Vitamins & Minerals

cumin

Cumin is an ingredient in our Weight loss blend, below you will find fascinating information and key benefits about this ingredient.

Cumin contains thymoquinone, which is a formidable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also has a good amount of iron and anti-cancer properties while boosting immune system function. Cumin promotes a healthy balance of good and bad cholesterol. It also aids digestion and is considered a good aid to weight loss. 

Created by grinding the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, cumin is most abundant in India, China and Mexico. It is a very common ingredient in curries and stews in cuisines all over the world. It has a warm, earthy flavour and has long been touted as a weight loss aid, due to a variety of its health benefits and unique properties.  

Cumin contains thymoquinone, which is a natural chemical that possesses both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Thymoquinone helps rid the body of toxins and blocks the development of cancerous cells. 

Cumin is also very rich in iron, which is needed for healthy brain function, boosted energy levels and optimum immune system performance. It also has antimicrobial and antibiotic powers, so together with its ability to enhance the immune system, cumin is excellent at staving off infections and illnesses.

Studies have shown that cumin can improve the balance between good and bad cholesterol in the body, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It contains magnesium and sodium, which aid digestion and stimulate enzyme activity in the gut. This can soothe symptoms of conditions like IBS.  

Cumin is often said to be an excellent assistant to weight loss, alongside healthy eating and exercise. Research has shown that cumin can actively boost metabolism, lower blood sugar levels and reduce bad cholesterol, which are all linked to steady weight loss.  

Cumin is considered safe for most people to use but it can interact with medications that slow down blood clotting such as warfarin. 

Key benefits of cumin include:

  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Cumin can help regulate blood sugar levels. Its extract can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. 
  • Cholesterol Management: Cumin can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These effects can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential to inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestine. 
  • Digestive Health: Cumin has traditionally been used to aid digestion. It can have carminative properties, helping to alleviate bloating, flatulence, and indigestion. It can also stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting efficient digestion. 
  • Neuroprotective Properties: The compounds in cumin can inhibit fibrillation, a process responsible for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
  • Pain Management: The compounds in cumin have analgesic and anti-neuropathic properties, making cumin a potential treatment of chronic pain.
  • Weight Management: Cumin extracts can reduce body weight, body fat, and improve lipid profiles.

Avoid combining cumin with the following medications:

  • Anticoagulant Medications: Cumin may possess mild blood-thinning properties. Concurrent use with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin could increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor for signs of bleeding and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Cumin may have hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects. Combining it with blood pressure medications could lead to excessive lowering of blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure levels regularly and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Diabetes Medications: Cumin may affect blood sugar levels. Concurrent use with diabetes medications could enhance the effects, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Thyroid Medications: Cumin may interfere with thyroid function. Concurrent use with thyroid medications could potentially affect thyroid hormone levels. Monitor thyroid function tests regularly and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Sedatives and CNS Depressants: Cumin may have mild sedative effects. Combining it with medications that also have sedative properties, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids, could enhance these effects, leading to increased drowsiness or central nervous system depression.

Individuals with the following allergens or medical conditions should use caution or avoid cumin:

  • Allergies to Spices: Cumin is a spice and belongs to the same family as other common spices such as coriander and fennel. Individuals with known allergies to spices may also be allergic to cumin. Symptoms can include skin rash, itching, swelling, or respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing. Use cumin cautiously if you have known spice allergies.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Cumin may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or peptic ulcers in some individuals. The spice may increase gastric acidity or cause irritation of the digestive tract. If you have these conditions, monitor your symptoms and consider avoiding cumin if it worsens your gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Gallstones: Cumin may stimulate gallbladder contractions, which could potentially exacerbate symptoms in individuals with gallstones, such as pain or discomfort. If you have gallstones or concerns about gallbladder health, use cumin cautiously and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited safety information is available regarding the use of cumin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before using cumin to ensure safety.
  • Bleeding disorders: If an individual has a bleeding disorder, it's important to avoid cumin due to its potential to exacerbate bleeding tendencies. Cumin contains compounds that may interfere with blood clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of bleeding or haemorrhage.
  • Scheduled surgery: Individuals scheduled for surgery should avoid cumin consumption, as it can interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of excessive bleeding during or after the procedure. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using cumin, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or are scheduled for surgery, to ensure your safety and minimize the risk of complications.

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DIVE DEEPER

Explore the tabs and discover links between cumin and various elements

Cumin, 100g

Vitamins present
Value
Minerals present
Value

Vitamin B1/Thiamine

0.62mg - 52%

Calcium

931mg - 93%

Vitamin B2/Riboflavin

0.327mg - 25%

Iron

66.4mg - 830%

Vitamin B3/Niacin

4.58mg - 28%

Magnesium

366mg - 87%

Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine

0.435mg - 33%

Manganese

366mg - 87%

Vitamin A

64µg - 7%

Phosphorus

499mg - 71%

Vitamin C

7.7mg - 9%

Selenium

5.2mg - 9%

Vitamin E

3.33mg - 15%

Zinc

4.8mg - 43%

Vitamin K

5.4µg - 5%