Cumin is a spice commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines. It comes from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant and has a warm, earthy taste with a slightly nutty undertone. It is also called Jeera in the local languages of Asian regions. Besides its culinary uses, cumin also offers numerous health advantages.
Nutrition
Cumin is a terrific source of:
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Iron
Nutrients per Serving
1 teaspoon of cumin includes:
- Calories: 8
- Protein: zero grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: zero grams
Health Benefits
1. Weight loss
Cumin can be helpful for humans looking to control their body weight. A 2015 observation regarding adults with overweight compared the weight loss effects of cumin with those of a weight reduction medicine and a placebo.
After 8 weeks, the researchers observed that both the cumin and the weight loss remedy organizations lost large quantities of weight. People in the cumin group also experienced a lower insulin level.
Another study from 2014 discovered that women who were obese and consumed up to three grams (g) of cumin powder in yogurt each day for three months had sizable decreases in body weight, waist length, and body fat.
Talk to your doctor and learn healthy ways to add cumin to your diet.
2. Promotes Digestion
Cumin is one of the most gut-pleasing herbs and promotes pancreatic enzymes, assisting in digestion. Cumin seeds contain thymol and critical oils that stimulate the salivary gland, thereby easing digestion. People with weak digestive systems are advised to drink jeera water early in the morning on an empty stomach for better digestion and to lower flatulence.
Cumin is also carminative, i.e., it relieves flatulence and thereby improves digestion and appetite. The presence of crucial oils, magnesium, and sodium content material offers a remedy for belly aches when taken with hot water.
3. Treats Hemorrhoids
Cumin is a rich source of dietary fiber and has recognized carminative, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. The vital oils cumin aldehyde and pyrazines in jeera act as herbal laxatives, aid in curing infections or wounds inside the excretory system, and relieve hemorrhoids.
4. Lowers Risk of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
While there are numerous considerations in treating anemia, one method to consider is including iron-rich foods in your food plan.
Cumin is an iron-rich natural ingredient, so it’ll increase the iron potency of your diet. One teaspoon of ground cumin contains 1.4 milligrams of iron. Hence, cumin is a top-notch supply of iron, even if utilized in small quantities as a seasoning.
5. Antibacterial and Antiviral
Cumin seeds are an excellent way to stay healthy and sturdy during the common cold and flu season. So whenever you need to treat a cold, take into account a nourishing recipe infused with a little cumin in your cold and flu protocol.
Cumin seeds are tested against a few common strains of bacteria and viruses.
6. Stress
Cumin may additionally play a role in helping the body manage stress. A study on rats checked out the effects of cumin extract on signs of stress.
When the animals acquired cumin extract before a stressful activity, their bodies had a substantially decreased stress reaction compared to when they did not receive the extract.
Cumin may also help reduce the effects of stress by acting as an antioxidant.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A small pilot study from 2013 checked out the results of consuming cumin vital oil drops on the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
After 4 weeks, study contributors stated enhancements in many signs including belly pain and bloating.
At the end of the study, those with IBS who had particularly experienced constipation had frequent bowel movements. Those who had especially experienced diarrhea as a symptom had fewer bowel movements.
8. Diabetes
It is a superfood that helps maintain healthy blood sugar. So you can both treat and prevent yourself from type 2 diabetes.
In one study, a group of 95 diabetic patients was divided into three groups. The first group was given cumin essential oil in tablet form, the second one was given vitamin E, and the last one received a placebo every day.
By the end of three months, the participants who took cumin vital oil daily confirmed a decrease in blood glucose levels (blood sugar tiers), as well as a reduction in diabetic complications.
9. Treats Insomnia
The essential oils in cumin are hypnotic and have tranquilizing effects, which ease pressure and tension that usually cause insomnia. Moreover, jeera carries melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, as well as significant amounts of iron and magnesium, which are all important for regulating mental activity and conveniently inducing sleep.
How to Add Cumin to Your Meals
To integrate cumin into your food, you may try the following techniques:
- Ground cumin: Use ground cumin as a spice to season meat, poultry, or vegetables. It may be added to marinades, rubs, or sprinkled onto dishes at once.
- Whole cumin seeds: Toast whole cumin seeds in a dry skillet to release their taste.
- Cumin tea: Boil some cumin seeds in warm water for a few minutes. It would make a flavorful and fragrant tea. You can have it as it is or combine it with other herbs or spices.
Conclusion
Cumin has many evidence-based health benefits. Some of those have been recognized since ancient times, while others are only just being discovered. Using cumin as a spice increases antioxidant consumption, promotes digestion, provides iron, improves blood sugar management, and reduces food-borne ailments.
Talk to your health practitioner to learn more about cumin’s benefits for you.
FAQs
1. Is cumin used for medicinal purposes?
Traditional uses of cumin include lessening irritation, stimulating urination, preventing gas, and suppressing muscle spasms. It has additionally been used as a resource for indigestion, jaundice, diarrhea, and flatulence.
2. Is cumin desirable for the immune system?
Cumin seeds are good for the immune system. These also help combat certain forms of bacterial and fungal infections. Animal research has also suggested that cumin help prevent a few kinds of cancer.
3. Can an excessive amount of cumin be harmful?
The oil present in cumin seeds is highly volatile and can subsequently cause liver and kidney damage. This is induced specifically by eating extra quantities of the seeds.