Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCumin Health BenefitsNutrition ProfileWho Should Avoid It?Risks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Cumin Health Benefits
Nutrition Profile
Who Should Avoid It?
Risks
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)is an annual herbaceous plant that produces the spice you recognize in grocery stores and cuisines.The plant is cultivated in the Middle East, India, China, and several Mediterranean countries, including Tunisia.
Cumin, which has numerous health benefits, can be bought as whole dried seeds or ground powder. It has played a medicinal role in many parts of the world for years.
Cumin contains various bioactive compounds, including cuminaldehyde, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and more.It is unclear exactly how much cumin is needed to have a significant effect, as studies vary on the type and dosage of cumin, and more studies are needed.
Weight Management
One study compared the effects of consuming about one-half teaspoon of cumin (around 1.5 grams) withyogurtbefore breakfast and lunch to those who had plain yogurt without cumin for three months. Researchers found that the group who added cumin to their yogurt reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Note that all participants were prescribed alower-calorie diet, which was meant to result in weight loss.
Cholesterol
In the same study, the participants who had 3 grams of cumin with their yogurt daily reduced serum levels of fasting cholesterol, triglycerides, andlow-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol(“bad cholesterol”). Theirhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol(“good cholesterol”) also increased.This study was limited to women, and more studies are needed in a diverse population to determine the impact.
Diabetes
However, the research is mixed, and more evidence is needed. A systematic review found no blood sugar benefit in supplementing with cumin.Yet, another study suggests that cumin essential oil can be beneficial.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Understanding the link between cumin andirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is limited. Participants in one study were given 20 drops of cumin extract divided into two doses for four weeks. Those who took the cumin extract reported lessbloatingand improved stool consistency.More research is needed to determine the impact cumin can have on IBS.
Diarrhea
In Indonesia and India, cumin is used to treatchronic and bloody diarrhea.In one study, participants with diarrhea-dominant IBS experienced fewer bowel movements after four weeks of treatment with cumin. However, the frequency increased to four weeks after stopping the treatment.
Memory Loss
Animal studies show that high doses of cumin extract may protect against memory loss.However, these studies have many limitations, and human studies are needed to determine cumin’s safety, dosage, and impact.
Antioxidants
Anti-Inflammatory
Compounds in cumin have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in animal and laboratory studies, but human randomized control trials are needed.
Fights Bacteria and Parasites
Cumin extracts were shown to have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects in a laboratory study, where they were used against multidrug strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (bacteria that have defeated the antibiotic drugs designed to kill them).Folklore says the Egyptians used to use cumin to treat parasites.
Anticancer Properties
In one animal study, rats were supplemented with cumin powder, dried ethanolic cumin extract, or nothing (control). Tumor incidence was 96% in the control group and 55% and 45% in the cumin powder and extract groups, respectively.The groups given cumin also had slower growth and smaller-sized tumors. However, more human trials are needed.
A Word From Verywell
—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Nutrition
Cumin is low in calories, contains negligible amounts of sodium and fat, and provides a small amount of micronutrients like iron (about 7% daily value), calcium,niacin, andpotassium. Cumin’s nutritional information includes:
Cumin is used in many types of cooking. Its warm earthiness is the main flavor in chili or taco seasoning. You can also use it to accentuate the sweetness of vegetables or add depth to vegetarian bean dishes, soups, and stews. It pairs well with red pepper, oregano, cinnamon, thyme, andturmeric.
Who Should Avoid Cumin?
Allergy
Cumin is a member of the parsley family.Although rare, if you have a parsley allergy, you could have anallergy to cumin. Cumin seeds can be processed into cumin powder in facilities that process nuts and tree nuts. If you have atree nut allergy, you may want to check to see if there is anycross-contamination.
Cumin is one way to flavor foods and add nutrition and healthful plant-based compounds. If you notice that after taking cumin supplements, your blood sugar is low, you may need to make changes to your medications to preventhypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Information regarding the safety of cumin supplementation duringpregnancyandbreastfeedingis lacking. Therefore, it is advised to stick to safe levels used in cooking.
In some countries, cumin is used to increase breast milk production.Always contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation and education on modifiable ways to increase breast milk.
Bleeding Disorders and Surgery
Ask a medical provider if cumin is safe for you if you have a bleeding disorder or are going to have surgery. Because cumin mightslow blood clotting, theoretically, it could worsen bleeding disorders, but the research is lacking.
Culinary use of cumin is safe and delicious. You may also find it in extract form or as an essential oil. Do not confuse cumin withblack seed cumin, as these are different.
There is no established safe dosage for cumin supplementation, so it’s probably best to use cumin only in culinary applications. One teaspoon of cumin powder is about 3 grams.
If you want to use cumin as a supplement, work with a healthcare provider to ensure its safety.
