Table of contents:
- The benefits of white cumin are a pity to miss
- 1. Overcoming indigestion
- 2. Control blood sugar levels
- 3. Source of iron and rich in antioxidants
- 4. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- 5. Lower cholesterol and body weight
Like to eat opor or curry? Well, one of the cooking spices that must be present when making these two foods is white cumin. Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the plant Cuminum cyminum (cumin). Make no mistake, white cumin is different from black cumin (Black Seed). Therefore, the benefits for the health of the body are also different. What are the benefits of white cumin for the health of your body?
The benefits of white cumin are a pity to miss
Source: Meraki International
Cumin is sold in the form of dry seeds or fine powder. The taste is very distinctive, tastes spicy and hot like chilies but a little bitter, and smells like earth. This spice is quite popular because it is often used in Asian, Indian, African and Mexican dishes.
Apart from being used as a food flavoring, black cumin has long been used as a traditional medicine. Many studies show the benefits of white cumin for health, including:
1. Overcoming indigestion
Cumin is quite commonly used as a traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and flatulence. This herb is confirmed to increase the activity of digestive enzymes by stimulating the bile to digest certain fats and nutrients.
One study shows that cumin relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A total of 57 patients with IBS were asked to consume cumin oil for two to 4 weeks. The results showed that the symptoms of stomach pain, flatulence, constipation, or diarrhea got lighter after following the treatment.
2. Control blood sugar levels
Studies show using cumin supplements can help lower blood sugar and hbA1c levels in the blood. Then, white cumin also has the potential to treat diabetes. Diabetes can damage healthy cells in the body with AGEs, which are compounds that cause inflammation.
These compounds are created when sugar flowing in the blood attaches to proteins that interfere with the normal function of the proteins. Well, white cumin is believed to contain components that can inhibit the production of AGEs. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much research into this benefit.
3. Source of iron and rich in antioxidants
Even though it is small like rice seeds, cumin has many nutrients. One teaspoon of whole white jinen seeds contains:
- 8 kilocalories
- 0.37 g protein
- 0.47 g fat
- 0, 92 carbohydrates
- 1.4 mg iron
You can meet 17.5% of daily iron needs with 1 teaspoon of cumin. Fulfilled iron intake supports the growth of children and the health of pregnant women.
In addition, some of the antioxidants in cumin such as terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, apegenin, luteolin, and alkaloids can reduce body damage due to free radicals, prevent premature aging and cancer.
4. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
The active ingredients in cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory effects. If consumed, the pain due to inflammation will be reduced. Then, a component called megalomicin also has antibiotic properties so that it has the potential to reduce drug resistance from certain bacteria and can kill bacteria that attack the immune system.
5. Lower cholesterol and body weight
Hypolipidemic is a substance that helps the body to control high levels of fat which can damage the heart and increase cholesterol levels. Cumin is considered to have hypolipidemic properties. Studies show that using cumin supplements with yogurt twice a day for a month helps reduce triglyceride levels.
In addition, research shows that consuming black cumin every day for three months can reduce unwanted body weight, waist size, and body fat.