5 Healthy Benefits of Cumin and How to Use It

Think Cumin is just an herb used in Mexican cuisine? Did you know it has many health benefits you need? Learn five healthy benefits of Cumin and how to embrace it in your daily diet.

Cumin, a spice that originated in Egypt, has been a part of the cuisines of the Middle East and India for thousands of years. This little seed, a standard flavor in curries, may also have medicinal properties.

5 Healthy Benefits of the Cumin

1. Weight Loss – New research shows that cumin powder can help jumpstart weight loss, decrease body fat, and improve unhealthy cholesterol levels naturally. Cumin is rich in phytosterols, plant chemicals known to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the body, and can temporarily increase metabolic rate just like other hot spices.
2. Respiratory Disorders, Asthma, Bronchitis – Cumin serves as an expectorant. It loosens up phlegm as well as mucus within the respiratory tracts and makes it much simpler to remove them through the system via sneezing or coughing.
3. Fighting Cancer – The antioxidant content of Cumin is said to be more effective than other common antioxidants, including Vitamin C. There has been lab research suggesting that it might have a role in fighting cancer.
4. Controls Blood Pressure – Each tablespoon of ground cumin contains only 10 milligrams of sodium, which is less than 1 percent of the recommended daily maximum sodium intake according to the Department of Health and Human Services.  Use this spice instead of salt to prevent or lower your blood pressure.
5. Beat the Common Cold – Cumin is rich in iron and has a considerable amount of vitamin-C, both of which are essential for a healthy immune system and keep infections from forming or becoming worse. Vitamin-C is also a natural antioxidant, so it defends against other infections and toxins.

How should you use cumin?

Create your own Taco Seasoning
1/4 cup cumin powder
1/2 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground pepper

Mix all together and store in an air tight container. Use this as you would your traditional taco seasoning.

Greek Yogurt Cumin Dip
1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
The juice of half of a lemon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon cumin

Mix all together and use as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables or smear over chicken breasts and wrap in a lettuce leaf. It tastes great topped on a grilled burger too.

We hope you find this post regarding The Many Benefits of the Herb Cumin informative and helpful. For more informational posts like this, be sure to stop by our Food and Fitness section to help you out in your quest for a healthier, happier you!

Disclosure: The author of this article is not a trained medical professional, nor a dietician. All of the information in this post is based on research, doctor recommendations, and personal experience.