Zira: what is it, useful properties and application

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Zira – what is it

First, it is a herbaceous plant of the Umbrella family. Secondly, it is a spice. Zira has other names:

  • cumin;
  • cumin;
  • cumin cumin;
  • commune;
  • zero;
  • Indian cumin;
  • Roman cumin.

Cumin seeds are known to people long before our era, they are mentioned in the Old Testament. In ancient Egypt, cumin was used as a medicine; it was part of the means for embalming bodies. The homeland of this spice is Asia. The plant is grown in warm countries, but Europeans prefer caraway seeds.

Medieval healers wrote about the healing effect of the plant in their writings. And ancient Greek nurses added seeds to tea to improve lactation.

Cumin is popular in oriental and Mexican cuisine. You can’t do without it there. Whole or crushed seeds are added to meat, vegetable and hot dishes, flour products. You cannot cook oriental pilaf without fragrant cumin and sweet and sour barberry. Shelf life of the spice: in seeds – up to two years, in powder – three months.

Chemical composition

In 100 grams of seeds:

  • kcal – 375
  • water – 8 g
  • proteins – 18 g
  • fats – 22 g
  • carbohydrates – 44 g
  • sugar – 2 g
  • vitamins of group B, vitamins A, C, K, E;
  • essential oil, gum;
  • present: calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium.

What is the difference between cumin and cumin

In ancient times, when cumin came to Europe, similar words “cumin” and “cumin” did their job – two spices were taken for the same. In fact, they are different, although they are similar in shape and size of seeds. Here is a clear confirmation of this:

Zira: what is it, useful properties and application

Cumin has a mild aroma. Cumin has a bright nutty smell, and the seeds are thinner and smaller. There is also a difference in color: cumin is gray-green in color, and caraway is dark brown.

Zira: useful properties and contraindications

In folk medicine:

  • natural aphrodisiac;
  • has a tonic and antimicrobial effect;
  • stimulates digestion;
  • strengthens intestinal motility;
  • with diarrhea, colic and flatulence;
  • has a diuretic effect;
  • removes slags and toxins from the body;
  • to improve lactation;
  • from insomnia;
  • saves from nausea and vomiting;
  • softens cough;
  • has a mild laxative effect;
  • treatment of flatulence in children;
  • with purulent wounds, dermatitis (lotions).

Zira: contraindications

  • inflammation of the stomach lining;
  • ulcers of the stomach and duodenum during an exacerbation;
  • intolerance;
  • children under 3 years old.

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