Summary
Cumin has been used medicinally for a variety of health conditions worldwide. It is an aromatic spice that adds flavor and depth to different dishes. It also contains a variety of plant-based compounds that can provide health benefits. It has been studied for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Human studies are lacking, and it is unclear how much cumin is needed to have desirable effects. Culinary use has little downside unless you are allergic or cannot consume it for other reasons.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016).The pharmacological activities of cuminum cyminum-A review.IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 6(6), 46-65.Mnif S, Aifa S.Cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications.Chem Biodivers. 2015;(5):733-42. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201400305Singh N, Yadav SS, Kumar S, Narashiman B.A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice cuminum cyminum L.Phytother Res.2021;35(9):5007-5030. doi:10.1002/ptr.7133Zare R, Heshmati F, Fallahzadeh H, Nadjarzadeh A.Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2014;20(4):297-301. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.10.001Olfert MD, Wattick RA.Vegetarian diets and the risk of diabetes.Curr Diab Rep. 2018;18(11):101. doi:10.1007/s11892-018-1070-9Jafari S, Sattari R, Ghavamzadeh S.Evaluation the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses ofCuminum cyminumessential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflammatory factors on patients with diabetes type II.J Tradit Complement Med.2016;7(3):332-338. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.004Karimian J, Farrokhzad A, Jalili C.The effect of cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.2021;35(8):4127-4135. doi:10.1002/ptr.7075Akhter S.Low to no cost remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus; global health concern.J Diabetes Metab Disord.2021;20(1):951-962. doi:10.1007/s40200-021-00783-6Agah S, Taleb AM, Moeini R, Gorji N, Nikbakht H.Cumin extract for symptom control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series.Middle East J Dig Dis.2013;5(4):217-22.Iranshahy M, Javadi B.Diet therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in view of traditional persian medicine: A review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(10):1102-1117. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.36505.8694Chandrasekaran R, Krishnan M, Chacko S, et al.Assessment of anticancer properties of cumin seed (cuminum cyminum) against bone cancer.Front Oncol.2023;13:1322875. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1322875Aqil F, Jeyabalan J, Munagala R, Ahmad I, Schultz DJ, Gupta RC.Cumin prevents 17β-estradiol-associated breast cancer in ACI rats.Int J Mol Sci.2021;22(12):6194. doi:10.3390/ijms22126194U.S. Department of Agriculture.Spices, cumin seed.Food Revolution Network.What is cumin, and should you eat it for your health?Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Cumin.Muralidharan-Chari V, Kim J, Abuawad A, Naeem M, Cui H, Mousa SA.Thymoquinone modulates blood coagulation in vitro via Its effects on inflammatory and coagulation pathways.Int J Mol Sci.2016 Mar 30;17(4):474. doi:10.3390/ijms17040474
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016).The pharmacological activities of cuminum cyminum-A review.IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 6(6), 46-65.Mnif S, Aifa S.Cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications.Chem Biodivers. 2015;(5):733-42. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201400305Singh N, Yadav SS, Kumar S, Narashiman B.A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice cuminum cyminum L.Phytother Res.2021;35(9):5007-5030. doi:10.1002/ptr.7133Zare R, Heshmati F, Fallahzadeh H, Nadjarzadeh A.Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2014;20(4):297-301. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.10.001Olfert MD, Wattick RA.Vegetarian diets and the risk of diabetes.Curr Diab Rep. 2018;18(11):101. doi:10.1007/s11892-018-1070-9Jafari S, Sattari R, Ghavamzadeh S.Evaluation the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses ofCuminum cyminumessential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflammatory factors on patients with diabetes type II.J Tradit Complement Med.2016;7(3):332-338. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.004Karimian J, Farrokhzad A, Jalili C.The effect of cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.2021;35(8):4127-4135. doi:10.1002/ptr.7075Akhter S.Low to no cost remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus; global health concern.J Diabetes Metab Disord.2021;20(1):951-962. doi:10.1007/s40200-021-00783-6Agah S, Taleb AM, Moeini R, Gorji N, Nikbakht H.Cumin extract for symptom control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series.Middle East J Dig Dis.2013;5(4):217-22.Iranshahy M, Javadi B.Diet therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in view of traditional persian medicine: A review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(10):1102-1117. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.36505.8694Chandrasekaran R, Krishnan M, Chacko S, et al.Assessment of anticancer properties of cumin seed (cuminum cyminum) against bone cancer.Front Oncol.2023;13:1322875. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1322875Aqil F, Jeyabalan J, Munagala R, Ahmad I, Schultz DJ, Gupta RC.Cumin prevents 17β-estradiol-associated breast cancer in ACI rats.Int J Mol Sci.2021;22(12):6194. doi:10.3390/ijms22126194U.S. Department of Agriculture.Spices, cumin seed.Food Revolution Network.What is cumin, and should you eat it for your health?Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Cumin.Muralidharan-Chari V, Kim J, Abuawad A, Naeem M, Cui H, Mousa SA.Thymoquinone modulates blood coagulation in vitro via Its effects on inflammatory and coagulation pathways.Int J Mol Sci.2016 Mar 30;17(4):474. doi:10.3390/ijms17040474
