This popular Asian condiment has another name - cumin. With its taste and aroma, it resembles cumin used for baking. In Mediterranean cuisine, zira is used to prepare almost all dishes. It is added to soups, vegetable, meat and fish dishes. Bakery products and sweet desserts are seasoned with this spice. In addition to the spicy aroma and pleasant taste, the beneficial properties of zira are also important, which are actively used in the treatment of certain diseases.
Description of the zira plant
This small herbaceous plant belongs to the genus Fireplaces and has only three species.
- Zira grows no more than two years. The height of the stem with branched branches reaches about 60 cm.
- Seeds are oblong, oily with silvery veins and pleasant aroma.
- Inflorescences are large, umbellate, bright white.
- Zira has very pretty, long leaves, deep green.
For the preparation of cumin essential oil, the seeds are harvested while still green. Furtheroblong grains are dried and ground into powder. To date, the world leader in the export of cumin is India. This country accounts for more than 70% of the aromatic spice.
Chemical composition
Cumin seeds contain 380 kilocalories. They contain 22.3 g of fat, about 18 g of protein and 44 g of carbohydrates. Of the vitamins, betacarotene and vitamin A were noticed. Also, cumin seeds contain all the B vitamins and a small amount of vitamin C.
This product has a rich mineral composition:
- A sufficiently large amount of potassium is needed to strengthen the heart muscle and normalize the water-alkaline balance.
- There are a lot of trace elements such as magnesium in the composition of cumin. Without it, it is impossible to imagine a he althy nervous system. It is essential for patients with diabetes and people suffering from high blood pressure.
- Phosphorus contained in zira has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background of both men and women, and also strengthens bones and promotes he althy teeth.
- Due to the large amount of calcium, this product is extremely beneficial for the condition of hair and nails. It strengthens bones and is essential for older people prone to fractures.
Selenium, copper, manganese, zinc and iron are present in much smaller quantities in the composition of zira. In addition, cumin seeds contain amino acids and proteins. Unfortunately, the beneficial properties and contraindications of the seasoning eira are practically unknown to most.of people. Therefore, many people do not use it, but prefer other spices.
Healing properties
Today, the following useful properties of jeera are known:
- Healing decoctions and diuretics are made from the seeds of this plant.
- Until recently, parents of young children were advised by doctors to prepare caraway decoction for stomach cramps.
- Cumin decoction can be used for bad breath. To do this, a teaspoon of seeds was brewed in 1 cup of boiling water, allowed to brew, and the resulting broth was rinsed in the mouth two to three times a day.
- To enhance lactation, it was recommended to drink boiled milk with zira seeds. The beneficial properties of this plant to increase the amount of mother's milk are used in the countries of Central Asia.
- Since this plant has diuretic properties, it can be used to prevent urolithiasis and treat diseased kidneys. To do this, before dinner, you should brew green tea with the addition of 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and drink warm in small sips.
- To remove toxins and cleanse the rectum, a special tea is brewed, which includes dill seeds, coriander and cumin. Thanks to the beneficial properties of the herb zira, you can improve the functioning of the entire digestive tract.
- Powdered seeds are mixed with olive oil and consumed three times a day, one teaspoon. Thus, the liver and gallbladder are cleansed. The course of treatment lasts twelve days, after which it followsa break during which they use tea from choleretic herbs.
- Seeds mixed with any natural honey are used to improve cerebral circulation and strengthen immunity. In small quantities, this remedy can be used by children from the age of five and pregnant women.
- To improve joints, cumin seed powder is mixed with honey and a small amount of medical alcohol is added. The resulting mixture is applied to the gauze fabric and applied to the sore knee with arthrosis. The recommended course of treatment is twenty days.
- Headache and migraine helps decoction of cumin with honey. For one cup of boiling water, you need two teaspoons of seeds. When the composition has cooled to room temperature, a tablespoon of linden honey is added to it.
Wound-healing properties of zira seeds are known. When green grains are ground into a powder and mixed with pork fat, you get an excellent ointment for the treatment of burns, diaper rash and skin ulcers.
Cumin oil
Cumin essential oil is used for back massage as a warming agent. It improves blood circulation and contributes to the healing of the kidneys and lungs. In order to get rid of acne, cumin essential oil was mixed with any herbal oil and used as an ointment for the face.
Use in cosmetology
Due to the rich composition and the presence of essential vitamins and trace elements that contribute to the he alth of the skin of the face and hair, cumin seeds and essential oil are often used incosmetology. Useful properties and contraindications of zira seasoning are taken into account when preparing homemade cosmetics. For example, with their help, you can get rid of acne or blackheads. To do this, a few drops of cumin essential oil are added to any day face cream and used exclusively on problem areas of the skin. This oil can be dropped into balms or hair masks. Thanks to him, the hair follicles awaken and their growth intensifies.
The anti-cellulite beneficial properties of zira are known. Crushed seeds are mixed with olive oil, a tablespoon of honey is added and the mixture is applied to the thighs and buttocks. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to wrap the skin with cling film, and cover it with a warm cloth on top. Thus, all the useful properties of zira will be preserved.
Contraindications for use
Zira has narcotic properties, therefore, with the regular use of medicines prepared on the basis of cumin seeds, mental disorders are possible. For the same reason, it is undesirable to use seasoning during pregnancy. Known cases where excessive consumption of cumin led to miscarriage. Since the beneficial properties and contraindications of zira seasoning have not yet been fully studied, it is not recommended to abuse it in case of gastric ulcer and inflammation of the mucosa. Sometimes the essential oil of this plant can cause allergies. People with gastritis also do not tolerate this seasoning well.
Zira in cooking
This seasoningused to prevent cancer and diabetes. In some countries, this spice is extremely popular and is used everywhere. In Asian countries, they are well aware of all the beneficial properties and contraindications of zira. Cooking recipes recommend using only dry seeds.
Dishes seasoned with this spice help improve he alth during colds. In India, it is considered a product that can increase potency and restore a man's sexual function. For this, a special dish is prepared, consisting of beans, tomatoes and a large amount of cumin. In European countries, this spice is preferred to be used in the preparation of bakery products. Especially tasty is pilaf with the addition of seeds. When cooking, one should take into account the beneficial and harmful properties of zira seasoning.
Storage rules
It should be borne in mind that powdered seeds are stored for a short time. Over time, they lose their aroma and taste, and the beneficial properties of zira noticeably weaken. Any spices should be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry place. Typically, the retention period is 180 days.
