What Is Jeera Water?
Jeera water is a traditional Indian drink made out of a household spice called cumin. This spice provides several health benefits and can be included in your daily diet. Cumin is commonly known as jeera and is a staple spice in Indian cuisine. People typically make a decoction out of it, known as jeera water, to enjoy its several health benefits.
Jeera water is healthy and provides an easy way of incorporating the goodness of the spice. Jeera belongs to the Cuminum plant, which is a part of the Apiaceae family. This useful concoction is cumin seeds boiled in water until all their flavour and nutrients are extracted. This warming tea can boost overall health and promote the body to clear out toxins.
Jeera Water Benefits
Jeera water has been used since ancient times as ayurvedic medicine and has also been proven scientifically to provide several health benefits. The cumin seed or jeera has several nutrients that can boost your health and provide aliment relief for your stomach, hair, heart, skin, etc. We have listed some of the best jeera water benefits for you below.
1. Boosts Immunity
Our immune system influences our ability to fight diseases. Jeera seeds are excellent sources of essential nutrients like potassium and iron. These nutrients help in fortifying and building your immune system. Apart from that, jeera contains the goodness of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that help your immune system defend your body against infection-causing bacteria.
Cumin seeds also contain several minerals that further boost your immune systems, such as calcium and magnesium. Jeera also provides a rich assortment of vitamins like A, B, and C that help fight off infections.
2. Anti Inflammatory Effect
Thymoquinone is a phytochemical compound found in plants, with benefits such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic. These properties allow the compound to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. Jeera seeds contain thymoquinone that protects your liver against inflammation and improves overall health.
The anti-inflammatory effects of jeera water use also provide relief from pain from conditions such as stomach pain. Several women consume jeera water to help reduce period cramps during their menstrual cycle.
3. Boosts Digestion and Metabolism
If you have digestive issues, drinking jeera water can help boost your overall stomach health and improve your digestion. Jeera helps in the secretion of biological compounds like fat-breaking enzymes, glucose, and carbohydrates that boost your metabolism.
This allows your body to digest fat better and also speeds up the process of bile acid secretion from your liver. Several people have benefitted from jeera water since it helps get rid of common problems such as indigestion. The powerful anti-gas chemicals of jeera can also help a person with bloating and acidity.
4. Jeera Water for Periods
Several women have irregular period cycles. This can be quite stressful as periods tell about your overall hormone levels in the body that influence your health. Drinking jeera water can help women regulate their cycles and make them more regular.
The compounds present in jeera water cause the uterus to contract, which helps in releasing any trapped blood. It can help in streamlining your cycle and also reliving painful menstrual cycles. Taking cumin water regularly for a few months can show impressive results and help your periods regularise.
5. Jeera Water for Skin
The glow on your skin is primarily influenced by what you eat and if you are getting enough nutrients and vitamins. Jeera contains calcium, manganese, potassium, and selenium that boosts skin rejuvenation. These nutrients help in obtaining clear skin and provide an unmistakable glow.
Along with that, cumin seeds contain an ample amount of Vitamin E that has antioxidant properties. This helps prevent premature ageing and can delay the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
6. Jeera Water Benefits for Clearing Up Acne
The antibacterial properties of jeera help in fighting against acne-causing bacteria. It also reduces acne breakouts and helps in clearing out the present pimples. Free radicals are damaging toxins that break down the skin's protein and can result in loose skin or blemishes.
Jeera is also a dietary fibre that clears out toxins from our bodies. However, jeera also contains heat and should be taken in moderation since excess can also lead to acne.
7. Jeera Water Benefits for Healthy and Beautiful Hair
Jeera can boost your scalp health since it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Jeera also has proteins and carbohydrates that improve hair growth.
The properties of jeera allow it to replenish hair from the roots, also help your follicles produce healthier hair and prevent hair fall. Jeera water benefits can also reduce frizziness caused by humid weather and make it look shinier and smoother.
8. Cumin Water Benefits for a Healthier Heart
Jeera is a natural antioxidant and positively affects your cardiac health. It protects the heart and also contributes to managing several heart conditions.