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016).The pharmacological activities of cuminum cyminum-A review.IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 6(6), 46-65.Mnif S, Aifa S.Cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications.Chem Biodivers. 2015;(5):733-42. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201400305Singh N, Yadav SS, Kumar S, Narashiman B.A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice cuminum cyminum L.Phytother Res.2021;35(9):5007-5030. doi:10.1002/ptr.7133Zare R, Heshmati F, Fallahzadeh H, Nadjarzadeh A.Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2014;20(4):297-301. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.10.001Olfert MD, Wattick RA.Vegetarian diets and the risk of diabetes.Curr Diab Rep. 2018;18(11):101. doi:10.1007/s11892-018-1070-9Jafari S, Sattari R, Ghavamzadeh S.Evaluation the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses ofCuminum cyminumessential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflammatory factors on patients with diabetes type II.J Tradit Complement Med.2016;7(3):332-338. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.004Karimian J, Farrokhzad A, Jalili C.The effect of cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.2021;35(8):4127-4135. doi:10.1002/ptr.7075Akhter S.Low to no cost remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus; global health concern.J Diabetes Metab Disord.2021;20(1):951-962. doi:10.1007/s40200-021-00783-6Agah S, Taleb AM, Moeini R, Gorji N, Nikbakht H.Cumin extract for symptom control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series.Middle East J Dig Dis.2013;5(4):217-22.Iranshahy M, Javadi B.Diet therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in view of traditional persian medicine: A review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(10):1102-1117. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.36505.8694Chandrasekaran R, Krishnan M, Chacko S, et al.Assessment of anticancer properties of cumin seed (cuminum cyminum) against bone cancer.Front Oncol.2023;13:1322875. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1322875Aqil F, Jeyabalan J, Munagala R, Ahmad I, Schultz DJ, Gupta RC.Cumin prevents 17β-estradiol-associated breast cancer in ACI rats.Int J Mol Sci.2021;22(12):6194. doi:10.3390/ijms22126194U.S. Department of Agriculture.Spices, cumin seed.Food Revolution Network.What is cumin, and should you eat it for your health?Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Cumin.Muralidharan-Chari V, Kim J, Abuawad A, Naeem M, Cui H, Mousa SA.Thymoquinone modulates blood coagulation in vitro via Its effects on inflammatory and coagulation pathways.Int J Mol Sci.2016 Mar 30;17(4):474. doi:10.3390/ijms17040474
Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016).The pharmacological activities of cuminum cyminum-A review.IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 6(6), 46-65.
Mnif S, Aifa S.Cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) from traditional uses to potential biomedical applications.Chem Biodivers. 2015;(5):733-42. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201400305
Singh N, Yadav SS, Kumar S, Narashiman B.A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice cuminum cyminum L.Phytother Res.2021;35(9):5007-5030. doi:10.1002/ptr.7133
Zare R, Heshmati F, Fallahzadeh H, Nadjarzadeh A.Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.Complement Ther Clin Pract.2014;20(4):297-301. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.10.001
Olfert MD, Wattick RA.Vegetarian diets and the risk of diabetes.Curr Diab Rep. 2018;18(11):101. doi:10.1007/s11892-018-1070-9
Jafari S, Sattari R, Ghavamzadeh S.Evaluation the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses ofCuminum cyminumessential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflammatory factors on patients with diabetes type II.J Tradit Complement Med.2016;7(3):332-338. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.004
Karimian J, Farrokhzad A, Jalili C.The effect of cumin (cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res.2021;35(8):4127-4135. doi:10.1002/ptr.7075
Akhter S.Low to no cost remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus; global health concern.J Diabetes Metab Disord.2021;20(1):951-962. doi:10.1007/s40200-021-00783-6
Agah S, Taleb AM, Moeini R, Gorji N, Nikbakht H.Cumin extract for symptom control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series.Middle East J Dig Dis.2013;5(4):217-22.
Iranshahy M, Javadi B.Diet therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in view of traditional persian medicine: A review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(10):1102-1117. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.36505.8694
Chandrasekaran R, Krishnan M, Chacko S, et al.Assessment of anticancer properties of cumin seed (cuminum cyminum) against bone cancer.Front Oncol.2023;13:1322875. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1322875
Aqil F, Jeyabalan J, Munagala R, Ahmad I, Schultz DJ, Gupta RC.Cumin prevents 17β-estradiol-associated breast cancer in ACI rats.Int J Mol Sci.2021;22(12):6194. doi:10.3390/ijms22126194
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Spices, cumin seed.
Food Revolution Network.What is cumin, and should you eat it for your health?
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Cumin.
Muralidharan-Chari V, Kim J, Abuawad A, Naeem M, Cui H, Mousa SA.Thymoquinone modulates blood coagulation in vitro via Its effects on inflammatory and coagulation pathways.Int J Mol Sci.2016 Mar 30;17(4):474. doi:10.3390/ijms17040474
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