O cumin is a spice with an earthy and pungent flavor that is present in many dishes, especially foods from its native regions of the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. In addition, it has been used in traditional medicine.

Modern studies have confirmed that some of the health benefits of cumin are traditionally known, including promoting digestion and reducing foodborne infections (foodborne infection). Research has also revealed some new benefits of the ingredient, such as promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar control and cholesterol.

Thus, it is possible to reap the benefits of cumin by using small amounts to season food. Learn more advantages of its consumption.

Benefits of Caraway

Facilitates digestion

The most common traditional use of cumin is for indigestion. In fact, modern research has confirmed that the spice can help speed up the digestive process, as it can increase the activity of digestive enzymes. Likewise, it increases the release of bile in the liver. Bile helps digest fats and certain nutrients in the intestines.

Also read: Oregano: Learn about the spice's benefits

Cumin is a source of iron

Although used in small quantities, cumin is naturally rich in iron. One teaspoon of the powdered spice contains 1.4 mg of the nutrient, or 17.5% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Lack of iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, affecting up to 20% of the world's population and up to 10 in 1,000 people in the richest countries.

In particular, children need the mineral to support growth, while young women need it to replace blood lost during menstruation.

Contains beneficial plant compounds

Caraway contains many plant compounds that are associated with potential health benefits, including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Therefore, several of them function as antioxidants, which are chemicals that reduce damage to the body by free radicals. Thus, the antioxidants in the ingredient probably explain some of its health benefits.

Cumin fights diabetes

Some of the components of cumin have shown promise in treating diabetes. An Iranian clinical study found that a concentrated cumin supplement improved early indicators of diabetes in overweight individuals, compared to a placebo. Cumin also contains components that combat some of the long-term effects of diabetes.

May improve blood cholesterol

The spice also improved blood cholesterol in clinical studies. In one study, 75 mg of the spice taken twice a day for eight weeks lowered harmful blood triglycerides. In another study, levels of oxidized "bad" LDL cholesterol were reduced by nearly 10 percent in patients who took cumin extract for a month and a half.

Promotes weight loss

Concentrated cumin supplements have helped promote weight loss in some clinical studies. One study of 88 overweight women found that yogurt containing 3 grams of the spice promoted weight loss, compared to yogurt without it. Another study showed that participants who took 75 mg of cumin supplements every day lost 1.4 kg more than those whotook a placebo.

Also read: Best herbs for those who want to lose weight

Can prevent food-borne diseases

Many spices, including cumin, appear to have antimicrobial properties that may reduce the risk of foodborne infections. When digested, it releases a component called megalomycin, which has antibiotic properties. In addition, a test tube study has shown that it reduces resistance tomedicines of certain bacteria.

Combats inflammation

There are several components of cumin that may have anti-inflammatory effects, but researchers do not yet know which are the most important.

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