When, why and how you should soak jeera, ajwain, methi seeds before consuming

From methi (fenugreek) to jeera (cumin) and ajwain (carrom), soak seeds in lukewarm warm before consuming, but in moderation, for health benefits. But know your body constitution first before ingesting respective seeds.

Feeling fat and constipated? Losing sleep over flatulence? Hobbling on that weight loss trip? Take heart. Sip and soak up the goodness of carrom, cumin, fenugreek seeds, after they have meditated in water overnight, to take care of acidity issues and heart burn. If you are confused about what to have when, and how, read on.

Empty toss

You need to have ajwain (carrom seeds) soaked in water overnight, as your first ingestion in the morning. Says Vedika Premnani, clinical dietitian, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, “The consumption works best when this preparation is taken lukewarm, on an empty stomach. Ajwain exerts a thermogenic effect, having a warm effect on the body, hence it is ideally beneficial for the winter season. Also, warm ajwain-water exerts maximum benefits since its infusion is better and absorbed faster, than in cold water.”

By consuming such infused water on an empty stomach, you are providing your digestive system with a clean slate. “This means that the vitamins and minerals present in the infused fruits or vegetables can be readily absorbed by your body without any interference from other food molecules,” says Riya Desai, senior dietitian, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, Mumbai. “Additionally, having it first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, leading to increased energy levels and better digestion throughout the day.”

Midwives, and our grandmothers and mothers often recommended ajwain water intake post-delivery. For a few weeks after having a baby, the lactating mothers are advised to glug only ajwain water to replenish their bodily fluids. “Ajwain or carrom seeds are rich sources of galactagogues,” explains Premnani. “They help in breast milk production and are best consumed in the form of infused water.”

One touch too much

“When you consume ajwain-water first thing in the morning, keep in mind that the quantity of seeds you toss in must be monitored. Remember that anything in excess can harm you,” says Desai. “Ajwain can also be helpful in relieving cold and cough symptoms. You can easily release a blocked nose just by inhaling the aroma of the ajwain seeds after roasting them or simply chewing the ajwain seeds in the morning and gulping it with warm water. This betters your digestion, fobs off cold and cough, and spurs weight loss.”

Whether it is flatulence, or colicky pain that is a regular with your pesky tummy issues, a pinch of ajwain swirled in warm water overnight and consumed when you wake up, works wonders. “It is recommended to soak at least 1tsp of seeds in one glass of water and consume to obtain some benefits,” adds Premnani.

CHOOSING YOUR FIRST LOVE

Is it cool or uncool to have methi-water, jeera-water, ajwain-water; or all three every day? “All the seeds have different nutritional benefits, it is advisable to have a variety of all spices in moderate quantity,” advises Premnani. Take your pick in keeping with your own understanding of what agrees with you. “Ajwain is great for digestion and aids in reliving cold and cough. Jeera has a cooling effect on the body and it helps acclimatise to high temperatures. Perfect for summer. Methi seeds are great for glycemic control, helpful for the diabetics; methi-water aids the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and provides antimicrobial effects,” she explains.

When and how

Ajwain water can be consumed at a different time in a day depending on the reason of consumption. “If constipation is an issue, and you face consequent indigestion, a glass of warm ajwain water on an empty stomach in the morning can help reducing the symptoms and pain, in any,” suggests Desai. “Carrom seeds are rich in various essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, which alleviate digestive issues and boost overall immunity. In case you feel bloated at any other time of the day, you can easily consume a glass of warm ajwain water then as well. If you wish, ajwain water can be consumed even at room temperature. It is not necessary to have it warm. You must soak the seeds at night, and consume it in the morning or boil and cool it and consume it at room temperature. Based on Ayurveda references, ajwain does have a warming effect and hence if one has a warm body constituency (pitta), then it must be taken in moderation and under proper medical advice.”

You can maximise on the punch, by soaking the tiny genies in a copper glass. “Research shows that copper a potent antioxidant, helps in production of collagen and maintains healthy skin. It has shown to promote heart health and may help in the regulation of the thyroid hormones in the body,” says Premnani. The antimicrobial properties of copper purify the water, but exercise caution as copper is fast-reactive in presence of warm water and its toxicity can lead to liver and kidney damage.

Consistency in morning consumption leads to maximum benefits. “Those above 10 years can have ajwain-, jeera-, or methi-infused water,” says Riya. “Even pregnant women can have it but only after consulting the expert, and in the specified quantity. It is recommended to drink jeera, ajwain, methi water on an empty stomach every morning for at least two-three months to witness noticeable results. This time frame allows the body to adapt and absorb the nutrients present in these seeds effectively. Some may experience quicker improvements while others may take longer due to varying metabolism rates and overall health conditions.”