Cumin: Top 9 Health Benefit Of Cumin Seeds For Daily Diet

Cumin is a staple ingredient in various cuisines such as Indian, Mexican, and North African. Coming from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, cumin seeds add a lot of health benefits and flavor to your meal. This earthy, warm, and nutty spice is also one of the traditionally used indigestion and heartburn remedies.

Read on to know the top 9 ways adding cumin to your diet can improve your quality of life.

1. Improves blood cholesterol

According to studies, cumin has a positive impact on your cholesterol levels. One study found a 10% decrease in the level of oxidized LDL upon consumption of cumin extract [1]. Another study showed that consuming 75 mg of cumin twice a day led to a decrease in unhealthy triglycerides [2]. 

Additional Read:  Best Foods and Diet to Lower Cholesterol

2. Helps manage diabetes

Cumin has certain components that help tackle the long-term effect of diabetes. One of the harmful effects of diabetes are the advanced glycation end-products or AGEs that harm your cells. AGEs affect your kidneys, eyes, small blood vessels, and nerves. In test-tube studies, several components of cumin seeds helped reduce AGEs [3].

3. Helps in weight loss and fat reduction

Cumin is also beneficial for those who are trying to manage their weight. Consuming 3 grams of cumin powder with yogurt every day leads to significant decrease in body fat, weight, and waist size [10]. Another study concluded that along with weight loss, cumin also led to decreased levels of insulin. This may also help prevent weight gain and other health conditions.

4. Promotes digestive health

Cumin has been used as a constipation home remedy and also one of the popular heartburn remedies for generations. It helps boost digestive enzyme activity, thereby increasing your digestion speed [4]. Cumin also helps in boosting bile release from your liver. This helps in digestion of certain nutrients and fats in your gut. 

5. Helps fight food infections

Cumin seeds have antimicrobial properties that help reduce your risk of a food infection. Several of its components lower the growth of food bacteria and infectious fungi [5]. Upon digestion, cumin also releases megalomicin, which has antibiotic properties. Other than this, cumin may also help reduce drug resistance for some bacteria [6].

6. Aids the fight against drug dependence

Narcotic or drug dependence is a growing concern globally. As per a study, cumin components may help reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as addictive behavior [7]. More research is needed to understand its effect in this regard. 

7. Helps reduce inflammation

The active components of cumin seeds have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. This helps in countering the effects of inflammation that may trigger another condition. Apart from this, the plant compounds also help reduce the levels of NF-kappaB, an inflammation marker [8].

8. Boosts memory

One other way cumin helps your body is by helping your central nervous system be more effective. This leads to a sharper mind, better memory, and better control over your limbs. As a result of its effect on the central nervous system, cumin may also aid in treating Parkinson’s.

9. Reduces stress

Cumin is an antioxidant and may help your body fight the effects of stress. In a study, consuming cumin extract before stressful activity led to lower stress response [9]. The study also suggests that cumin as an antioxidant may be more effective than vitamin C. Stress with exhaustion may also lead to an increase in acid reflux, resulting in acidity. Cumin also makes for one of the best acidity natural remedies. 

Additional Read: Effects of Stress on Your Body

One other type of cumin is Nigella sativa. These are known as black cumin seeds and have similar benefits. The difference between these two types is that black cumin seeds are bitter and usually used whole. In contrast, cumin seeds have earthy flavors and are consumed as powder. 

Be wary of the following side effects of excessive or incorrect consumption of cumin seeds:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Mental fog
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Reduced fertility for men
• Miscarriage

If you are planning to take cumin supplements, talk to your doctor to get the best advice. You can book an in-clinic or doctor online in seconds on Bajaj Finserv Health. This way you will be able to talk to the best doctors and nutritionists and stay healthy. You can also choose from various test packages to put your health worries at ease. Take proactive measures for your health and start leading a healthier life!