Cumin

It’s January and everyone wants to focus on their health, right? Maybe not everyone but if you did want to jump on the bandwagon now is a good time to give your system a break from the festive meals and look into how to help your body “detox” and get back into its natural and healthy flow.

From a yogic, ayurvedic perspective there are a few things you can do and I have tried many over the years. Cut out sugar and processed food, eat more vegetables and fruits rather than carbs, go vegan and join us in our V-Giyanuary, and up your fluids with healthy detox infusions to help your body cleanse itself. One of them is made with cumin!

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) or “jeera” in Punjabi is a popular spice used in pretty much every Indian meal. It has a warm, slightly bitter taste and is commonly used in cooking to aid digestion and enhance flavour.

In Ayurveda, cumin is mainly promoted for its benefits on the digestive system. It helps in the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting better assimilation of nutrients and digestion of food. It helps in reducing gas, bloating, and indigestion, making it effective for those with a weak digestive system or prone to digestive disturbances.

Cumin also helps in detoxifying the body by flushing out toxins (ama) that accumulate in the system due to poor digestion or unhealthy eating habits. It supports your liver and kidneys in their detoxification processes. Cumin is considered a natural aid in weight loss. It helps in boosting metabolism and improving fat breakdown.

At V-Giyan™, we use cumin in all our dishes. It’s a basic spice in Punjabi cuisine and added to curries and other dishes either whole or ground. Next time you order, try our Jeera Rice with Spring Onion rather than the plain Basmati Rice and choose your favourite curry – it will definitely have cumin in it.

To Explore V-Giyan™ Cumin Dishes Click Here

If you wanted to give your metabolism a kickstart this January, why not try this cumin infusion at home? Here’s a simple and effective recipe for cumin tea:

Cumin Tea Recipe for Weight Loss

Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 cup of water
• Optional: a small piece of fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon of ginger powder (for added metabolism boost)
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice (for detoxification and extra flavor)
• Optional: A pinch of black pepper (helps with the absorption of nutrients)

Instructions:
1. Roast the Cumin Seeds (optional):
o If you prefer a deeper flavour, you can dry roast the cumin seeds in a small pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but can enhance the aroma and taste of the tea.
2. Boil the Water:
o In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
3. Add the Cumin Seeds:
o Once the water begins to boil, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. If you’re using ginger or ginger powder, add it at this stage.
4. Simmer:
o Reduce the heat and let the water simmer with the cumin seeds for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavours to infuse into the water.
5. Strain the Tea:
o After simmering, strain the tea into a cup.
6. Add Lemon and Black Pepper (Optional):
o If desired, add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper to the tea. Lemon adds a detoxifying effect, and black pepper enhances the absorption of cumin’s active compounds.
7. Stir and Drink:
o Stir the tea well and drink it while it’s warm. For best results, drink it on an empty stomach in the morning or before meals.

Tips:
• For enhanced weight loss, pair cumin tea with a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity.
• Drink the tea consistently over a few weeks for the best results.
Enjoy your cumin tea as part of your healthy lifestyle!