Jeera water, also known as cumin water, is a simple and popular home remedy that has been used for centuries in various cultures for its potential health benefits. Derived from the seeds of the cumin plant (Cuminum cyminum), jeera water is easy to prepare and is often consumed for its digestive, medicinal, and nutritional properties.
Cumin, a common spice in Indian, Mexican, and southeast Asian cuisines, boasts a distinctive toasted nutty flavor. The utilization of jeera water for weight loss is rapidly gaining popularity. By soaking cumin in water overnight and consuming it in the morning, one can potentially reduce inflammation and enhance weight loss. According to a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, the ingestion of 3 grams of cumin powder mixed with curd twice a day has been shown to contribute to a reduction in body weight.
This article delves into the reasons and methods behind how jeera water facilitates weight loss, provides instructions on preparing jeera water, offers a few recipes, and suggests ways to incorporate it into your daily diet. Keep scrolling!
Note: Jeera water may primarily aid in shedding water weight. To effectively address excess body fat, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise (3-4 times a week) are essential. Regardless of supplementary measures, adopting a healthy lifestyle remains pivotal for successful weight loss.
# Low In Calories
A single teaspoon of cumin, equivalent to 2.1 grams, contains 8 calories. Therefore, consuming a glass of jeera water (made with one teaspoon of cumin powder) does not contribute additional calories.
# Boosts MetabolismCumin water, also known as jeera water, has the potential to enhance metabolism. Packed with vitamins and minerals that serve as cofactors in diverse metabolic reactions, it may act as a metabolic booster.
Studies have indicated that the combination of cumin and lime positively impacted the metabolic rate and overall lipid profile, resulting in a reduction in the BMI of overweight participants.
# Improves Digestion
Cumin water, also known as jeera water, enhances digestion by expediting the activities of digestive enzymes. This improved digestion contributes to an enhanced resting metabolic rate, promoting weight loss and establishing it as a beneficial beverage for weight control or management.
An examination involving 57 individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Iran demonstrated that cumin seed oil not only improved the frequency of bowel habits but also alleviated other symptoms. Cumin extracts stimulate the secretion of enzymes like amylase, lipase, protease, and phytase, thereby augmenting the process of digestion.
# Body DetoxificationResearch indicates that all types of cumin seeds, including cumin, black cumin, and bitter cumin, serve as excellent sources of antioxidants capable of neutralizing harmful free oxygen radicals.
Thymoquinone, the primary bioactive compound found in black cumin seeds, exhibits hepatoprotective effects, contributing to the body's detoxification process by eliminating harmful toxins.
# Anti-Inflammatory PropertiesThe active components present in cumin seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties. Sustained inflammation can lead to inflammation-induced obesity, and the consumption of jeera water or cumin water may help prevent this.
Studies have demonstrated that cumin seed oil can inhibit inflammation by impeding crosstalk between cells and blocking specific signaling pathways.
# Lowers LDL Cholesterol Levels
Cumin has the potential to enhance HDL cholesterol levels while reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Researchers in Iran conducted a study on obese women, examining the impact of cumin powder on their body composition and lipid profile. The results indicated decreased levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, coupled with elevated levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and a lower body fat percentage.
# Improves Insulin SensitivityCumin aids in enhancing insulin sensitivity, ensuring its availability to cells. Insulin resistance (IR), characterized by the cells' inability to effectively utilize insulin, results in reduced glucose uptake by cells. The risk of IR and type 2 diabetes increases with a higher number of fat cells.
A study conducted on rats revealed that potent combinations of essential oils, which included cumin oil, contributed to the reduction of blood glucose levels and an improvement in insulin sensitivity.