Overeating can lead to stomach discomfort, consuming junk food may result in indigestion, and not chewing your food properly can challenge your digestive system. Simply put, one minor mistake with food and you end up with digestive issues. If you’re grappling with such problems and looking for a solution, there’s one remedy from your kitchen that can work wonders for you! When I suffered from stomach ache or indigestion, my mom suggested that I should consume jeera. Confused at first, I doubted her expertise but to my surprise, it worked. She said that jeera facilitates easy and proper food digestion.
To verify this, we spoke to Deepika Jayaswal, a consultant dietitian and nutritionist.
What are the benefits of using jeera for digestion?
Jeera not only adds aroma and flavour to your dishes, it offers numerous benefits that promote digestive health. “Jeera or cumin seeds can easily break down food and make bowel movements smooth and easy. It is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which plays a pivotal role in preventing constipation and promoting a healthy digestive system,” says Jayaswal.
Here are some ways in which jeera helps promote better digestion:
1. Improves digestive enzyme production
Jeera is known to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes in the stomach, which play a crucial role in breaking down foods into smaller particles which are easy to digest. As a result, overall digestion becomes easier, and there is a reduced risk of indigestion and related discomfort.
2. Alleviates indigestion and bloating
The essential oils present in jeera have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. These properties help in relaxing the digestive tract muscles, reducing gas, and preventing bloating. Jeera water is often consumed to relieve indigestion and bloating after meals.
3. Regulates bowel movements
Jeera is a natural laxative and contains fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements. It aids in the secretion of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract, easing the passage of stools and preventing constipation. Regular consumption of jeera can contribute to a healthy and regular bowel movement.
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4. Enhances nutrient absorption
Jeera contains compounds that assist in improving the absorption of nutrients from the food you consume. By doing so, jeera ensures that your body can efficiently extract and utilise essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall well-being.
5. Reduces risk of acid reflux
Jeera possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce acid reflux. It helps combat harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and soothe the stomach lining, neutralising excess stomach acid. It can provide relief to individuals with heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
6. Good for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Its symptoms can be relieved with the use of jeera. According to a study published in PubMed Central, cumin has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help ease abdominal pain and discomfort associated with IBS.
How to use jeera for digestion?
You can incorporate jeera into your diet, which can enhance digestion in various ways.
1. Jeera water
Consider starting your day with a cup of jeera water. Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain, and drink it on an empty stomach. This aids in stimulating digestive enzymes and promoting overall digestive health.
2. Add it to your meal
Infuse jeera into your meals by tempering dishes with cumin seeds. Add them to your cooking oil before incorporating other ingredients. This not only imparts a rich flavour but also ensures that the digestive properties of jeera are infused into the entire dish, supporting digestion throughout the meal.
3. Chew them directly
For a convenient option, snack on roasted jeera seeds. Simply dry roast cumin seeds and carry them as a handy, flavourful snack. Chewing on these seeds post-meals can aid digestion and alleviate bloating.
To promote better digestion, the best way is to kickstart your mornings with jeera water!
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