Kitchen Herbs and Medicinal Uses - Cumin

Cumin is a spice that is used in many foods in the Mediterranean and Asia.  Cumin has distinctive flavor which makes dishes like chili, tamales, and Indian curries yummy. Some describe the flavor of Cumin as earthy, nutty, spicy, and warm. Most importantly, Cumin has been identified as having a use in traditional medicine. Studies show Cumin aids with digestion plus reduce food-borne infections. In digestion, Cumin revs up normal digestion. This increase activity affects the digestive enzymes responsible for digestion. Cumin also releases bile from the liver which aids digestion of fats and certain nutrients. Supplementation with Cumin has shown to encourage weight loss. Studies show consuming 75mg of Cumin daily can cause a 3 pound weight loss per week.

In blood, those with iron deficiency, can supplement their diet by consuming  Cumin. One teaspoon of ground cumin contains 1.4 mg of iron. Cumin also improves blood sugar control and cholesterol and promotes weight loss. Cumin has components that can counter effects of diabetes. Study showed concentrated Cumin supplement improved early indicators for diabetes in overweight persons. So adding Cumin routinely as a seasoning may help control blood sugar in diabetes.

Cumin also has plant compounds which function as antioxidants which reduce damage to your body. Oxidation of fatty acids, lead to clogged arteries which leads to heart disease. This oxidation also causing inflammation leading to diabetes and DNA damage contribute to cancer.