Cumin is originally from Egypt. It has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Middle East, India, China and Mediterranean countries.
It belongs to the same plant family as dill and parsley. In fact, cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds but taste different, being spicier and with a woody aroma.
Cumin is found in curry mixture composition. It is a spice used worldwide from Mexico to the Middle East and India.
A Recent Study Shows How Cumin Boosts Weight Loss by up to 50%
Researchers in Iran wanted to discover the effect of this spice on body composition, and on blood lipids.
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They randomly split 88 overweight or obese women into two groups. Both groups received nutrition counseling and decreased their daily intake of calories.
However, one group ate 3 grams of cumin powder with yogurt, twice a day.
The second group consumed just plain yogurt. After only three months, members of cumin group lost an average of 50% more weight than the control group. (read also: How To Remove Toxins And Lose Weight In A Very Short Time)
They have reduced the percentage of body fat by up to 14.64%, three times more than the control group result. The group that consumed the cumin reduced the body mass index and waist circumference significantly more than the control group.
The authors of the study speculated that the weight loss might have something to do with the heat produced by the cumin in the body.
It was observed that metabolic rate could be temporarily increased. Cumin can reduce the lipid levels. Triglycerides dropped 23 points compared to only five points in the control group.
Cumin eaters also knocked an average of nearly 10 points off their “bad” LDL cholesterol reading. The control group shed just one point in that category.
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Cumin contains over 100 different substances including essential fatty acids and oils.
Researchers believe that the cholesterol-lowering effect could be attributed to the glycosides found in cumin. These compounds prevent the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
Cumin also contains a substantial amount of phytosterols that positively affect lipid levels just by reducing cholesterol absorption. (read also: Homemade Syrup for Weight Loss)
The authors suggested that cumin can effectively reduce triglycerides and cholesterol, and specific risk factors and metabolic syndrome. A 2008 study showed that cumin seeds could inhibit the loss of bone density and strength with the same efficiency as estrogen.
But, unlike estrogen, cumin will not contribute to weight gain or to create an environment for the proliferation of uterine cancer.
Traditional medicine uses cumin seeds, especially for the digestive system. Even modern studies show that cumin seeds can stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile acids needed for proper digestion.
Cumin essential oil contains a compound that activates the salivary glands that contribute to pre-digesting food. Cumin can eliminate intestinal gas accumulation and increases appetite, and it can relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Other studies show that cumin seeds can enhance memory function. It also has antimicrobial properties.
How to Take Cumin for Weight Loss?
- It can be successfully added to soups, stews of vegetables, rice, beans or lentils.
- Sprinkle it on the vegetables sauté.
- Add in marinades, salad dressings, and mayonnaise.
- Among vegetables, cumin combines best with sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and cauliflower.
- You can even make tea by infusing the seeds in boiling water (2 tablespoons of seeds in 250 ml water) for about 10 minutes – this is recommended for those suffering from digestive problems.
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