How jeera water benefits weight loss

Why is jeera water popular in Indian homes?

In Old Delhi's busy lanes and Bengaluru's high-rises, every home has a recipe for jeera water. It was once only used as a desi nuskha by our dadis and nanis for upset stomachs and safe but sure weight loss. But now, this drink has become a healthy habit for many.

A busy working mother in Mumbai starts her day with a glass of jeera water.

In Punjab, a homemaker offers jeera water to her guests instead of unhealthy soft drinks.

A tired man in Bengaluru comes home from work and quickly makes a glass of cool jeera water for a good refresh. Right now, jeera water is everywhere.

No one is surprised as to why jeera water has become more and more popular every day. More and more Indians are becoming conscious about their health. They're saying no to sugary drinks and looking at tasty, healthy, and traditional alternatives.

A study found that consuming jeera and lemon daily helped overweight people lose weight. This is why, in many Indian houses, people drink jeera water for weight loss.

The study was conducted on 72 participants aged 18-50 years over 8 weeks. They were divided into three groups of 24 participants each.

• Group A participants were given a high dose of jeera (75 mg) + lime, twice a day. They lost 2.1 kg weight on average.
• Group B participants were given a low dose of jeera (25 mg) + lime, twice a day. They lost 1.2 kg weight on average.
• Group C participants were given a placebo, twice a day. They gained some weight and their BMI increased as well.

It is important to note that participants from Group A also showed significant improvements in fasting blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels.

Sonia Bakshi, Nutritionist & Founder of Dance to Fitness Studio shared the benefits of drinking jeera water in an interview with Vogue, "Jeera accelerates body metabolism and promotes fat burning, making you look fitter. The detox water is primarily useful for getting rid of stubborn belly fat as the fat-burning property of jeera water speeds up with the aid of a regular exercise regime."

Fancy superfoods and expensive health supplements stop many from embracing good health. But jeera water is both healthy and delicious, simple and affordable. So, it stands out, and everyone loves it.

But what exactly is this drink that's creating such a buzz?

What is jeera water?

Jeera water, as the name suggests, is simply water (water) infused with jeera (cumin seeds). It reflects the Indian philosophy of finding extraordinary benefits in ordinary things.

To make jeera water, we dry roast jeera until it releases its aroma and turns a shade darker. We then boil jeera in water, and let the water absorb its essence and nutrition. The final drink is a liquid with a distinct, earthy aroma and a slightly bitter, warm taste.

Do not let the word 'bitter' stop you from appreciating jeera water. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice to give it a tangy twist. Or add a pinch of kala namak (black salt) to make it taste like nimbu water.

Of course, in many houses, the bland taste of jeera water doesn't affect its popularity. So, they soak jeera overnight, drain it in the morning, and drink the water for the best results.

Nutritional profile of jeera (cumin seeds)

Water is an essential mineral that helps us stay alive. However, jeera too, is packed with essential nutrients.

A glass of jeera water contains:

• Approximately 7-10 calories
• 0.3-0.5 grams protein
• 0.4-0.6 grams fat
• 0.9-1.1 grams carbohydrates
• 0.6-0.8 grams fiber

Jeera is also rich in:

• Iron that forms blood and transports oxygen
• Manganese that is important for bone health and wound healing
• Calcium that is crucial for strong bones and teeth
• Vitamin C that is a powerful antioxidant for increased immunity
• Vitamin A that is important for eye health and immunity

Moreover, jeera also has various plant compounds with medicinal properties. This includes terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids.

Top jeera water benefits for overall health & weight loss

Apart from helping you lose weight, jeera water has a wide range of benefits. So much so, you can call it nature's medicine for a variety of ailments.

• Digestion, bloating, and gas: It helps to digest food, and reduce bloating and gas.
• Helps lose weight: It is good for weight loss. It boosts your metabolism and burns fat.
• Body detox: It detoxifies the body and cleans the liver.
• Strengthens immune system: It can boost your immune system, especially during winters when you can easily catch the flu or cold.
• Regulate menstrual cycles: It can regulate menstrual cycles and ease menstrual cramps.
• Helps manage PCOS: In some cases, it also manages symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
• Makes skin glow: Jeera water makes the skin healthy and glowing. Drink it daily, and it might even tackle acne and premature ageing.
• Controls blood sugar spikes: Some studies suggest jeera water can also regulate blood sugar levels.
• Increases hydration: Jeera water is a great way to stay hydrated. The subtle flavour gives it an edge over plain water for many people.

Real life success stories

Many people have benefited from jeera water.

In fact, one Reddit user observed that jeera water helped him with acid reflux.

In his own words, he says, “I mixed it [jeera] in a glass of water and I instantly saw results within a few hours. My stomach that was on fire calmed down, wasn't feeling food climb up my throat/feeling like I'm about to spit out my dinner.”

Cumin water aka Jeera water
byu/daveishere7 inacidreflux

Well-known digital creator Neha Tugnait Chopra says she, “starts the day with cumin water.”

