Tadka with hing and jeera is one of those special touches that elevate even the simplest of Indian dishes. Popular for adding a burst of tang and flavour to our regular old dal, tadka- or the practice of tempering dates back centuries, with our mothers and grandmothers figuring out this master stroke of bringing out some extra taste along with some added nutrition. But what exactly makes hing and jeera the popular choices for tempering? Indianexpress.com spoke to health experts and found out. What does Ayurveda say? According to the traditional holistic medicine system of Ayurveda, the benefits of Jeera (cumin) and Hing (asafoetida) are myriad and essential to one's well-being. "The word jeera itself comes from jeernam which means digestion, and jeera is thus used heavily for promoting gut health. Hing, which came to India from its native Afghanistan, is even more renowned for its action in promoting gut health," said Dr Biju KS, Senior Medical Officer, Vieroots. He shared that both spices are renowned for their anti-diabetic, weight loss, calming, anti-worm and microbiome-enhancing effects. "Cooking them in ghee brings out their best effects and taste, as ghee is the perfect carrier in Ayurveda," he said. And what does science say? According to G Sushma, Clinical Dietician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, both the spices are well versed for their flavour enhancement properties when added as tadka. "While hing is often used to mimic the taste of garlic and onions, making it a valuable spice in vegetarian dishes or for those who avoid these ingredients, jeera adds a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness," she said. Sushma said that hing is known for its ability to reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. It helps stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and reduces inflammation in the body. "Hing is used in traditional medicine to relieve respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Some studies suggest that cumin may help in controlling blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes," she said. According to her, jeera stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, which helps in better digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps in relieving bloating and gas. "Cumin seeds are packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. These seeds also contain iron and other nutrients that are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system," she added.