Jeera water benefits can strengthen heart muscles and reduce the risk of developing cholesterol. It also further prevents the accumulation of lipids and hence reduces the risk of heart attacks and heart blocks.
9. Jeera Water Benefits for Managing Diabetes and Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Jeera water stimulates insulin production in the body, a hormone that influences the sugar levels in the blood. People with diabetes can benefit from taking jeera water since it can help regulate sugar levels and keep them under control.
Glycated haemoglobin can increase free radicals that lead to blood cell accumulation and impair blood flow. Jeera water benefits help in reducing the levels of glycated haemoglobin. After half an hour of taking a meal, you can drink jeera water to enjoy its benefits in regulating blood sugar levels.
10. Jeera Water for Managing Anaemia
Jeera is a good source of iron that helps in the formation of haemoglobin in the blood. It is essential for the transport of oxygen all over the body. Women commonly have low haemoglobin levels, and that can lead to several symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, vertigo, dizziness, etc. Consuming jeera water daily is an effective way to combat low haemoglobin levels and manage these symptoms.
11. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Jeera water contains anti-carcinogenic properties that can help in reducing the risk of acquiring different types of cancer. It also prevents the spread of cancer to different body parts.
12. Jeera Water for Blood Pressure
Potassium is an important mineral that influences several important functions of our body. Jeera water contains potassium that can help regulate blood pressure levels by counteracting the adverse effects of salt.
Jeera Water for Weight Loss
Jeera water or cumin water benefits include significantly boosting your body’s metabolism and also increasing the fat-burning process. This will help you lose those extra kilos and look fitter. Jeera water is also called a detox drink and helps in getting rid of stubborn belly fat. Along with your regular exercises, adding jeera water to your routine will help you speed up the process of losing weight.
Jeera water also contains anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Obesity is a pro-inflammatory condition that can be effectively combated with drinking jeera water. Several people have a hard time with bloating that is caused due to water retention.
Bloating contributes to weight gain and can be reduced by drinking jeera water. Jeera water for fat loss is used as it has extremely few calories and makes for an excellent low-calorie drink. One teaspoon of jeera contains only seven calories. Interestingly, these seven calories are densely packed with nutrition and make a great pre-workout drink.
Working out on an empty stomach can result in potential acidity issues. Sip on to jeera water before hitting your workout regimen to boost up your weight loss journey.
Jeera Water During Pregnancy
Jeera water is a great herbal remedy for women who are suffering from morning sickness during their pregnancy. Jeera also helps combat other pregnancy-related issues such as bloating, constipation, flatulence and pain. It may even help in easy childbirth.
Often expecting mothers can experience spikes in their blood pressure due to the stress of carrying a child. Jeera water can help manage blood pressure due to its high magnesium and potassium content. It also protects the heart and provides the body with important electrolytes.
Jeera also offers relief in women who suffer from acid reflux during pregnancy. The increased pressure in the abdominal area results in several pregnant women complaining about indigestion and acid reflux. Jeera can effectively combat both.
How to Make Jeera Water for Weight Loss?
Now that you know how effectively jeera water can help your weight loss process, you may be wondering about how to make jeera water. Several quick and straightforward techniques will allow you to make this soothing and refreshing beverage within a few minutes.
Option 1
- Take two cups of water in a saucepan and heat it.
- Toss in a heaped spoonful of jeera into the pan.
- Now, wait for the water to start boiling and allow the cumin seeds to rest in the water for an hour.
- This will allow the jeera seeds to infuse into the water, letting all of its nutrients steep into it.
- Switch off the flame and strain the water.
- Sip your jeera water leisurely.
Pro Tip: You can have jeera water on an empty stomach every day for the best results.
Side Tip: You can also add a pinch of some useful spices such as cinnamon or ginger for a better taste. Adding a dash of honey will elevate your detox drink and make it taste interesting.
Option 2
- Take two tablespoons of jeera and soak it into the water for around five to six hours overnight.
- Boil the seeds in the morning and strain the water.
- Now you can add lemon juice to the concoction and drink the water for two weeks to enjoy its benefits.
Side Tip: Take one teaspoon of jeera powder and one teaspoon of yoghurt. Have it after your meals every day for 15 days.
