Jeera water for weight loss: A key ingredient in your weight loss journey

Jeera / cumin seeds are age old derivatives of spices used from ancient times as a traditional ingredient of innumerable dishes used both in ground and whole forms. In India, jeera is used in almost every dish starting from your soups to your curry’s and kormas along with several other spice blends. Besides its use as a spice, jeera possesses immense medicinal value which is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Among one such properties which is a widely known trend these days, is jeera water for weight loss.

Let’s look into this famous trend of jeera water for weight loss.

People with high BMI, high visceral fat and insulin resistance end up with metabolic disorders. And these people who are looking for smart ways to lose weight, we have good news for you. Jeera water aids in weight loss thereby reducing the BMI visceral fat and also improves insulin sensitivity.

Now that we know jeera water for weight loss is true. How does Jeera water help one lose weight will be the next question.

Let’s see the magical reasons behind Jeera water for weight loss

1. Jeera water has low calories: 1 tsp of jeera gives you only 7 Kcal with extra nutrients and benefits as discussed below.
2. Jeera water helps you stay hydrated: Consuming jeera water on an empty stomach right before you exercise, helps you stay hydrated and wards off any kind of acidity issues. The most important part is, it keeps you calm while you shed that extra pound of weight.
3. Jeera possesses good amount of fibre: This is because of its high fibre content. Jeera water reduces unnecessary water retention and helps in stimulating movement within the body. Water retention is also one reason of weight gain which many people are unaware of.
4. Jeera water aids in digestion: A well-functioning digestive system aids in weight loss as digestion also uses up some calories. So, it’s very important to keep your digestive track healthy and active. Jeera water improves digestion which improves metabolism as well. It speeds up the whole process and helps in digestion of fats rather than deposition.
5. Jeera water for fat loss and shedding down belly fat: Research shows that Jeera water / cumin as such helps in improving body composition in obese and overweight individuals, by reducing triglyceride levels, LDL- C and total cholesterol. Moreover, it also reduces belly fat effectively when combined with core and strength training exercises.

Apart from Jeera water for weight loss and Jeera water for fat loss, Jeera seeds come with multiple medicinal properties as discussed below.

Jeera health benefits

1. Aids in digestion: Cumin seeds have stimulatory effects on the bile flow which means it helps in secretion of bile acids for digestion and aids in faster digestion. The reduction in food transit time due to cumin seeds have influence on digestive enzymes and bile secretion.
2. Antioxidant: Jeera water contains anti-inflammatory properties and also own antimicrobial properties which detoxifies the body. These factors lead to healthy and glowing skin. It prevents acne and protects skin from cancer.
3. Immune function: Jeera water is effective against disease causing micro-organisms.
4. Antidiabetic: Research indicates that cumin seeds reduce diabetes related metabolic abnormalities like reducing the blood sugar levels, reducing serum lipid levels in diabetic individuals associated with high lipid levels.
5. Anaemia preventive: They are rich in iron, which is required for the formation of haemoglobin for the transportation of oxygen in our body.
6. Neuroprotective: Jeera is packed with a bunch of minerals and vitamins such as riboflavin, vitamin B6, B3. Consuming jeera water is beneficial for the brain to function properly. Cumin seeds help in promoting better mental health and sharpen the memory by nourishing the brain cells.
7. Cardioprotective: Studies shows that cumin seeds administration has shown reduction in systolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. It decreases LDL – C. Jeera water has antioxidant properties and plays a role in the prevention of heart related diseases like atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases.
8. Cancer preventive: Studies show that cumin seeds reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

How to make Jeera water?

• Soak 2 tsp Jeera in 1 cup of water overnight.
• Boil for 10 minutes in the morning and drink after cooling.

Interesting variations of Jeera water for weight loss ideas

1. Jeera water with lemon and mint: Add a wedge of lemon and 2-3 leaves of mint into the cooled jeera water
2. Jeera water with cinnamon powder: Add ½ tsp pf cinnamon powder and ½ tsp honey/maple syrup while its warm.
3. Jeera water with apple cider vinegar: Add 1 tsp of organic Apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp turmeric powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Drink it while its warm.
4. Jeera water with chia seeds, lemon: Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in water overnight and add this into jeera water and add 1 wedge of lemon. Add 1 tsp of salt. Or honey/maple syrup for a sweet variation.
5. Jeera water with basil seeds, lemon and mint: Soak 1 tablespoon of basil seeds in water overnight and add into jeera water and add a wedge of lemon. Add 1 tsp of salt. Or honey/maple syrup for a sweet variation.
6. Jeera water with Ginger, lemon and mint: Add mashed ginger, 1 wedge of lemon and some mint leaves with 1 tsp maple syrup.

Jeera water Side effects

While you see a lot of Jeera water benefits, there are a few drawbacks which you need to deal with, if consumed in excess.

These are

• Excessive urination
• Low blood sugar levels
• Allergic reactions

Jeera water for weight loss and fat loss is very effective, but with just a few kilos or sometimes more. Jeera water increases metabolism but only to an extent. If you notice that your weight is not moving down the scale then its time you change your diet pattern with your exercises. In view of the fact that your body might get adjusted to the increase in metabolism and you will not be losing weight anymore.

Add variations in your diets and your training sessions.

I love this quote “Weight loss doesn’t begin in the gym with a dumb bell; it starts in your head with a decision.”

Have a happy weight loss journey! 😊

Written by Aishwarya Deepika, ENHAPP Wellness Coach & Nutritionist