The list of cumin properties is long, almost eight times the calcium found in milk (931 mg vs. 124 mg). It contains almost 10 times more iron than liver, a food source of this nutrient (liver contains 6.90 mg and cumin 66.36 mg).
Cumin, known as Cuminum Cyminum, has been used for centuries as a spice to flavor foods such as meat, sauerkraut, alcoholic beverages and also sweets, it is also a traditional remedy for digestion, antitussive, good for eliminating boils and a natural laxative.
Since When is Cumin Used?
The history of this spice is long, already 3,000 years ago, the Egyptians already used cumin as a spice and for medicinal purposes. Against intestinal parasites, to improve digestion and also as a mouthwash. I named it “tpnn”. According to food geography, Ramses III (1217 BC to 1155 BC) used cumin as an offering to the god Ra in Heliopolis.
There are several cumin seeds in the Museum of Agriculture in Dokki, Cairo. Crushed and fermented cumin seeds are sometimes cited in ancient Indian medical texts as having multiple medicinal uses. They mixed cumin with “ghee” or clarified butter and used it to improve appetite, for nursing mothers and to reduce fever.
Calories and Latency
Cumin provides 375 calories per 100 grams, which is caloric, but a small amount is usually used for flavoring, as it is very aromatic.
- Protein (18g)
- carbs (44g)
- iodine (2 mg)
- fat (22 g)
- fiber (11 g)
- Calcium (961 mg)
- potassium (1788 mg)
- Iron (66.36 mg)
- Vitamin A (381 µg/mcg)
- Vitamin B9 or folic acid (10.00 mcg)
- Vitamin C (7.7 mg)
- Vitamin E (3.3 mg)
- Vitamin B3 (4,579 mg)
- Vitamin K (5.4 µg)
- Magnesium (366 mg)
- Iron (4.10 mg)
- Phosphorus (499 mg)
- Sodium (168 mg)
- Zinc (4.80 mg)
- Selenium (5.2 mcg)
Cumin Properties
Helps Better Digestion
I mention in the introduction how the ancient Egyptians and other cultures such as India used cumin to soothe an upset stomach. Recent research has confirmed the benefits of cumin for digestion, as evidenced by this study. Cumin increases the activity of digestive enzymes and the release of bile from the liver. Bile helps digest fats and some nutrients in the intestines.
A Source of Antioxidants
Cumin contains vitamin A, C and E, which are sources of antioxidants. Beta-carotene stands out, contains 762 μg, and lutein and zeaxanthin 448 μg. They also have antioxidant phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. All these substances help the immune system to reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants are mainly found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, herbs and spices.
Helps Improve Blood Cholesterol
Cumin has also shown cholesterol-lowering properties. In a study of 72 people, 75 mg of cumin was taken twice a day for 8 weeks. Results showed that cumin helped lower bad cholesterol, LDL, as well as triglycerides and body mass index, or body mass index.
Rich in Iron
Cumin is a great source of iron, containing 66.3 mg, which is more than 100 grams of meat, spinach or lentils combined. Iron is an essential mineral for blood production. About 70% of the iron in the body is found in red blood cells, hemoglobin. and in muscle cells or myoglobin.
Myoglobin stores, transports and releases oxygen. Using cumin as a dietary supplement may be beneficial for people with iron deficiency anemia.
Relief of Cold Symptoms
A cold is a mild viral infection that is common in winter and spring. Cumin essential oils help fight viral infections. Cumin also relieves coughing. Its contribution of iron and vitamin C is beneficial for the immune system.
Improves Boils
Boils are cysts on the skin that form a lump that is hard to touch and can be the size of a pea. The skin swells and the lump may increase in size. It is often caused by bacteria. By handling it without proper hygiene, we can spread it to other areas of the skin. They usually go away on their own after a while.
Cumin contains thymol, phosphorus, vitamins C and E, and these substances, along with antioxidants, are helpful in preventing boils. Home remedy to speed up its disappearance. Mix coconut oil (bactericidal effect) with a little cumin powder. Apply to the affected area for at least an hour. It’s not the best look for a selfie, but it’s very effective on boils, pimples, and small pimples.