Native to Egypt, cumin is a spice that has been cultivated
and used as a food and medicine for a long time in the Middle East, India,
China, and Mediterranean.
This spice is used in anything, from chili spices to curry.
Probably you don’t use it each day, but after reading this article you will
want to.
Cumin is a powerful seed that can be used to treat
indigestion, anemia, acid reflux, diabetes, constipation and much more. Also,
this spice can help you lose weight.
Lose Weight with Cumin
A research at the Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical
Sciences in Iran examined 88 overweight and obese women who participated in a
weight loss experiment.
The women were divided into two groups which followed a
reduced calorie diet and received nutrition counseling. However, one of the
groups ate yoghurt with three grams of cumin each day, while the other ate
plain yoghurt.
The group which was allowed to eat yoghurt and cumin lost an
average of 50% more weight than the group which ate plain yoghurt. Moreover,
they also reduced their body percentage by 14.64% or almost three times the
control group’s loss.
Also, the cumin group lowered their body mass index and
waist circumference considerably more than the control group.
Cumin increases weigh loss abilities because the spice
boosts the metabolism.
Lowers Blood Fats
Moreover, cumin considerably reduces the levels of blood
lipid. In the research, triglycerides reduced 23% in comparison to only 5% in
the control group. Also, LDL cholesterol dropped an average of 10% compared to
less than 1% for the control group.
These facts suggest that cumin might aid prevent
atherosclerosis, heart disease and diabetes, problems related to high
triglycerides levels.
The experts assume cumin’s effect of lowering cholesterol is
related to its glycoside saponins. These compounds prevent cholesterol
absorption and increase its excretion. They are also found in black cumin and
include anti-coagulant, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic,
immunomodulatiry, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant
properties.
Lowers Cholesterol Absorption
Phytosterols, which are richly present in cumin may have a
positive effect on lipids and reduce cholesterol absorption.
Another research has found that taking cumin cyminum L.
capsule among overweight individuals had the same effects of oristat 120.
Oristat is a medicine that serves as a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for
obesity management and performs by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats.
Cumin had similar effects as the drug on weight and BMI and
even better effects on insulin metabolism.
If you don’t like to consume cumin with yoghurt, you can add
it to roasted vegetables, chicken or in a vegetable soup.
Cumin Tea Recipe
Prepare yourself a cup of warm and soothing cumin tea by
boiling seeds in water. Let them steep for 8-10 minutes and your tea is ready.