Cumin has long been held since antiquity as an essential in the kitchen, and as a natural medicine! Its iconic flavor profile makes it a staple in Indian, Chinese, and Middle-Eastern cuisine, and when I smell cumin I immediately think of making homemade taco seasoning as it’s a main component in most chili powders!
Cumin can be found in most spice sections in stores in either seed form, which if you have a mortar and pestle handy could extend its shelf life, and in powdered form which is most common. Let us garner a new found appreciation for the health prowess of cumin which has stood the test of time for centuries with these 8 KEY health benefits!
- Cumin works wonders for your digestion!
This is the “bread and butter” so to speak of the health benefits of cumin! Notice the next time you smell cumin if you start salivating. No, it isn’t the memory of the last chili you made, it is actually a compound called Cuminaldehyde that gives cumin that yummy smell!
The smell henceforward activates your salivary glands promoting proper digestion! In the stomach, thymol, another compound found in cumin, stimulates the glands that produce enzymes, stomach acids, and bile for the ultimate digestive experience! This is also why cumin has been used to settle stomachs since times of old!
- Cumin is an excellent source of iron!
Iron is the mineral that is in the most abundance in respect to cumin (approximately 66 milligrams in every 100 grams) , for this reason it has proven beneficial to women who lose a lot of iron during menstruation through menses.
Iron is also the main component of hemoglobin , the part of blood that brings oxygen to all parts of your body, and when a person is lacking in this they are considered anemic. Therefore, those affected by anemia can actually use cumin to avoid symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, etc.
- Cumin improves your mental fortitude!
Due to the iron in cumin encouraging the production of hemoglobin, you are essentially also getting more oxygen to your brain! A regular healthy oxygenation to the brain is a great measure in the prevention of cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimers.
- Cumin can help you sleep!
Although cumin seems like it is encouraging a lot to go on in your body internally, studies show that a settled stomach via proper digestion (which cumin encourages) is the best way for a sound night’s sleep.
Cumin essential oil has been said to have “tranquil” effects which help to alleviate feelings of anxiety or stress making it a possible natural cure for insomnia in that respect. Perhaps because it helps you to absorb B complex vitamins better which is often another contributing factor to a good nights sleep.
- Cumin may help you get over the common cold faster!
Thought of as an old-wives remedy, cumin has actually shown to possess qualities that would aid in fighting off a viral infection otherwise known as the common cold! The essential oils, and presence of caffeine in cumin act as an expectorant which can loosen mucus in the throat and lungs!
Try mixing cumin into a mug of warm water as a drink that not only keeps you hydrated when you’re feeling the blues, but also to take advantage of that cumin science!
- Cumin can help you clear up your skin!
Since cumin encourages your body to increase its production of various secretions, glandular and otherwise, it can be thought of as a detoxifier as it will also encourage those with boils, and acne to secrete more.
Though this sounds vaguely nauseating, it’s essentially your body’s way of trying to remove toxic substances that have built up under your skin. Those who have a lot of cumin in their diet notice significantly less serious breakouts around their body over a period of time!
- Cumin may help prevent cancer!
Cumin has shown in one study of preventing lab animals from developing cancerous stomach and liver tumors! This doesn’t come as a surprise when taken into account that cumin is a superstar in the digestive system, and has been shown to enhance the livers enzymes that are meant for detoxing!
Of course cumin also is able to bust up free radicals, and promote vitamin absorption, as it’s also a source for Vitamin C and A. With that combination it bolsters immunity, making it a contender for great feats in preventive cancer research!
- Cumin is a great source of Calcium!
Lactating mothers have often looked towards cumin as it encourages glands to secrete more (in this case the glands of interest being the mammary glands). Furthermore, calcium, a big component of milk is quite prevalent in cumin! Specifically approximately 900milligrams per 100 grams which is 90% of the daily value!
Cumin is certainly an old favorite, and definitely one that shouldn’t be going away anytime soon! Why not Spice up your life with cumin! Your digestive system will certainly thank you!
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