Drinking cumin water during pregnancy promotes digestion, helps with weight loss, improves blood cholesterol, increases metabolism, boosts immunity, regulates blood pressure, reduces pregnancy discomfort and promotes healthy hair. It is a rich source of iron for the body, rich source of antioxidants and good for skin health.

During pregnancy every mother takes extra precaution about their diet and lifestyle. You want to do everything right for your little one and welcome a healthy baby in your life. Pregnancy, apart from being very rewarding is also a very challenging time in one’s life, due to all the hormonal and physical and mental changes. At this time, tried and tested methods that have been passed on by generations should be used. Cumin water has been widely regarded as an exceptionally healthy drink, and you are recommended to consume it at night or at the start of the day. It is an herb found in Asia and Mediterranean regions and is widely used in cooking too. Here are a few amazing benefits of drinking cumin water.

In this article:

Health Benefits of Drinking Cumin Water (Jeera Water) During Pregnancy
How to Prepare Cumin Water?
Dos and Don’ts

11 Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Cumin Water (Jeera Water) During Pregnancy

Promotes Digestion

In the medical journal Pharmacognosy Review a study published in 2011 shows how cumin water can be used to improve digestion. It is a source of many essential oils and it increases bile production in the liver, which aids digestion. During pregnancy, indigestion is a common symptom. Drinking cumin water can help with that.

Is a Rich Source of Iron for the Body

Women and especially pregnant women need iron in their bodies that is usually low in them due to loss of blood every month by menstruation. Nutrition data states that one teaspoon of ground cumin has 1.4 mg of iron in it, which makes up for 17.5% of the RDI for adults. Iron deficiency is a common disadvantage, and drinking cumin water during pregnancy can counter that.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Cumin contains lots of plant compounds that research has proven to have potential health benefits, including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Clogged arteries, heart diseases, and inflammation can be reduced by daily consumption of cumin water during pregnancy.

Helps with Weight Loss

Unprecedented weight gain is a common concern during pregnancy. While drowsiness and swelling feet are symptoms of pregnancy, the change in your lifestyle causes sugar cravings as well- all of which can lead to weight gain. Some weight gain is normal and desirable during pregnancy, but a lot of it is a strict no-no. Cumin increases metabolism, flushes out toxins, and prevents weight gain.

Improves Blood Cholesterol

In a study by the National Institute of Health, 75 mg of cumin consumed twice daily for eight weeks decreased unhealthy blood triglycerides. It reduces bad cholesterol levels and prevents complications during pregnancy.

Increases Metabolism

Cumin seeds contain proteins, carbohydrates and iron which boost your metabolism. They also increase saliva secretion which boosts body activity. Lethargy is a common symptom of pregnancy but jeera water can fight that.

Boosts Immunity

Jeera is a rich source of iron which is known to boost immunity. Iron is necessary for maturation and development of immune cells. Iron is also used as an intermediary in the production of bacteriostatic cells. A strong immune system reduces your vulnerability to infection. During pregnancy one’s immune system is low and prone to bacterial and viral infection. Consumption of cumin water reduces chances of contracting such diseases and ensures a smooth and healthy pregnancy.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Cumin is low in calories and promotes a healthy lifestyle which leads to the maintenance of a normal blood pressure in the range (120/80-140/90). High blood pressure can cause extreme complications like preeclampsia where one or more convulsions in a pregnant woman can cause coma and pose a threat to the health of the mother and the baby.

Good for Skin Health

Jeera has anti-aging properties and its antibacterial properties fight acne and other small bumps on skin caused due to hormonal changes and toxins. As cumin is a natural antioxidant, it flushes out the toxins in our skin and imparts a healthy glow with clear skin.

Reduces Pregnancy Discomfort

Morning sickness, dizziness, lethargy and swelling feet are common symptoms of pregnancy. The rich nutrient content in jeera water minimizes the discomfort caused by pregnancy. It boosts immunity, increases energy, improves digestion, liver health and combats the weakness the body faces during pregnancy.

Promotes Healthy Hair

Cumin has a high iron content which strengthens hair from the roots and prevents breakage. During pregnancy hair loss is a common worry. The hormonal changes cause hair fall which reduce the volume of the hair. However cumin promotes a healthy lifestyle as it flushes out unwanted toxins and nourishes your hair during pregnancy.

How to Prepare Cumin Water?

The preparation of cumin water is a fairly simple method. You should soak the cumin or jeera seeds overnight for best results. After soaking overnight, boil the water for ten minutes, let it cool down to room temperature and then drink it. You can also drink it without boiling.

You can incorporate jeera in your diet by adding it to tea or roasted vegetables. In the jeera water, you can also use lemon or apple cider vinegar or cinnamon for some more flavor. It can be a good substitute for caffeinated beverages and artificial fruit juices. Consuming jeera water regularly improves brain functioning and reduces stress by aiding your healthy lifestyle.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do not be confused between cumin seeds (jeera) and fennel seeds (saunf). They look alike but should not be interchanged.
• Be careful to not add too much cumin. Two tablespoons a day is fine. It is a strong medicinal herb and should not be consumed in excess. Also, if you add too much cumin the water will taste bitter and not be enjoyable.
• Make sure to prepare a fresh bottle of jeera water everyday.
• It is best consumed a little warm or at room temperature.
• By incorporating jeera water to your daily lifestyle you will promote a healthy way of life for you and your baby, and ensure a safe and happy pregnancy.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27781121

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210012/