The health benefits of cumin for kids are that it aids in digestion, has anthelmintic properties, can treat insomnia, treats colic, can help in fighting the common cold and provide relief from respiratory diseases, can treat anemia, strengthen the immune system and can help in balancing electrolytes in the body.

Cumin is one of the most common spices that is available in most places in the world. Cumin is thought to be the native of east Mediterranean to India. The seeds of this plant are of importance, as we know. The seeds of cumin are used extensively in various cuisines around the world. And they are also used for their medicinal properties. For a very long time, cumin has been used as a seasoning for meat, fish, stews and in the mummification of the dead in Egypt. Romans used it as an alternative to pepper and as an appetizer as well.

The English word cumin is said to have derived from Latin Cuminum, Greek Kyminon, Hebrew Kammon and Arabic Kammun. The plant belongs to parsley family and it is related to fennel, as the structure of the seeds, their taste and smell are almost similar. Fennel seeds smell and taste slightly milder when compared to cumin. Today, cumin is cultivated in countries such as India, Iran, Morocco, China, Russia, Indonesia, Japan and Turkey, etc.

Source: Z Living

Health Benefits of Cumin for kids

Listed below are some of the health benefits of cumin for kids.

Aids in digestion

We can find that toddlers and children can often have stomach pain and indigestion. Cumin seeds can be used for treating various gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, atonic dyspepsia, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, flatulence and colic. A teaspoon of cumin in a glass of water must be boiled and filtered and given every morning. If you think, a teaspoon of cumin is very strong, reduce it to half.

Has anthelmintic properties

Toddlers and children can also suffer from worms infecting their gastrointestinal tract. Cumin can be used for killing these worms without having any side effects. Cumin contains a biocompound known as thymol, which is effective in killing these worms in a safe and natural way.

Can treat insomnia

Insomnia not only affects adults but children also. Anxiety can be one of the reasons. Giving cumin decoction to your child can reduce the chances of insomnia and offer them a good night’s sleep.

Can treat colic

Most often mothers complain about their infants and toddlers suffering from colic. While there is no specific medication available for colic, yet it can be reduced significantly with cumin. Giving cumin decoction to your baby can give you good results. For babies, the strong flavor of cumin could be overwhelming. So, take just a pinch of cumin and boil it in large glass of water. Strain the water and give it to your baby once cooled.

Can fight against common cold

Every parent can vouch that winter time brings in common cold. We seem to be using standard medication and the common cold persists. As an alternative you could use cumin water as medication for common cold.

Can fight respiratory diseases

Cumin not just fights common cold, but it can also provide relief from serious respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, etc. Cumin has anti-congestive agents that help in soothing out the respiratory tract and clearing it from phlegm and mucus and making way for better respiration.

Can treat anemia

Sometimes, children can be anemic and weak despite having good diet. In such cases, a safe source of iron should be given to your child. Cumin is high in iron content and when taken as a medicine, it increases hemoglobin where iron is the major constituent of the protein. Thus, it can reduce anemia and weakness in your child.

Can strengthen the immune system

Apart from providing the above mentioned benefits, cumin is also helpful in strengthening your kids’ immune system. Children are vulnerable to many bacterial or viral infections, because of their underdeveloped or still developing immune system. By regularly having a simple spice like cumin can strengthen your kids’ immune system.

Can help in maintaining electrolyte balance

Cumin Seeds are good source of potassium. Potassium is a much needed element for the body because of its electrolytic properties and unlike sodium, it is not harmful. But, most of the time, we have excess of sodium and very less of potassium in our bodies. And it should be other way around. By taking cumin on a regular basis, you can increase potassium intake.

Nutrition in Cumin Seeds

According to National Nutrient Database from the US Department of Agriculture, the nutrients found in cumin seeds include

How to Use Cumin

Cumin can be used as a seasoning in many dishes. It adds a fennel like taste and flavor to your dishes. But, this flavor is relatively stronger than fennel. Make it into powder and you can add it to many of your dishes. Only a pinch or two of cumin is needed.

Side Effects of Cumin

• Cumin is considered to be a safe spice and it generally does not seem to have major side effects. But, there are few things to be careful about cumin.
• According to WebMD, cumin could slow down blood clotting. In other words, don’t use cumin when there is bleeding disorder of any sort. It can make it worse.
• Cumin can also bring down blood sugar levels. Hence, diabetics should use it very carefully.