Use of Cumin Seeds and Health benefits

“Use and Benefits of Cumin”

Basically its an herb, Cumin is widely used by Indian, Mexican and Spanish food. not surprisingly, a Western Indian state called Gujarat has a lot to say about its use and benefits of cumin seeds. All you need to know it’s health propeties and some flavour. cumin is commnly used ingredients as concern Gujarati Sabzi. Gujarati women’s are most enthusiatic while you talk about food, they hold magical hands and they cook always family dishes.

History of Cumin

Cumin is the seed of a small plant in the parsley family. Its use goes back 5000 years to the Egyptians, who used it not only as a spice but as an ingredient in the mummification process. The Greeks and Romans also used cumin and highly regarded it as one of the essential spices. In the Middle Ages cumin seed was thought to promote love and fidelity, so it was carried by attendees of weddings, and solders were always sent off to battle with a fresh loaf of cumin seed bread. Pungent, sharp, and slightly sweet, the greenish brown powder of this herb is an essential ingredient in Mexican and Indian cuisine.

What’s inside cumin?

It is considered a good source of Iron, Manganese, and other vitamins and minerals. Some research shows that it may stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes and help digestion. One study found that cumin was protective against memory loss and the damaging effects of stress on the body.

Another study evaluated its antioxidant content of and found it more effective than other common antioxidants including Vitamin C. Due to its high antioxidant content, some lab research has even found that it might have a role in fighting cancer.

Yet another study found Cumin effective in increasing insulin sensitivity, thus beneficial for diabetics. Still, more research found anti-asthmatic properties in Cumin since it works as a bronchodilator and can help asthmatic patients.

Mark’s Daily Apple posted a great article detailing its benefits. From this article:

• In diabetic rats, cumin extract was more effective at reducing blood glucose and AGE production than glibenclamide, an antidiabetic drug.
• Cumin’s anti-glycation properties proved useful in another study, in which diabetic rats were able to stave off cataracts after oral dosing with the powder.
• Another study found that cumin extract reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and pancreatic inflammatory markers in diabetic rats. It also prevented excessive weight loss. Again, it beat out glibenclamide.
• Oral doses (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) on consecutive days improved the immune response of mice with compromised immune systems due to restraint-induced stress. These effects were marked by a reduction in elevated cortisol and adrenal gland size, an increase in the weight of the thymus and spleen, and replenishment of depleted T cells. There was a dose-dependent response, but all doses had beneficial effects.
• An extract of cumin had anti-osteoporotic effects on rats, similar to estradiol, but without the associated weight gain. Cumin-dosed (orally, 1 mg/kg) osteoporotic rats had increased bone density and improved bone microarchitecture.
• Cumin protected the livers of rats from ethanol- and rancid sunflower oil-induced toxicity.
• One study even seems to suggest a role for cumin in weaning addicts off of opiates — here — by reducing tolerance (yeah, it could increase the subjective high, but it would mean less product was required) and dependence.

Pretty impressive benefits for a herb found in spice packets at the grocery store! If you don’t already use Cumin in your cooking, there are many ways to use it!

Uses for Cumin

I use this spice regularly in cooking and in making homemade spice blends:

Taco Seasoning Recipe:

• 1/4 cup Chili Powder (how to make your own)
• 1/4 cup Cumin Powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder (how to make your own)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano leaf (or oregano leaf powder)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup Himalayan salt or sea salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper

For preparation: Put all in a jar and shake well or mix in a food processor until mixed. Store in an airtight jar for up to six months. Makes approximately 1 cup. To use: sprinkle on ground beef or chicken as you would any store bought taco seasoning. 3 tablespoons are the same as 1 packet of store bought taco seasoning. Great for lettuce tacos.

Homemade Curry Powder Recipe:

• 1/2 cup Paprika
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 1 tablespoon Fennel Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Fenugreek powder (optional)- gives sweetness
• 2 tablespoons Ground Mustard Powder
• 1 tablespoon ground Red Pepper Flakes (optional)- adds spiciness
• 3 tablespoons ground coriander (optional)
• 1/4 cup ground Turmeric root
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves powder (optional) — Adds complex flavor

To make: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, jar or food processor and store in an air-tight container until ready to use. Can be used on meats, vegetables or in soups. Especially good in with chicken, shrimp or vegetables.

Fajita Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup chili powder (make your own)
• 2 tablespoons Sea Salt
• 2 tablespoons Paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder (make your own)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder

To Make: Mix well in bowl or jar and store in airtight container until use. Use about 1 teaspoon per chicken breast or steak when making fajitas. I use for making Fajitas and Fajita Salads.

Chili Seasoning Mix:

• 1/2 cup chili powder (make your own)
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons onion powder (make your own)
• 1/4 cup oregano
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1/4 cup cumin
• 1 tablespoon thyme

To Make: mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. 1/4 cup of a mix=1 package of store bought chili seasoning. Great for all types of chili (this one is my favorite).

Cumin is even great as a stand-alone spice for making tacos, chili or fajitas if it is all you have. I keep a glass jar of it in my spice cabinet.

Do you use Cumin? What is your favorite dish or recipe that uses Cumin? Share

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