Jeera (Cumin) Water During Pregnancy – Benefits and How To Make It

It is essential for expecting moms to be particular about wheat they consume during pregnancy. You may have heard that jeera is beneficial, but do you know why? Learn more about the benefits of water flavoured with jeera or cumin seeds.

India is the largest producer and consumer of cumin, locally known as jeera. Jeera is not just a great flavouring agent in foods, but also a medicinal herb in the kitchen. This is precisely why this spice is used in every day cooking. The benefits are numerous and are especially good for pregnant women. Jeera can be consumed by expectant mothers on a daily basis, and one of the safest and best ways to consume it is by drinking jeera water. The benefits of jeera water have been listed below in detail.

Benefits of Drinking Jeera Water in Pregnancy

Jeera water has numerous benefits for pregnant women.

1. Minimises Common Pregnancy Discomfort

Many common problems during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, insomnia, common cold, weakness are cured, as jeera water improves the overall functions in the body.

2. Balances Acid Levels

Pregnancy can cause an imbalance of acid levels that lead to stomach upset, acidity, gastritis. Jeera water strengthens stomach muscles and is effective against heartburn and acidity.

3. Good For the Cardiovascular System

Jeera water is a good source of potassium. It improves blood circulation and regulates blood pressure, which in turn maintains the foetus’ health.

4. Regulates Digestion

Jeera water is most popular for its excellent effect on the digestive system. ‘Thymol’, a component in jeera water, stimulates bile and other digestive juices. This helps in the proper upkeep of the digestive system, and thus, prevents constipation and indigestion.

5. Rich Source of Iron

During pregnancy, the iron in the mother’s body is used to protect and nurture the foetus. Hence, a woman needs more iron than ever during pregnancy. Jeera water provides iron that is required in pregnancy. Good iron levels in the body keep anaemia at bay.

6. Is a Natural Antioxidant

It improves the immune system by sheltering the body from the effects of bad germs. It is rich in vitamin A, C and E, which help fight alien components and improve overall health.

7. Prevents Gestational Diabetes

Cumin seeds are used as an alternative therapy to cure type 2 diabetes. The components in jeera help in increasing insulin and regulating blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes is a possibility, even for those who do not have hereditary diabetes. Jeera water is a good source to regulate sugar levels and avoid gestational diabetes.

8. Detoxifies the Body

A woman’s immune system weakens during pregnancy, and detoxifying the body without any side effects is necessary for good health. A large amount of phosphorus present in jeera water aids in good kidney function, which in turn cleanses the body toxins effectively and quickly.

9. Boosts Metabolism

Just the aroma of jeera stimulates secretion of saliva. A good flow of saliva is an indication of a good appetite. This, in turn, helps in a good metabolism that will increase or decrease weight accordingly.

10. Aids In Good Baby Development

All the above nine reasons and the aiding of jeera water in protecting the foetus’ health eliminates probable birth defects.

How to Make Cumin Water?

Add 2 teaspoons of jeera or cumin seeds to two litres of water and boil on a high flame for 20 minutes. Strain the water after it cools down to get clear cumin water.

Side Effects of Cumin

Though cumin is beneficial in the right amount, consuming too much cumin per day or suffering from various conditions may result in certain side-effects that women should be aware of. Make sure to consider these when drinking cumin water.

1. Can cause heartburn in people suffering from GERD, if consumed in large amounts.
2. Increases body heat in some women, which may affect the baby.
3. Can cause continuous burping if too much cumin is consumed per day.
4. When consumed in excess quantity, cumin may cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
5. Not recommended to women with low blood sugar, as cumin decreases blood sugar levels. Though it is useful for women with high blood sugar, it can have a reverse effect on women who naturally have low blood sugar.
6. Women who are allergic to cumin may observe rashes on their skin, especially after consuming too much of the spice.

Dos and Don’ts:

• Do not be confused between cumin seeds (jeera) and fennel seeds (saunf).
• Do not add too much cumin, as it should be consumed in limited amount. Also, too much cumin makes the water bitter and hard to drink.
• Drink only one litre a day
• Make a fresh bottle of jeera water every day
• It is best to consume jeera water when it is warm or at room temperature

Is cumin water safe during pregnancy? Yes, it is not only safe, but healthy. However, over consumption of any spice should be avoided, as they have a strong effect on the body; jeera is no exception. Drinking jeera water is the safest way to receive all the benefits, while enjoying the flavour and staying safe.