Cumin: more flavor for your dishes and benefits for your health

With the scientific name Cuminum cyminum, cumin is a spice known since ancient Egypt. Currently, it is cultivated especially in India, South Africa, the Middle East and Mexico, but it is worth noting that it is used all over the world.

Bianca Sermarini, functional nutritionist and consultant at the OrtoBio Institute, explains that cumin has been used since ancient times in the preparation of food and liqueurs. “Even today, it is a very common ingredient in the preparation of meats, sauces, roasts, breads, cheeses, soups and even some sweet dishes”, she says.

Its most common use is in powder form. “The most famous preparations that use cumin as an ingredient are barbecue sauce and curry”, highlights nutritionist Bianca. Other examples of dishes that use the delicacy are raw kibbeh and hummus, famous in Arab cuisine.

The benefits of cumin, however, go beyond adding flavor to dishes. Discover the advantages of this seasoning and learn how to use it in your daily life.

5 amazing benefits of cumin

Bianca explains that cumin is a source of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and B. Check out good reasons to include it in your preparations:

1. Cardiovascular health ally: A study published in the scientific journal Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology found that cumin may offer long-term benefits in terms of cardiovascular health, as its constant consumption has been linked to lower LDL cholesterol and of blood pressure.

2. Fighting anemia: Bianca points out that cumin consumption can help fight anemia because it is rich in iron.

3. Improve digestion: the spice is even known to help improve digestion and prevent gas.

4. Antioxidant action: Bianca explains that cumin offers antioxidant action, facilitating the process of eliminating toxins from the body.

5. Memory improvement: the nutritionist adds that the regular consumption of cumin also contributes to the improvement of memory, as it increases concentration levels.

It is worth noting that the best way to include cumin in your diet is to rely on the guidance of a nutritionist so that you can make the best use of the benefits it can offer your health.

Ways to consume cumin

Want to know how to include this seasoning in your food? Check out the tips:

Cumin powder: This is probably its most common use. The powder comes from ground dry seeds and has a very strong flavor. Bianca points out that it can be used as an ingredient in recipes, suggesting the use of a knife tip. “Studies on cumin are still scarce in the scientific literature, however, it is suggested to use a knife tip as a homemade measure (in powdered form)”, adds the nutritionist.

Tea: it is possible to prepare a tea with the seed of cumin, according to nutritionist Bianca. “Bring 500 ml of water to the boil until it boils, turn off the heat and add a spoon (dessert) of cumin seed. Smother for 10 minutes. Just strain and drink,” he says.

The delicacy emphasizes the flavor of the most varied dishes based on cheeses, meats, eggs and vegetables. Aromatic, it can also be added to sauces and breads, as well as to some types of liqueurs, preserves and sweet jams.

10 recipes that have cumin as a star

Get inspired by the recipes below and enhance the flavor of your dishes with the use of cumin:

1. Homemade curry

It is worth noting that curry is not a seasoning, but a combination of several. Also known as curry, it is widely used in Asian countries such as India, Thailand. It usually takes, in addition to cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, juniper, turmeric, fenugreek and pepper.

2. hummus

It is a chickpea paste with tahini, of Arab origin, very tasty. There are several versions, but this recipe is made with raw chickpeas, tahini, lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper and cumin.

3. Raw Kibe

To make this classic Arabic dish, you’ll use kibbeh wheat, twice ground duck, cumin, Syrian pepper (optional), salt, black pepper, olive oil, mint and onion.

4. Chili

Typical Texas recipe, chili is super easy to make and tastes amazing. In addition, it’s perfect for warming up on cold days and a good way to reuse beans.

5. Tex-Mex

The yield is six servings, and you will only use ground beef, onion, celery, tomato, water, cooked beans, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, sugar and olive oil.

6. Guacamole

The already known and appreciated guacamole in an easy recipe in which you will only need cumin, salt, garlic, avocados, lemon, tomatoes, red onion, fresh coriander and pepper.

7. Ground beef with potatoes and cumin

This is a good choice for a complete and tasty meal. You will only need ground beef, large English potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin powder, oil and fresh basil leaves.

8. Indian chicken

A chicken fillet made with onions, ginger and turmeric, coriander and cumin seeds for texture and flavor, a little red pepper powder and coconut milk to blend the flavors and leave the dish with a silky sauce.

9. Onion and cumin bread

To make this tasty bread, you will only use wheat flour, sugar, butter, water, fresh yeast, salt, cumin, onion and egg.

10. Thai rice

With a striking flavor, this rice is a great idea to vary the main dish of everyday life. Cumin, combined with bay leaf, coriander, sweet paprika, tahini and ginger, create a powerful and unforgettable flavor!

Remember, though, that cumin has a strong flavor, so don’t overdo it!

Side effects and contraindications

Moderate consumption of cumin does not pose health problems. According to Bianca, cumin is only contraindicated for those who have gastritis, as it is irritating to the gastric mucosa.

Now you know that, in addition to adding flavor to dishes, cumin, when consumed regularly, can offer health benefits. Consult your nutritionist and include this seasoning in your diet.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.