Cumin seeds are one of the important ingredients found in Indian kitchen. It provides a distinct favour to the dish you make. Cumin seed is native to Asia and herb that is used in many of the dishes you make. They are also known as jeera, caraway, krishnajraka roman cumin, shahi jeera, kala jera, kummel, haravi, apium carvi and so on. Actually is a fruit of cumin herb, which turns in to seed once it gets dried. Cumin is also used in medicine and has got many medical benefits. It is good for treating digestive problems like colic, dyspepsia and flatulence.
Cumin seed is a stimulant as well as a relaxant. Consuming cumin seeds can help treat insomnia. Essential oils present in cumin seeds help in treating common cold, which is a viral infection. Cumin also can suppress the development of cough because it dries up the excess of mucus ion the respiratory system. Vitamin C and iron are found in good amounts in cumin seeds. These are good for keeping your immune system healthy and to protect your body from infections. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and helps in preventing infections by boosting your immune system. Iron in cumin seeds helps in preventing anaemia. About 66 gm of iron is present in 100 gm of cumin seeds. So, consuming cumin seed is beneficial for anaemic people.
In spite of all these benefits, cumin seeds also have some side effects. So, it is better to consult your doctor before you start using it for medical purposes.
Side Effects of Cumin seeds:
Abortifacient effects:
Pregnant ladies should avoid consuming cumin seeds in large amounts. This is because it can lead to miscarriage or induce premature labor. it is better to follow a prescribed diet and consult with your doctor to find out how much cumin you can consume.
Belching:
Cumin seeds cause belching because of the carminative effect of these seeds. Sometimes belching is referred to as a ructus or burping. This is a condition in which excess gas from the intestinal tract and stomach escapes through the mouth. Belching may have a characteristic sound or a bad odour at times. Although this is not a serious problem, it can cause a lot of embarrassment.
Causes allergy:
You may also suffer from skin rashes and allergy by consuming cumin seeds in large amounts. If you have this problem, make sure that you have cumin seeds in low amounts.
Drug reaction:
Because of the property of cumin seeds to lower the blood sugar levels, these seeds may react with the medications for diabetes. So, if you are under medication for diabetes, make sure that you do not consume cumin seeds in excess. This can cause your blood sugar levels to drop much lower than that is required.
Heartburn:
Cumin seeds are effective for providing you relief from gastric problems. But it is also known to cause one of the most common digestive problems, which is heartburn. According to the pocket book ‘Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine’, cumin seeds cause eviction of more gas into your gastrointestinal tract.
Heavy menstrual cycle:
Consuming cumin seeds in excess can lead to heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Liver damage:
Consuming cumin seeds in large amounts for a long time can cause damage to you liver and kidneys. This is because of the presence of oil present in cumin seeds. This oil is highly volatile and lead to kidney and liver damage. In animals cumin seed oil is used to prevent muscle spasms.
Low blood sugar level:
You can lower the blood sugar levels in your body by consuming cumin seeds in large amounts. Keep this in mind if you are going to have a surgery in the near future. During surgery it is important that you maintain the level of blood sugar in your body. So, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating cumin seeds at least for two weeks before surgery. It is important that your blood sugar is controlled during surgery.
Not good for diabetics:
In diabetic patients, it is important that the blood sugar level is kept under control. This ensures that they remain healthy. Fluctuating blood sugar levels are not at all good for diabetic patients. As mentioned above, cumin seeds may cause a sudden decrease in the levels of your blood sugar. This can cause low blood sugar level. So, it is better that diabetic patients avoid consuming cumin seeds. If they must consume these seeds, make sure that they have it in moderate amounts only.
Narcotic effects:
Cumin seeds are known for their narcotic properties. This means that you should consume cumin seeds with caution. Otherwise it can become addictive. Other side effects of cumin seeds include mental clouding, nausea and drowsiness.
Not good for lactating mothers:
Breastfeeding women should avoid consuming cumin seeds in large amounts. This is because it can lead to a decrease in the production of milk. But this condition is not common to everyone. Excessive amounts of cumin seeds can be harmful for your body, but you should not completely avoid them as they have lots of benefits. Just keep in mind that you consume them in moderate amounts.
These side effects are trifle compared to the large benefits of cumin seeds. You need not worry about suffering from side effects. It takes place only if you consume them in excess. By eating cumin seeds in moderate quantities; you can protect yourself from these side effects.
