and lactating mothers. This plant helps to cope with the symptoms of toxicosis, and after childbirth improves lactation. In addition, a large amount of iron and calcium in the seeds of this umbrella plant helps to increase milk production.
By the way, pregnant women can add crushed seeds to milk or honey to improve their well-being. You can take this natural remedy twice a day (provided you are not allergic to bee products).
Who is this spice for?
If you summarize the beneficial properties of this herb, it becomes clear that it can be used as a medicinal plant in many diseases. Zyra in any form is useful for:
digestive disorders;- weakened immunity;
- insomnia;
- respiratory diseases;
- asthma;
- bronchitis;
- colds;
- anemia;
- skin disorders;
- malignant formations;
- obesity;
- during lactation.
digestive disorders;How to choose and store
If possible, it is always better to give preference to cumin seeds instead of powder (they are often sold in this form in spice stores). When crushed, cumin quickly loses its flavor. Moreover, it is not difficult to grind the seeds yourself. But in any case, it is important to store cumin in a tightly closed glass container, in a dry, dark and cool place. The shelf life of crushed seeds with proper storage is no more than 6 months, and whole seeds will not lose their properties throughout the year.
Some cooking tips
To feel the fullness of flavor and aroma of jeera, you can fry it a little before adding the spice to the dish.
The combination of caraway seeds, black pepper and honey in eastern countries is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Whether this mixture is a “love potion” or not is difficult to say, but the fact that the combination of these spices is excellent as a seasoning for chicken, fish dishes or vegetables is undeniable. In addition, zira will perfectly emphasize the taste of legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas. A mixture of zira, almonds and dried apricots will help to give an unusual taste to brown rice. And adding a little fried seeds to vegetables, you can create an almost Indian dish. If the seeds are poured with boiling water and let it infuse for 8-10 minutes, an excellent warming and calming drink will be obtained.
Several recipes from traditional medicine
To improve digestion
To improve digestionAdd a teaspoon of seeds to a glass of water and bring to a boil. When the water becomes dark, remove from heat and cover the pan. Cool the broth to room temperature. Consume 3 times a day to improve digestion and relieve abdominal cramps.
To stabilize blood pressure
In order to “pacify” unstable blood pressure, it is enough to drink a glass of water on an empty stomach every day, in which the seeds of infusion are infused. This simple procedure is extremely beneficial for the heart.
From insomnia
To overcome insomnia will help tasty natural remedy. For it you will need banana, crushed in puree, and freshly ground jira powder. It is important that such a means can be consumed every evening without fear of addiction or side effects.
To improve memory
Cereal seeds are rich in riboflavin, zeaxanthin, vitamin B6 and many other components that are important for brain function, memory recovery and mental health improvement. In Ayurveda, cumin is often recalled as a treatment for amnesia. To restore and improve the functions of brain cells, yoga is advised to chew a few roasted seed seeds daily.
To increase the appetite
In equal amounts, mix the seeds of zira, mustard, ginger, black salt. Grind all spices, mix and add to food. And you can dissolve a little mixture in a glass of kefir and take an hour before meals.
Against nausea and vomiting
A glass of boiling water pour seeds of spirits and a little crushed nutmeg. Use to relieve nausea and vomiting.
For the treatment of bleeding gums
Mix roasted cumin seeds with rock salt, chop. The resulting mixture to massage the gums.
Use in cosmetology
Almost 100 of different chemical compounds is found in the black lead. In Islamic countries, they believe that this plant can cure all diseases and prevent aging.
In cosmetology, cumin is used to treat effusions, boils, and also to relieve the effects of an insect bite. Essential oils of this plant are used against fungi and microbes, they treat eczema, psoriasis, accelerate wound healing.
Thanks to vitamin E, tincture of seeds helps to slow down the aging of the skin, eliminates wrinkles, age spots, and skin flabbiness. Remove the itching and burning help the seed bath.
Against hair loss will help mask of olive oil and crushed seeds. The same tool will strengthen the hair, accelerate their growth, make it shiny. Oil extract of spirits with regular rubbing into the scalp will relieve dandruff.
Possible hazards
Zira is a plant safe for humans with many beneficial properties. As a rule, consuming its seeds does not pose any threat to health.
Meanwhile, since the herb has hypoglycemic properties, it is important to use it with care for people with diabetes. And for persons with photosensitivity, cumin oil should be carefully applied, as it may increase the likelihood of sunburn.
In addition, the consumption of this spice in particularly high doses can cause heavy menstruation or miscarriages in women, can also cause heartburn and belching, and leech oil can damage the liver and kidneys. Interestingly, cumin seeds have narcotic properties and, if used excessively, can cause drowsiness, nausea, mental disorders.
Zira – a plant with a rich history, occupying a special place in the world of cooking. However, the role of these seeds is not limited to the kitchen. Their healing properties were appreciated by doctors and cosmetologists not only in the East, where they like zira the most. This plant is known and revered far beyond its homeland. And if you know about his abilities, it becomes clear why.
