Whole Cumin Seeds – Nutritional Facts & Advantages

The term ‘Cumin’ is from the Latin Cuminum, from the Greek term ‘Kyminon.’ cumin is famous with a variety of names in several languages, including kū míng (Chinese), jeera (Hindi), Cumino (Italian), Comino (Spanish), Cumin (French), Kamoun (Arabic), and kreuzkümmel (German). It is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, also related to parsley.

Whole cumin seeds is an annual herbaceous plant that grows to approximately 1-2 feet tall and has slender branching stems and lace-like blooms. Cumin is ready to harvest after three to four months when the blossoms have matured into seeds and have grown dry and brittle. Typically, people gather cumin seeds by hand.

It was first grown in Iran and the Mediterranean region. Cumin was first mentioned 5,000 years ago as a mummification component for Egyptian pharaohs’ bodies. Cumin was kept at the meal table in its container by the ancient Greeks. Since times immemorial, people have considered cumin to have originated in Western Asia and farmed since biblical times.

Today, India and Iran are the world’s largest producers of cumin. In addition, Argentina, Morocco, Ukraine, Egypt, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Central America, and Central Asia are known for cumins farming.

Each spice has a distinct texture, aroma, and distinct enhancing properties that bring out the best in the ingredients and make a cuisine appetising. India, known as the Spice Kingdom, has a long history of commerce and trade with the ancient civilisations of Rome and China for Cumin. Because of its aroma, texture, flavour, and medicinal value, cumin is now one of the most sought-after seeds in the world.

Nutritional Facts of Cumin

As per USDA, 100g of cumin will consist of the following nutritional properties:

Energy: 500 kcal
Carbohydrate: 50g
Calcium: 1000mg
Iron: 54mg
Protein: 0g
Total lipid fat: 0g

Potential Advantages of Cumin

It improves our memory.
It facilitates weight loss when consumed empty stomach with warm water.
It includes some essential antioxidants for the human body.
It consists of some anticancer characteristics.
It may help reduce your cholesterol.
It can help with IBS symptoms, a very prevalent issue nowadays.
It aids with blood sugar control among diabetic patients.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for you.
Cumin helps eliminate parasites and germs.
Health Benefits of Cumin

Weight Loss

Cumin may be advantageous to those attempting to reduce weight. A 2015 study involving overweight persons compared the weight loss effects of cumin to those of a weight loss medicine and a placebo. According to the study, the cumin and weight loss medication groups lost significant weight after eight weeks. The participant’s insulin levels, too, were reduced in the cumin group.

Studies show that female participants who want to lose weight should take 3 grams of cumin powder daily and have a nutritious diet. At the end of the three months, all demonstrated improvements in triglycerides, BMI, and weight.

Best Ways to Use Cumin for Weight Loss

CUMIN POWDER

Boil water in a cup, add cumin powder to it and drink it after your meals.

CUMIN SEEDS

Soak the cumin seeds in water for five to six hours, then add the seeds to boiling water and reheat for some time. You can use lemon to make the taste better. It would help if you consumed this drink on an empty stomach.

CUMIN POWDER AND YOGHURT

Add cumin powder to yoghurt and have it after your meals.

Regulates Sugar Levels

Regularly consuming cumin seeds can help you lower your blood sugar levels. Cumin increases insulin production in the body, which keeps blood glucose levels under control. Studies suggest that Crude ethanol extract from cumin seeds may be used as an alternative treatment for diabetes.

Cholesterol

The aforementioned study of overweight and obese women discovered that taking 3 g of cumin powder daily resulted in lower total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides. Those who drank the cumin powder also exhibited greater HDL levels or “good” cholesterol.

Diabetes Management

Cumin may aid in the management of diabetic symptoms and consequences. For example, one study discovered that eating cumin can help decrease urea in the blood. Urea is an organic molecule that may interfere with how your body responds to insulin. In animal experiments, experts have demonstrated that cumin powder/seeds help reduce the sugar level. However, further research is still needed.

Improves Digestive Enzymatic Activity

Some studies have demonstrated how cumin aids various digestive disorders and digestive enzymatic activities. For example, cumin extracts significantly reduced irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as stomach ache, bloating, and frequent and uncontrolled urination. In addition, people have been using cumin for a long time as a traditional medication for diarrhoea.