Cumin seeds are tiny food-flavoring agents that have also been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Cumin seeds are native to Asia, Africa, and Europe. In Indian and African regions, cumin is a staple ingredient in the kitchen because of its appetizing smell and taste. Lots of people use white and black cumin as whole seeds or as condiments in food because they come with many health benefits. The seeds show their effects mostly on the stomach, intestine, and liver. So the health benefits of cumin seeds are mostly related to these organs. In this blog, let's learn more about cumin seed benefits in detail.
Cumin Seeds - Nutritional Information
Before we get into the health benefits of cumin seeds, let's look at their nutritional information.
NOTE: The following nutrient values are for 100 grams of cumin seeds.
Cumin Seed Advantages
Cumin comes with a host of advantages. Shall we take a look at them one by one?
1. Helps With Digestion
The seeds also speed up the digestion process by increasing the functioning of digestive enzymes. In addition, cumin increases the release of bile, which is secreted by the liver. Did you know that bile helps with the digestion of fat in your gut?
Sometimes, doctors advise patients with weak digestive systems to drink water with cumin seeds early in the morning (on an empty stomach) to help with better digestion. Many individuals with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are also advised to consume cumin. However, if you wish to add more amounts of cumin to your diet, or drink cumin water on an empty stomach, you must consult your doctor or healthcare provider first.
2. Helps With Weight Loss
3. For Healthy Skin
Your skin needs the right amount of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. It needs proper blood flow and secretion of oil to glow. It might sound surprising if we say that cumin, with regular use, can make your skin healthier and more glowing.
Here's a DIY face scrub containing cumin for you!
Face Scrub Using Cumin
Ingredients:
How to Use the Scrub?
- Mix the ingredients to form a scrub.
- Apply it all over your face. You can also use it on other parts of your body.
- Gently rub the mixture in a circular motion once a day.
By using this homemade scrub regularly, you can have smooth and glowing skin!
4. For a Healthy Brain
Cumin seed benefits include a healthy brain too! Cumin stimulates your central nervous system, which results in better memory. It also allows you to have better control over your limbs, which means it improves the coordination of your body parts.
Cumin extracts help reduce stress. The seeds contain antioxidants that can lower sudden stress or anxiety attacks. In a nutshell, cumin has all the properties essential for a healthy brain.
5. Managing Diabetes
The intake of cumin decreases the level of urea in the blood. Urea can interfere with how an individual's body responds to insulin. Animal studies also suggest that cumin can help you maintain healthy sugar levels. However, more research is necessary in this area to find out how it affects humans.
6. Control Over Cholesterol
Therefore, with cumin seeds or powder, you can have better control over your cholesterol levels.
7. Protection From Food-Borne Illnesses
Cumin seeds can naturally resist the growth of food-borne bacteria. So during digestion, your system is protected from infectious fungi or bacteria. This is the reason why cumin seeds are used for seasoning or used in foods as a condiment.
Side Effects
- If you are diabetic and taking medicines for diabetes, you should limit your cumin consumption because it may change blood sugar levels, thereby affecting your health.
- Cumin indeed carries high therapeutic values. Cumin in cooked foods or water/tea has proven results. However, we don't recommend the intake of cumin as supplement because there are no proven results, and the effects are unknown. Therefore, if you plan to take cumin in the form of supplements, consult your doctor before doing it.
Enjoy the Cumin Seed Advantages!
We hope you now understand the benefits of cumin seeds. Enjoy these advantages by consuming the seeds (or their powder) in moderation. If you are already taking cumin as part of your daily diet, it's perfectly fine. However, if you are considering including it afresh, consult your doctor or physician before doing so.
Sarah completed her Master's degree at Texas Woman's University, where she studied Psychology and Philosophy. She is fascinated by technological advancements in medicine, health, and biological sciences. As a full-time contributor at CompleteHealthNews.com, she creates credible evidence-based fitness advice and blogs about various health topics. When not writing, she enjoys meditation, reading, and finding ways of using technology to promote optimal mental, emotional, and relational health and well-being.