Sprinkling spice over food daily slashes blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar

Research has shown sprinkling a spoonful of a common kitchen cupboard spice over your food daily could be incredibly beneficial for your health. If you want to lower your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, cumin is a helpful spice to add to your meals.

Cumin is also known for improving digestion and reducing food-borne infections. It is also a rich source of iron. Besides its triple blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol-lowering properties, it could also promote weight loss.

Plus, the superfood spice contains plenty of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. This can help slash your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

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What is cumin?

Cumin is a spice derived from the seeds of the cuminum cyminum plant. It’s a popular ingredient in many recipes, particularly in Mediterranean and Southwest Asian cuisines where it originates.

This spice adds a unique taste to dishes like chilli, tamales, and various Indian curries. People often describe its flavour as earthy, nutty, spicy, and warm. Additionally, cumin has a rich history of use in traditional medicine.

How cumin helps lower blood sugar

Cumin has shown potential in aiding diabetes treatment through some of its components. In one clinical study, participants who took a concentrated cumin supplement experienced better early signs of diabetes than those who received a placebo, particularly among overweight individuals.

Research has also indicated that cumin may help manage blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. In one particular study, incorporating cumin powder into the diets of diabetic rats over an eight-week period resulted in improved body weight, decreased hyperglycemia, and reduced blood urea levels.

Cumin has properties that can help mitigate some of the long-term impacts of diabetes too. One way diabetes affects the body’s cells is through the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE).

Cumin has various elements shown to lower AGEs in laboratory studies. Although these studies focused on concentrated cumin supplements, incorporating cumin into your meals regularly might assist in managing blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes.

However, the specific components responsible for these effects and the exact amount of cumin required for benefits are still not fully understood.

How cumin helps reduce cholesterol

Cumin has been shown to enhance blood cholesterol levels in clinical research. In a particular study, 75 mg of cumin twice daily over eight weeks reduced unhealthy blood triglycerides in participants. In a separate study, patients who consumed cumin extract for one and a half months exhibited a nearly 10% reduction in the levels of oxidized “bad” LDL cholesterol.

A third research study involving 88 women examined the impact of cumin on the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Participants who consumed 3 grams of cumin mixed with yoghurt twice daily for a duration of three months exhibited elevated HDL levels compared to those who consumed yoghurt without cumin.

However, the effects of cumin as a dietary seasoning on blood cholesterol levels remain uncertain when compared to the benefits observed with supplements utilised in various studies. One particular study reported no alterations in blood cholesterol levels among participants who consumed a cumin supplement.

How cumin may help cut blood pressure levels

Cumin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that enhance nitric oxide levels in the bloodstream. This can help relax constricted blood vessels and lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

Cumin is also rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, potentially preventing cell damage and conditions such as hypertension. Cumin is also rich in potassium, which helps the body excrete sodium through urine, which can help keep blood pressure normal.

How much cumin is safe

• Cumin powder: The typical dose is 1.5–3 grams per day, taken orally for up to six months.

• Cumin churna: The recommended dose is ½–1 teaspoon twice per day.

• Cumin oil: The recommended dose is 1–2 drops twice per day.

• Cumin herbal supplements: The recommended dose is 300–600 mg per day.

Cumin side effects

Cumin is generally considered safe to consume in foods, but there are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to cumin.

• Bleeding disorders: Cumin may slow blood clotting, which could worsen bleeding disorders.

• Blood sugar: Cumin may lower blood sugar levels, which could be dangerous for people with diabetes or those taking diabetes medications.

• Surgery: Cumin may interfere with blood sugar control and make bleeding worse during and after surgery. You should stop using cumin at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

• Pregnancy: Some cultures have used cumin to trigger miscarriage, so pregnant or trying-to-become-pregnant women should be cautious.

• Testosterone levels: Cumin may suppress testosterone levels, which could make men less fertile.

• Other side effects: Cumin may cause an upset stomach, heartburn, belching, bloating, gas, nausea, dizziness, and stomach pain.

• Liver damage: The volatile oil in cumin seeds can damage the liver and/or kidneys.

• Narcotic effect: Cumin seeds have narcotic properties, which can cause mental clouding and drowsiness.

While cumin has promising health properties, it is not a miracle cure. The best ways to stay healthy and reduce your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding too many processed, fatty foods, drinking water, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Consult your doctor first to check if cumin is safe for you, especially if you are taking certain medications or are being treated for a medical condition. Before starting any new herbal supplement regimen, it’s important to talk to your doctor and be sure to adhere to the dosing guidelines provided on any products you purchase.