Cumin or jeera is a common ingredient in Indian kitchens. Apart from adding flavor to a dish, it has got health benefits too.

Cumin (also known as Jeera) has a richness of history to give it a special place in the world of spices. Ancient Egyptians used it for the mummification process. And the humble jeera is a part of almost every Indian kitchen and on a hot summer day it's sheer bliss to have a glass of buttermilk with a dash of cumin powder. Roasted jeera has a very unique flavor and adds much taste to an ordinary dish like aloo ki sabzi. Apart from taste, cumin has lots of health benefits and that's why you should ass it in your diet.

Common cold: Antiseptic properties of cumin can help fight flu, by boosting your immune system. A cup of water boiled with cumin seeds, ginger, basil leaves and honey, can give great relief.

Anemia: Cumin seeds contain a good amount of iron. Iron is an essential element for the formation of hemoglobin in the blood required for transport of oxygen. Anemia [lowered levels of hemoglobin in the blood] has always been a concern in women, children and adolescents. It's a good idea to include jeera in everyday preparations like parathas, curries, cookies, soups, rice, lentil preparations.

Digestion: It's a common practice in India to find people popping in Jeera Goli after meals, but did you know it works well for digestive disorders? Cumin helps control stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness.

Jeera is also found to be effective in stimulating menstrual cycle in women. Cumin can be used in the treatment of piles due to its fibre content, anti-fungal, laxative and carminative properties.

So, make it a point to add a dash of jeera powder in your diet.