Commonly found in curry and chili, cumin offers several health benefits. Here are some of the best studied:
Promotes digestion: Cumin has long been used as a folk remedy for diarrhea, and some preliminary studies have shown strong evidence for its use. Cumin seeds are believed to relax the intestinal muscles, which relieves cramps and spasms. Cumin also contains thymol, a compound with antiseptic and antifungal properties that may help prevent foodborne illness .
Rich source of iron: Cumin is a good source of dietary iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue and weakness .
Contains beneficial herbal compounds: Cumin is full of beneficial herbal compounds, including antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes .
Can help with diabetes: Several studies have shown that cumin can help improve blood sugar control. One study found that gum extract helped lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes .
May Improve Blood Cholesterol: Cumin may also help improve blood cholesterol. Some studies have shown that cumin can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol .
These are just a few of the potential health benefits of cumin. Although more research is needed to confirm some of these benefits, cumin is a safe and delicious spice that can easily be added to your diet..