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How to make jeera water for weight loss at home?

Easy, quick jeera water recipe for weight loss

We know, you're probably eager to try jeera water yourself. The good news is, it's very easy to make at home. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 liter water
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
• A pinch of kala namak (black salt) (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

• In a pan, dry roast jeera on medium heat until they turn a shade darker and release its aroma. This usually takes about 30-40 seconds. Do not burn it.
• Add the roasted jeera to a pot of water.
• Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and leave on low heat for 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the water cool to room temperature.
• Strain the water into a clean bottle.
• If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of black salt for extra flavor. Honey pairs well with jeera water as well.
• You can also strain ajwain (carom seeds) in a similar manner and add it to jeera water to make jeera ajwain water. Tastes as good!

Your jeera water is ready! You can drink it at room temperature or chilled. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How to drink jeera water for maximum weight loss?

How and when you drink jeera water can make a lot of difference. Here are some ways to do it the right way:

• You can drink a glass of jeera water on an empty stomach in the morning. This way, you can kickstart your metabolism and detox your body.
• Drink jeera water 30 minutes before meals to digest food and prevent overeating.
• If you've had a heavy meal, a glass of jeera water can prevent bloating.
• You can sip on jeera water throughout the day. It is a healthier alternative to plain water, after all.

As for the best way to drink it, you can have jeera water at room temperature or chilled. It all depends on your preference and the weather.

How much jeera water is too much?

Jeera water is generally safe for everyone. But, remember, moderation is key. Excess of anything is bad.

Most health experts recommend consuming 1-2 glasses of jeera water per day.

So, you can have one glass of jeera water first thing in the morning. You can have another glass post lunch or before dinner as well.

Drinking jeera water in excess may lead to some complications:

• Jeera water generally helps digest food. However, consuming it in large quantities might give you heartburn.
• Jeera can lower blood sugar levels. If you're a diabetic, be careful about how much jeera water you include in your routine.
• In rare cases, too much jeera may irritate your skin or give you rashes.
• You might feel an increase in body heat after eating too much jeera, especially during summer. This is because jeera is warm in nature.

Four common mistakes to avoid while making jeera water

Making jeera water is not rocket science. Yet, there are a few mistakes that can ruin the experience and the effect for you:

• Don't forget to roast the jeera. It releases the essential oils and enhances the flavor. If you skip this step, you will end up with a less effective and less flavorful drink.
• Don't over-roast or burn the jeera. This can make the drink bitter and unpleasant.
• Adding too little jeera won't give you the health benefits you desire. At the same time, adding too much jeera to your water can overpower its taste.
• You can store jeera water in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. But, storing it for longer can make it stale and unfit to drink.

Join the jeera water challenge

Do you want to try jeera water but lack the motivation to take the first step? Try the Jeera Water Challenge on social media.

Try drinking jeera water every day for 30 days. Ideally, skip your tea or coffee for a glass of jeera water.

Share your experience, journey, and observations on social media platforms. Did jeera water help with weight loss? Did it reduce gas and bloating? Did it reduce belly fat? Let us know.

It can be anywhere - Instagram, Facebook, X - anywhere. Use #jeerawaterchallenge and tag us - so that we too, can be a part of your success story.

Creative ways to incorporate jeera into your diet

While jeera water is an excellent way to channel the benefits of jeera, it's certainly not the only way. Jeera has been a staple in Indian kitchens for centuries. So, there are numerous delicious ways to use it in your day-to-day diet.

• In India, people most commonly use jeera in tadka. Whether it's dal, sabzi, or even raita, a tadka of jeera in hot ghee or oil adds an irresistible aroma and flavour to it.
• Make jeera rice. This popular dish is equally delicious and easy. Just sautee jeera in ghee before adding rice. You will have a fragrant and flavourful side dish for your curry.
• Dry roast jeera and grind it into a fine powder. Sprinkle it on fruits for a tangy twist. You can also use it as a seasoning for chaats and salads.
• Make jeera aloo. This classic North Indian dish mixes the flavour of jeera with the comfort of aloo. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish.
• If you don't like jeera water, you might like jeera chai. Just add roasted jeera in hot water along with some ginger and honey for a good infusion.
• Add a pinch of roasted jeera to your regular lassi for a cooling summer drink.

Is jeera water the end-all-be-all?

With all the buzz around jeera water, it's easy to see it as a miracle drink that can end all health issues. However, it's important to stay realistic.

Jeera water, while undoubtedly beneficial, is not a magic potion. It's a healthy addition to your diet. But it's not a substitute for a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and a balanced lifestyle.

Jeera water is also not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have health issues, consult your doctor before changing your diet or routine.

The bottom line is that jeera water is not a miracle drink. However, it's a testament to the knowledge of traditional Indian cuisine. Remember, it's most effective when part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Here's to your health, to the wisdom of our traditions, and to the humble jeera. May it continue to make our lives better in more ways than one!