Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant.

Cumin lends its distinctive flavor to various Indian curries. Its flavor has been described as earthy, nutty, spicy and warm.

Modern studies have confirmed some of the health benefits cumin is traditionally known for, including promoting digestion and reducing food-borne infections.

Research has revealed some new benefits, such as promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar control and cholesterol.

Health Benefits of Cumin

1. Promotes Digestion – Cumin increase the activity of digestive enzymes, potentially speeding up digestion. Cumin also increases the release of bile from the liver. Bile helps digest fats and certain nutrients in your gut.

2. Rich Source of Iron – Cumin seeds are naturally rich in iron. One teaspoon of ground cumin contains 1.4 mg of iron, or 17.5% of the RDI for adults

3. Contains Beneficial Plant Compounds – Cumin contains lots of plant compounds that are linked with potential health benefits, including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Several of these function as antioxidants i.e. chemicals that reduce damage to your body from free radicals.

4. May help with Diabetes –  Some of cumin’s components have shown promise helping to treat diabetes. Clinical study showed a concentrated cumin supplement improved early indicators of diabetes in overweight individuals, compared to a placebo. Cumin also contains components that counter some of the long-term effects of diabetes. One of the ways diabetes harms cells in the body is through advanced glycation end products. They’re produced spontaneously in the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are high over long periods of time, as they are in diabetes. AGEs are created when sugars attach to proteins and disrupt their normal function. AGEs are likely responsible for damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves and small blood vessels in diabetes.

5. May Improve Blood Cholesterol –  Cumin has also improved blood cholesterol in clinical studies.