Jeera Water Side Effects
1. Heartburn
Consuming excessive jeera can increase the release of more gas in the gastrointestinal region and contribute to heartburn.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
People who suffer from low blood sugar should be careful when consuming jeera water. Jeera seeds can reduce blood sugar levels, and hence consuming it in excessive amounts can trigger a person's hypoglycemia.
It is important to not take a lot of jeera at once and check your blood sugar levels if you have hypoglycemia or are pregnant. You can also consult your medical provider to help you regulate your jeera intake according to your condition.
3. Jeera Can Hamper Milk Production in Lactating Mothers
In case you are pregnant, it is advisable to consult your doctor before adding jeera water to your diet. There is a rare possibility that excessive jeera can cause a decline in breast milk production. In case you observe signs of reduced breast milk, stop taking jeera water and talk to your doctor.
4. Slows Down the Clotting of Blood
Jeera can have an impact on the clotting process of your body and slow down the formation of clots. This can result in bruises taking more time to heal and increasing its time to stop bleeding. If you are already on blood thinner medication, talk to your healthcare provider before taking jeera water.
Summing Up on Jeera water benefits
Cumin or jeera seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin A, C, manganese, and copper. Along with that, jeera contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing overall inflammation. The jeera water concoction detoxifies your body and cleanses it of toxins. This helps in suppressing hunger hormones and also fastens the metabolism.
These, along with other benefits of jeera water, can significantly boost your overall health. Consuming jeera in moderation is a great way to enjoy its effects and air your health journey along with a good diet and exercise regimen. Jeera water can work wonders for your health and weight loss journey combined with a healthy lifestyle that will help you stay fit.
FAQs
Can We Drink Jeera Water Daily?
Yes, you can drink jeera water daily. The several benefits of jeera have been widely documented in ancient Indian texts, and several benefits have been proven scientifically. Jeera is used extensively in the Indian kitchen since this flavoursome spice provides a kick to your food and a healthy dose.
It is completely safe to drink jeera water with lemon daily. In fact, it is encouraged to take jeera daily along with your food. Jeera water is a great way of consuming jeera as a detox drink. It is important to drink the jeera water regularly for a period of 15 days or a month to enjoy its benefits.
Best Time to Drink Jeera Water?
If you are primarily drinking jeera water for weight loss, drinking jeera water daily on an empty stomach is a great way to enjoy its benefits. You can also drink jeera water daily every morning for improved digestion, blood sugar, blood pressure, and antitoxin effects.
You can also add apple cider vinegar to your jeera water to allow stable weight loss. Apple cider vinegar has compounds that prevent fat deposition and improve a person's metabolic function. You can drink jeera water once at night if you suffer from acid reflux.
Can We Boil Jeera Water?
Yes, you can boil jeera water. To make this nutritious concoction, you can take a spoon of cumin seeds and boil it in water. Boiling the seeds will allow the nutrients and flavour of jeera to reflect in the water. Apart from that, you can also soak up the jeera seeds overnight, which will enable them to swell and release their bioactive compounds into the water.
You can mix a spoon of jeera in lukewarm water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning. Keep a gap of 30 minutes between the drink and your breakfast.
How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight With Jeera Water?
There is no ideal time, It varys from person to person. Jeera seeds are sources of dietary fibre. This helps promote the feeling of fullness and hence reduces your urge to eat food. You can experience this effect on the very first day of taking jeera water. To experience the other effects of jeera water, such as speeding up your metabolism levels and improving your digestion, drink jeera water every day for about 15 days or more to enjoy its benefits.
It is important to remember that drinking jeera water will help your weight loss journey. Along with that, you need to exercise and control your diet to experience weight loss. Doing this will allow jeera water to act as an adjunct to your weight loss journey. You will also be able to observe an increase in your energy levels and a reduction in bloating.
References
- Shahram Agah, Amir Mehdi Taleb, Reyhane Moeini, October 2013; Cumin Extract for Symptom Control in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Series - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3990147/
- Sami Mnif, Sami Aifa, May 2015; Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26010662
- Roghayeh Zare, Fatemeh Heshmati, October 2014; Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25456022/
