Originally from Iran and the Mediterranean, it has a reference in the bible where it was used for seasoning food and bread.
There was an interesting study conducted by the researchers in Iran, where they wanted to check the effect of cumin on body fat. They divided a group of 88 overweight women in two groups. Both groups were subjected to a controlled diet. While one group was asked to eat yogurt every day the other was asked to eat yogurt along with cumin. The results of this study were published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. The observations of this study were quite shocking. The group which consumed cumin lost their body fat 50% faster as compared to the other group. Not just that the body fat percentage of the cumin group was three times lower than the non-cumin group. Researchers speculated that this might be due to the effect of cumin on metabolism.
Cumin contains more than 100 compounds which include essential fatty acids and volatile oils. Researchers think that two compounds, namely glycoside saponins and phytosterols are responsible for the reduction of body fat as they inhibit cholesterol absorption and promote its excretion.
There have been a number of studies done on cumin to validate its medicinal properties. In 2008, an animal study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine stated that cumin inhibits loss of bone density. Another study published in the journal of Food Chemistry and Toxicology stated that cumin can cumin can reduce blood sugar and can be as effective as the drug glibenclamide.
Pre-clinical trials have shown cumin possesses anticancer properties and is effective against cervical and colon cancer.
-
Considering cumin as a wonder spice, it's time that you include it in your diet.
-
Here are a few ways to do it You can add cumin to your soups, stews, beans, lentils and even rice.
-
If you eat a lot of salads, then sprinkle some cumin on it.
-
Cumin can also be added to salad dressings, marinades, dips and mayonnaise.
-
Add to marinades, salad dressings and mayonnaise.
-
Cumin can be added to meatballs, fish fries, etc.
-
You can add cumin powder to your scrambled eggs.
-
Powered cumin can also be added to tea.
What are you waiting for, try cumin today and lose those extra pounds and stay healthy!