The effects of cumin sound almost too good to be true: Cumin seeds are said to help with digestive complaints, diabetes, inflammation and the andar bahar game rules. The popular spice is even said to help with weight loss. But is that true?
Like parsley, cumin (Cuminum) belongs to the umbelliferae family. Also known as cumin, it is now cultivated from the Mediterranean to South East Asia. Cumin seeds have been used in Indian cuisine and medicine for thousands of years and have long since found their way into Europe. However, cumin is in no way related to real caraway.
In Ayurveda, cumin has been used for a long time to treat various ailments and its diverse effects have now been scientifically proven to a large extent. We explain why you should use the spice as often as possible in the kitchen.
BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR DIGESTION
The effect of cumin seeds is beneficial for many digestive complaints. Traditionally, cumin is a popular household remedy for many types of digestive complaints. In the ancient Indian healing art of Ayurveda in particular, it has always been considered an effective remedy for almost all stomach and intestinal problems and diseases – from chronic diarrhea to acute gastritis.
By stimulating the production of digestive juices such as saliva, pancreas and gastric juice, cumin stimulates digestion. A study on rats showed that food was digested and processed faster with cumin. This is partly due to the fact that cumin seeds increase the activity of digestive enzymes.
Cumin also helps with constipation as it stimulates intestinal peristalsis. But cumin can also help with diarrhea. It also reduces flatulence and discomfort.
Another study found a positive effect on irritable bowel syndrome: Over a period of two weeks, 57 patients consumed cumin in concentrated form and noticed significant relief of their symptoms.
EFFECT ON A DIET
Cumin can help you lose weight. In Western culture, cumin is also known for its supportive effect on diets. As is so often the case, there has been talk of a “miracle cure”.
And indeed: in a clinical study with a placebo counter group, it was shown that cumin is just as effective against obesity as a weight loss pill containing orlistat. Even better: the test subjects’ insulin levels also improved. Another study from 2014 confirms these results: 88 overweight women took 3g of cumin seeds in powder form every day for three months, resulting in a reduction in body weight and body fat percentage.
Of course, if you want to lose weight healthily and sustainably, cumin alone is not enough. However, with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, the spice does have a supportive effect when used regularly.
OTHER EFFECTS
A comprehensive review from January 2018 describes the diverse effects of cumin in detail and mentions the following in addition to the aspects already mentioned:
Diabetes: Studies have already successfully used cumin oil for diabetes mellitus. After eight weeks of use, blood sugar, insulin and HbA1c levels were significantly reduced.
Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effect has been proven for both cumin oil and cumin extract. Cumin has several ingredients that have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is another reason why the NDR, for example, recommends adding cumin to your food every day – to alleviate the suffering of osteoarthritis, for example.
Heart: Cumin can prevent heart disease by regulating high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels.