Cumin, or Cuminum cyminum L as it is also known in Latin, is a low growing leafy plant found in India, the Middle East, China and Mediterranean region. More so, cumin seeds are referring to the fruit of the plant, but this plant is best known globally as a spice.
Researchers have been focusing on the potential health benefits of cumin. Some of the research has indicated that cumin could benefit our immune system, circulation and digestion system.
The benefits of cumin
Cumin offers some important benefits, ranging from a good source of antioxidants to boosting memory.
1 Good source of antioxidants
The seeds of cumin contains substances, called apigenin and luteolin, which work as antioxidants. These substances keep cells healthy by keeping the small free radicals away. The results are that antioxidants make you feel healthier and more energetic. Another thing that antioxidants to is to keep our skins from aging faster than it should.
2 Prevents anemia
As stated above, cumin is very rich in iron (more than 66 mg. in every 100 grams) which is more than 5 times the daily requirement of iron for an adult. This iron is the main constituent of hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles. It is hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen (as the oxide of iron) to the body cells and whose deficiency causes anemia. Therefore, cumin can be a nutritious additive to your daily diet for anemic people and avoid the symptoms of anemia like fatigue, anxiety, cognitive malfunction, and digestive issues.
3 The anticancer properties that cumin could offer
Researchers have found that cumin could aids to keep cancer cells from multiplying. More so, research has shown that cumin is one of the most powerful anticarcinogen plants.
4 Cumin could help to treat diarrhea
For centuries, cumin has been used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.
5 Cumin could control blood sugar
People with diabetes could benefit by using cumin to manage their condition. This since cumin oil is a hypoglycemic agent.
6 Improves digestion
The presence of thymol and other essential oils in cumin seeds stimulate the salivary glands thereby helping in the digestion of food. Apart from this, it strengthens a sluggish digestive system. Hence, if you do suffer from indigestion try drinking some jeera (cumin) tea.
7 Skin care benefits of cumin
Almost everyone knows that vitamin-E is good for the maintenance of skin and the prevention of premature aging symptoms. It keeps the skin young and glowing. This vitamin is also present in abundance in cumin. The essential oils present in cumin have disinfectant and antifungal properties. This prevents any microbial and fungal infection from affecting the skin. Not all skin issues are disorders or infections, some of them are simply signs of aging. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in this regard and combats the free radicals that attack the skin and result in signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. This, combined with the antibacterial capacity of cumin, makes for healthy, beautiful skin that lasts far into your old age.
8 Cumin could fight off parasites and bacteria
Cumin seeds, or more specific the oil extract its an effective larvicide and antiseptic agent. More so, the oil extract can even kill bacteria strains that are resistant to other antiseptics, which means it, could help to protect our immune systems. It is also therefore why cumin have been used for centuries as a food preservative.
9 Cumin has anti-inflammatory properties
It is not the essential oil of cumin, but the actual cumin seeds that has been found to offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Adding cumin seeds into the diet could help to reduce pain, but also anti-inflammatory effects.
10 Cumin could lower cholesterol levels
Cumin is considered to have hypolipidemic properties. A hypolipidemic is a substance that helps your body control high levels of fats that hurt your heart and cholesterol levels
11 Cumin helps with weight loss
Several group studies have looked into ways cumin can help you lose weight. More research is needed, but results of these studies is promising. Overweight women that were given cumin powder and ate a healthy diet showed improvement in their weight and vital statistics. Another study showed that a mixed population of overweight men and women saw improvement in their weight equal to taking a popular diet pill.
12 Cumin improves symptoms of IBS
Studies have found that cumin extract could be used to treat cramps, digestive spasms, nausea, and bloating, which are all associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
13 Cumin could boosts memory
Cumin can help your body by stimulating your central nervous system to be more effective. This can result in a sharper memory and greater control over your limbs. Cumin might even be able to help treat Parkinson’s disease because of its contribution to the body’s central nervous system function.
Risks and side effects of taking cumin
Cumin is considered to be highly safe and generally nontoxic, even in larger doses. But there are some side effects to be aware of if you would like to use it. The typical dose of cumin as an herbal supplement is 300 to 600 milligrams daily.
Researchers have found evidence that cumin suppresses testosterone levels, which means it could make men less fertile if they are taking it. Cumin has been used by some cultures as a substance to trigger miscarriage, so women that are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should keep that in mind.
The bottom line about cumin
For all of its proven benefits, cumin has very few contradictions or risk factors. In addition to the benefits that are established by current literature, even more benefits of cumin may soon become apparent. Improving blood quality, bone density, and sperm count are just some of the areas in which researchers have done animal studies that seem to show cumin is a valuable supplement.
Always consult with your doctor before embarking on a new herbal supplement routine. Make sure to follow the dosing instructions on any commercial cumin products that you buy.
