How Getting More Cumin In Your Diet Can Help With Weight Loss
Cumin is a popular spice found in Asian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. You may have heard about how this dried seed or ground powder can help with dieting. There are two types, known as black cumin (nigella sativa) and cumin (cuminum cyminum). Let's explore their health benefits and if they really can help with weight loss.
Black cumin's active ingredient thymoquinone acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to cleanse your body of toxins and decrease bloating and fatigue, according to Healthline. This can boost your immune system and fight off infections.
Nutrients that can be found in cumin include calcium, iron, magnesium, and protein.
Cumin can also help stabilize your blood sugar, with one weight loss study finding people had a decrease in insulin levels (via Medical News Today). Another study found that overweight women who added three grams of cumin to yogurt daily for three months saw weight loss, along with a reduction in their waist size, cholesterol, and body fat (via Prevention).
This spice includes additional positive health benefits. Cumin in essential oil form was shown to help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as well as treatment of type 2 diabetes.
When adding cumin to your diet can be risky
However, it is important to note that cumin isn't a "miracle" weight-loss ingredient. Cumin can't reduce fat in a specific area of your body, however, the reduction in bloating can show up in your midsection, according to Healthline.
There also can be risks for increasing levels of cumin for people with diabetes, as it can change their blood sugar levels. It is recommended to notify your healthcare provider of the change in your diet, to ensure there are no negative effects with other medications you may be taking, or on your specific dietary requirements.
Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, this helpful boost to your digestive system can lead to weight loss. If you would like to include cumin in your nutrition plan, you can make cumin water by steeping two teaspoons of cumin in 1.5 quarts of boiling water, taking cumin supplements, or adding cumin powder to your favorite recipes.