What are Cumin Seeds?

Cumin is one of the most mentioned spices. Cumin is mainly used as a spice in the most household all over the world. It is a popular spice in most food cultures. You may have used ingredients that contain cumin without knowing.

Cumin is a common plant. It is scientifically known and called ‘Cuminucum cymnium.’ Cumin seeds are usually farmed by hand. They are usually small and in a boat-shaped form. They are various forms and colors of cumin.

The common and popular one is the brownish-yellow color. Other colors are black, green, and white.

Cumin is used and known in two different forms; dried seeds or in powdered form. These two forms are common in African, Indian, and Asia cuisines. It is an essential ingredient in curry powder, mostly used in Nigerian cuisine.

Uses of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are used in India for soft drinks, candies, e.t.c. Cumin seeds are widely used to flavor chicken, meat, and fish.

Cumin seeds contain vitamins such as E, C, A, B-6, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

It also flaunts minerals such as zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. One teaspoon of cumin seed contains 1% Vitamin A, 0% Vitamin 2, 2% Calcium, 8% Iron, 1% Thiamin, 2% Magnesium, 1% Phosphorus, 1% Zinc, 1% Copper.

Cumin seeds also contain oils that are beneficial to health. These oils include; pyrazines, cumin aldehyde, 2-methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine, 2-ethoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine, 2-methoxy-3-sec-butylpyrazine.

Health Benefits of Cumin Seeds

Improves Digestion

Cumin seeds are effective in helping digestion and curing digestive problems. Cumin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium and calcium, which ensures digestion and cure digestive problems.

When you consume cumin, your liver releases more bile. The bile aids your digestion of fats and other nutrients. It helps boost digestive enzyme activity by aiding digestion.

Research reveals that cumin seeds and extracts are essential in curing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as constipation, nausea, cramp, diarrhea, and bloating.

Studies also reveal that the aroma of cumin activates the salivary glands in the mouth, which causes digestion. Cumin also contains thymol. Thymol energizes the glands that secrete the acids and enzymes necessary for the stomach and intestines to digest food fully.

A study was carried out on patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 57 patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) consumed cumin for two weeks. After two weeks, it was discovered that they had reduced symptoms.

Diabetes Management

Diabetes causes harm to the body cells through Advanced glycation end products(AGEs). Persistent high sugar levels produce them.   When the sugar attaches to the body’s proteins, AGEs are created. AGEs cause harm to the eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels. Cumin seeds contain a component that helps to reduce AGEs.

Most traditional medicine practitioners recommend cumin for treating diabetes. Cumin contains flavonoids which help to ameliorate the risk of diabetes.

Components in cumin may potentially work to counteract diabetes’ long-term consequences. Diabetes has an impact on body cells through something called advanced glycation end products. These substances are naturally created in the bloodstream when blood sugar levels in the body remain elevated for an extended time. These advanced glycation end products harm the blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves.

Studies reveal that including cumin seeds in your diet helps regulate your sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.

Helps to Lower Cholesterol

Cumin contains hypolipidemic, which helps control high cholesterol levels in the body. It also helps to maintain a good heart. Research shows that consuming 3g of cumin powder daily can control your cholesterol level.

According to a study, individuals who include cumin extract in their regular diet for almost two months will see a 10% reduction in their bad cholesterol levels.

Research also shows that combined yogurt and cumin powder can improve the body’s “good” cholesterol levels.

According to a 2014 study involving 88 obese women, those who consumed yogurt with 3 grams of cumin twice daily for three months had greater levels of beneficial cholesterol than those who consumed yogurt plain.

Reduces the Risk of Anaemia

If your body doesn’t have enough iron, you have anemia. Anemia is known as iron deficiency. It affects up to 20% of the global population. Anemia can eventually cause weakness, exhaustion, or breathlessness. A diet lacking iron is the main e of anemia.

Cumin is a naturally high-iron food that will boost the amount of iron in your diet. 1.4 milligrams of iron are present in one teaspoon of ground cumin. Iron is important for children’s growth and young women’s replacement of blood lost during menstruation.

Cumin contains more iron than most meals. Even when you use it as a condiment, cumin is a fantastic additional source of iron.

Weight Loss

If you’ve ever thought of shedding some weight, the best way to go is to get a cumin seed. Cumin contains thymoquinone, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and helps in weight loss.

Thymoquinone also helps your body get rid of pollutants. It also ensures your blood sugar remains steady. Cumin seed is very much effective for weight loss.

A study done in 2015 involved adults overweight who consumed cumin. After 8 weeks, it was discovered that they lost signify an amount of weight and also experienced a decrease in their insulin levels.

Studies reveal that taking cumin powder helps to reduce weight, body fat mass, body fat index, and waist circumference.

Helps Lactation

Cumin seeds are beneficial to lactating or nursing mothers. Cumin contains calcium. The calcium content of cumin is astounding and may make up a significant portion of our daily calcium needs.

Milk is a flawless source of calcium, making it beneficial for breastfeeding women. Cumin also contains thymol which helps to relax and boost milk secretion in nursing women.

Relieves Respiratory Disorders

Cumin seeds help to relieve respiratory disorders. Cumin contains caffeine, the perfect anti-congestive remedy for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

It also functions as an expectorant which will aid in loosening up the mucus and phlegm built up in respiratory tracts. It makes removing them from the body easier via sneezing, coughing, and spitting. Removing the mucus and phlegm can help to bring healing.

Cumin helps treat asthma, chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and other lung issues.

Improve Cognitive Performance

Consuming cumin seeds or extracts daily helps your central nervous system become more active and stimulated. It also helps to enhance its functionality.

Studies reveal that cumin extracts help to sharpen older people’s memory. So, if you have older people, you can include cumin extracts to help them remember things.

Helps to Manage Stress

Cumin helps to manage and handle stress properly. A study was done on rats to examine the effects of cumin extract on stress. When the animals received the cumin extract just before their stressful activity, they also showed a lower stress response than when they didn’t take the cumin extract.

Relieves Inflammation

Research shows that cumin extracts contain anti-inflammatory qualities, which help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is widely known to be the cause of chronic diseases.

Cumin seeds contain plant compounds that help to eliminate inflammation markers like NF- kappaB.

Helps to Prevent Bacteria

Cumin contains carvacrol and thymol, which guard against bacterial infection. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial, and potential disinfecting qualities, which help to prevent infections.

Research shows that cumin releases megalomania. Megaclomicin is an anti-prevents property.

Help in Skincare

Cumin contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help to keep your skin from several blemishes.

Cumin helps you maintain spotless skin. Cumin contains vitamin E, which helps to prevent skin problems such as wrinkles, spots, and sagging skin.

Cumin is the perfect cure for acne, dark spots, boils, and enzymes. It protects and prevents your skin from being anti-fungal. Cumin contains essential oils that keep your skin glowing.

Help Boost Immunity

Cumin seeds or cumin extract help to strengthen your immune system.

A strong immune system is really very important and effective in fighting diseases. Cumin contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and iron which help to strengthen your immune system.

Cancer Prevention

Cumin helps to prevent and also protect against cancer. Cumin contains chemoprotective properties, which help to repress tumor cells from increasing.

The essential oils, thymoquinone, and protein in cumin help the body fight against cancer.

Conclusion

The importance of cumin seeds can never be overemphasized. It helps in cuisine to add flavor to your soup and make your food tasty. It also helps cure and prevent several diseases such as asthma, indigestion, coughing, cramps, cancer, e.t.c.

It also helps you manage stress, maintain your weight, and maintain good skin. Cumin seed, the powdered form of cumin extract, should be found in every household. You should always have one just for your good.