Health Benefits of Cumin

Mother nature has bestowed upon us several herbs and spices for our benefit. Cumin is one of them. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae, and its scientific name is Cuminum cyminum.

All throughout history, cumin has played a crucial role both as a food and medicine. It is native to Egypt where apart from being used as a culinary spice, it was used to mummify pharaohs. It has been extensively grown in India, China, Middle East, and Mediterranean countries for several centuries.

In both ancient Roman and Greek kitchens, cumin seeds were considered an esteemed culinary spice. During the Middle Ages in Europe, these seeds was recognized as a symbol of love and faithfulness. People carried these seeds along with them when attending wedding ceremonies.

Cumin might be an ordinary looking seed, but the advantages associated with it are definitely extraordinary. Mentioned here are some of them.

Cumin seeds are a great source of iron. Therefore, a daily intake of these seeds through food can help in the cure of anemia and also prevent the deficiency of iron in healthy people.

These seeds help in proper food digestion. It also helps in the cure of digestion-related problems. Cuminaldehyde, an aromatic organic compound present in it, stimulates our salivary glands which facilitates the primary digestion of food.

Thymol is another compound present in cumin that stimulates the glands secreting digestive acids, bile, and enzymes to bring about the complete digestion of food. Moreover, it relieves a person from gas troubles thereby improving appetite.

Cumin acts as a stimulant and relaxant at the same time. It acts as a relaxant when proper digestion of food is complemented with the intake of sufficient vitamins through the diet.

Vitamin E, a vital component for skin care, is present in sufficient quantities in cumin. The essential oils present in cumin have antifungal and disinfecting properties that prevent fungal and microbial infections from harming the skin.

The presence of vitamin A and C in cumin helps in improving immunity. Vitamin C as an antioxidant fights the detrimental effects of free radicals (dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism). The essential oils and iron present in these seeds also play an important role in strengthening the immune system.

The presence of anti-carcinogenic agents, such as thymol, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, and thymoquinone help in the treatment of colon and breast cancer.

Black cumin (Bunium persicum) is a related species of the regular cumin. Its seeds are long, slender, curved, dark brown in color, and have a unique earthy flavor. These seeds also have an important role to play in our health. They are useful in the treatment of asthma, high blood pressure, bloating, and bronchitis.

Black cumin seed oil can be added to your face and body cream to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Moreover, they are beneficial for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, as they stop the multiplication of cancer cells. Sufficient intake of black cumin seeds can, therefore, prove to be useful for the prevention of such cancers.

Cumin oil has a plethora of health benefits as well. The oil being an excellent bactericide is useful in the treatment of cholera and diarrhea. The antiseptic properties of this oil prevent wounds and cuts from becoming septic. Moreover, it acts as a tonic benefiting the respiratory, nervous, excretory, and circulatory system.

Hopefully, the aforementioned information has enlightened you about the goodness of this great gift from nature. Henceforth, you can choose to add cumin to your recipes. This will not only uplift the taste of your food but will also act as a herbal remedy against many health disorders. Eat healthy, stay fit, and take care!

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.