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What Are the Benefits of Cumin?

Lumara Lee
Lumara Lee

The benefits of cumin, or cuminum cyminum, have been known for many years. One of the most popular spices in the world, cumin is commonly used to flavor curry, soup, and chili dishes. It has also been used as an herbal remedy to treat various maladies in humans and pets. Cumin seeds contain the flavor and medicinal properties that make it both a valuable spice and a natural medicine.

Cumin has a strong aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The culinary benefits of cumin have made it popular in Middle Eastern and Mexican dishes. Cumin can also be used to complement the flavor of meat, vegetables, bread, cheese, and fruit, and is a common pickling spice. It was a staple on the tables of the ancient Greeks alongside pepper and salt.

Ground cumin.
Ground cumin.

The healing benefits of cumin have been recognized in Asia for ages, and it is still used by many around the world as a natural remedy today. Drinking tea made by boiling the leaves in water settles the stomach. Cumin tea relieves various digestive upsets, including diarrhea, bloating, gas, indigestion, and nausea. It is also good for easing the symptoms of morning sickness.

This aromatic seed can provide relief for respiratory problems. It is effective in the treatment of asthma, colds, and bronchitis. Cumin can ease fever and a sore throat, and helps dissolve phlegm in the lungs.

Cumin can provide relief for a sore throat.
Cumin can provide relief for a sore throat.

It has a high iron content and is used to treat anemia. Some alternative health practitioners recommend cumin to both pregnant and menstruating women to ensure that these women receive an adequate amount of iron. Cumin is also helpful for lactating mothers because it contains high amounts of calcium in addition to constituents that can help increase their volume of breast milk.

The benefits of cumin for health aren’t limited to its iron and calcium content. Cumin seeds contain antioxidants, essential oils, and magnesium. They are also a good source of vitamins E, A, and C.

Cumin tea may relieve gas and bloating.
Cumin tea may relieve gas and bloating.

Cumin has disinfectant and antimicrobial properties that make it an effective treatment for boils, fungal infections, and other skin disorders. It has been used successfully to treat insomnia, and many believe its antioxidant component and ability to detoxify can help fight cancer. The flavor and healing benefits of cumin make it a valuable spice for any kitchen. A savvy cook can use it to spice up delicious foods and provide a nutritious herbal supplement at the same time.

Discussion Comments

anon342735

It is also used prominently in ayurvedic and South Asian cuisine.

Moldova

@Sunshine31 - I love cinnamon and I usually put a little bit of it in my coffee. I know that health benefits of cumin powder are similar to the ginger benefits. Ginger is supposed to cure nausea and an upset stomach, and it also helps your immune system.

I always try to eat it with my California Rolls and it offers a nice tangy taste to the food. I also heard that onions lower your risk of cancer and that green tea acts as a disinfectant and can cure bad breath among other things. Green tea also accelerates your metabolism and helps you burn more fat. I may have to switch to green tea instead of drinking coffee because I could lose a few pounds.

sunshine31

Wow, I didn’t know that the health benefits of cumin powder were so vast. I use cumin in my black beans and it really gives it an awesome taste. I will have to use it more often on other foods. I think that it is amazing how powerful these spices are. For example, I know that the cinnamon health benefits are also pretty extensive.

I read that cinnamon helps to regulate your blood sugar and it also cuts out cravings for sweets. I also read that other cinnamon health benefits include reducing arthritis inflammation and slowing the growth of cancer cells for leukemia patients. It also aids in curing yeast infections and has iron, calcium and fiber. I think that is pretty amazing for a little spice like that.

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    • Ground cumin.
      By: marylooo
      Ground cumin.
    • Cumin can provide relief for a sore throat.
      By: absolutimages
      Cumin can provide relief for a sore throat.
    • Cumin tea may relieve gas and bloating.
      By: michaeljung
      Cumin tea may relieve gas and bloating.
    • Cumin taken during menstruation can help ensure that women get adequate amounts of iron.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Cumin taken during menstruation can help ensure that women get adequate amounts of iron.
    • Cumin can help ease a fever and any throat discomfort.
      By: MarcoBagnoli Elflaco
      Cumin can help ease a fever and any throat discomfort.
    • Cumin is said to be an effective cold treatment.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      Cumin is said to be an effective cold treatment.