Cumin

In the kitchen, cumin has a strong, earthy, slightly bitter and mildly spicy flavour without heat. It is a key ingredient in curry, chili, Middle Eastern and Mexican dishes, and will add flavour and depth to meat, in particular beef and pork, vegetarian dishes, rice dishes, stews, soups, breads, pickles and barbecue sauces.

Nutritional Value of Cumin

Cumin is crammed with beneficial plant compounds for overall health and wellness including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and terpenes, in addition to calcium, iron,  phosphorous and magnesium, viitamins A, C, E and K,  plus niacin,  pyridoxine,  riboflavin,  zeaxanthin,  and small amounts of zinc, copper, and manganese.

Antibacterial Effects of Cumin

Traditionally used as a food preservative, cumin can help to kill or limit the growth of some of the harmful bacteria which gets into your body, including e-coli which causes food poisoning.

Cumin has an Anti-inflammatory Effect

Cumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to control inflammation and associated pain and prevent it from triggering other conditions

Cumin May Prevent Cancer According to studies herbs and spices are some of the most powerful natural anticarcinogens, and cumin is no exception. Research has indicated that cumin may inhibit cancerous cells from multiplying and prevent the growth of tumours, including those caused by colon, liver and stomach cancers.

Cumin Controls Cholesterol 

Several studies have indicated that cumin has hypolipidemic properties, and can positively impact cholesterol levels, helping to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides whilst simultaneously improving “good” HDL cholesterol. In one study the participants took 75 mg of cumin taken twice daily for a period of eight weeks and successfully decreased unhealthy blood triglycerides, whilst in another study the participants took cumin for over one and a half months and decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 10%. A further study of 88 women who took 3 grams of cumin with yoghurt twice a day over a three month period resulted in higher “good” HDL cholesterol  levels.

Cumin Manages Diabetes 

Cumin is also widely recognized as a hypoglycemic agent and was used as part of a herbal drug trial for diabetes in which it successfully helped the participants manage their condition.  One study found that including cumin in the daily diet can help lower urea in the blood, a compound that interferes with how the body responds to insulin. It also contains compounds which may counteract some of the long-term effects of diabetes by reducing AGEs (caused by glycation – a process where sugar molecules attach to collagen and elastin to form damaging “Advanced Glycation End-products) which are believed to be responsible for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and small blood vessels, as well as keeping blood sugar levels at reasonable amounts

Cumin Improves Digestion

Cumin has traditionally been used for the relief of indigestion and diarrhea, and research has confirmed this usage. Research has indicated that cumin can help increase the release of bile from the liver and the activity of digestive enzymes, effectively improving the speed of digestion. Studies have shown its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, reducing stomach pain, bloating, flatulence and the urgent need to go to the toilet. Other studies have demonstrated its ability to cure diarrhea. It is recommended for people with a weak or slow digestive system to drink cumin mixed with water every morning on an empty stomach. 

Cumin Prevents Food Borne Illnesses

The strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of cumin can reduce the risk of food-borne infections. During the digestion process, cumin releases a chemical compound called megalomicin which inhibits protein synthesis by targeting the bacterial ribosome and thereby helps to prevent and cure any sporadic food-borne pathogen that can otherwise cause an infection and be harmful to the digestive tract.

Cumin Aids in Weight Loss and Control

As demonstrated in several studies, cumin taken within a healthy diet can help people lose weight. One such study revealed that the participants taking cumin powder reduced their weight in addition to their body mass index (BMI), fat mass and waist circumference, whilst another found cumin to be as effective at reducing weight loss and BMI as one of the commonly used diet pills. A study confirming the benefits of cumin for those on a weight loss plan was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Cumin Boosts Memory

Cumin stimulates the central nervous system to be more effective and benefits the brain, promoting mental health, ensuring better control over your limbs, improved motor skills and a sharper memory, and may be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Cumin Treats Insomnia

Cumin contains melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, in addition to significant amounts of iron and magnesium, that help to regulate brain activity and induce sleep.

Cumin Relieves Asthma and the Common Cold

Cumin possesses potent inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and acts as an expectorant, loosening phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tract and making it easier to dispel, in addition to boosting immunity and protecting against infections.

Cumin Soothes the Skin & Treats Acne

Washing the skin with cumin water can help to calm and soothe allergies and stings, whilst the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can relieve and deter acne. 

Note: In some cultures cumin has been used to trigger a miscarriage and therefore is not recommended for expectant mothers.