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By VERONICA KIRIGO
Frequently, many Kenyans find themselves bogged down by work related pressure, leaving little time to have a proper meal.
The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in most pocket-friendly hotels, the food varieties are limited and so is the eating space.
This leads to many Kenyans eating junk food, under stress and in a hurry, thus the problem of indigestion.
Indigestion is a feeling of uncomfortable pressure in the tummy, constipation and gas.
Poor indigestion has also been known to cause abdominal cramping, chronic fatigue, premature ageing, joint and muscle pain, arthritis and nausea.
The most ideal way to avoid indigestion is eating healthy foods in order to promote digestion, regular workouts as well as avoiding stress.
One of the scientifically proven ways of keeping away indigestion is consuming cumin seeds.
Cumin is the dried fruit of a small aromatic astringent herb native to Egypt.
In Kenya, cumin seeds are a common spice mostly used as food flavour.
This peppery flavoured, oblong shaped yellow spice contains two digestive organic compounds called cuminaldehyde and thymol, which are essential in digestion.
These compounds found in cumin seeds help in stimulating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation.
The cuminaldehyde, characterised by the aromatic smell, activates the salivary glands in the mouth, thereby facilitating the primary digestion of the food, while thymol’s stimulating properties help trigger the glands to secrete acids, bile and enzymes responsible for complete digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines.
At the same time, cumin has a carminative effect that relieves you from gas troubles, leading to improved digestion and appetite.
The essential oils, magnesium and sodium content also promote digestion thus soothing a stomachache.
Another indigestion problem that most people experience is the formation of piles — swellings that develop on the lining of the anus and lower rectum due to infections and constipation.
Cumin’s dietary fibre content, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties act as a natural laxative and relieve infections in the digestive and excretory system.
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