The health benefits of cumin and its most prominent alternatives to other spices
The benefits of cumin are many and varied. In the following article, we review cumin and its origins. And many of its many health benefits..
What is cumin?
Cumin is a spice that many people associate with Mexican food. But it is widely used all over the world. Especially in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Cumin comes from a flowering plant and its oblong seeds can be used whole or by grinding them up.
The flavor of cumin can be described as nutty. But there is also a slight bitter taste to it, Sometimes even a bit of citrus.
This spice contains high levels of iron, magnesium, calcium , antioxidants, and volatile organic compounds. In addition to smaller amounts of dietary fibre.
This precious spice can aid digestion, decreased inflammation, and help treat respiratory disorders, and strengthening immunity, and prevent chronic diseases.
strong spices such as cumin, Important ingredients in many traditional cuisines and medicinal practices. But it is not always available.
Cummins history
Cumin is an ancient type of spice. Where it began to be cultivated in the ancient Egyptian state and Middle Eastern civilizations, it was found in 4,000-year-old excavations in Syria and ancient Egypt.
It was used as a spice and as an ingredient in preserving mummies. It also appears in the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
since ancient times, Cumin was used extensively in India as well as by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Cumin also reached Mexican and South American cuisine after European colonization. Where the Spaniards and Portuguese brought it.
Cumin oil
The essential oil of cumin is extracted from the dried and crushed seeds through a process of steam distillation.
All the medicinal properties of cumin are found in its essential oils. Which in its pure form is more effective and more beneficial than cumin seeds.
Cumin essential oil is mainly composed of cumin acid, simian, depentine, two lemons, flandrin, Pinin. It has amazing medicinal properties and health benefits.
Benefits of cumin oil
The health benefits of cumin essential oil can be attributed to its germicidal properties. Treating digestive disorders.
In addition to being a diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and detoxification.
Kills bacteria
Research published in 2017 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that cumin essential oil has powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
It has also been found to be very effective against bacteria such as microorganisms such as E. coli, S. aureus, S. faecalis
as a germicide, It can be used to treat diarrhea and cholera. caused by bacteria.
Moreover, It can treat internal bacterial infections such as those in the colon, stomach, intestines, and urinary tract.
Eliminates flatulence
Cumin oil has strong carminative properties and effectively removes gases from the intestines.
A study published in the medical journal of the Iranian Red Crescent indicates that cumin, Along with various other ingredients, It was effective against flatulence.
Read about: oranges and stomach
Diuretic
Cumin oil increases urination in terms of frequency and quantity. Scientists say that whenever you urinate, The more fat you lose.
Urination also promotes digestion and prevents gas formation. It removes excess water from the body and reduces swelling, What’s more, it also reduces blood pressure.
Treats cramps
This oil has very effective antispasmodic properties. It can be used in the treatment of almost all types of spasms and associated problems such as spasms, and persistent cough.
Removes toxins from the body
including those produced by the body, Like some excess hormones and metabolic byproducts.
as well as those that enter the bloodstream through food, such as uric acid, insecticides, artificial colors, and fertilizer.
improves digestion
One of the benefits of cumin is that it improves the digestive and excretory system in particular and keeps it tidy.
An animal study published in the IOSR Journal of Pharmacology found, The use of cumin works to enhance the levels of uric acid and creatinine.
Cumin substitutes
Cumin alternatives include:
Chili powder
Since cumin is commonly found in Mexican food, It provides a healthy array of spices, Unsurprisingly , chili powder is a popular substitute .
caraway seeds
Cumin and caraway seeds share some of these properties. But the flavor doesn’t quite match. With latency being significantly stronger.
Ground caraway seeds should not be used in the same amount. Otherwise, it will completely change the flavor of the dish. Approximately half of the amount of crushed earth is recommended.
However, Caraway has a number of volatile compounds that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties similar to cumin.
coriander
While coriander and cumin do not share the same flavour, They are not equal in spice. They do, however, have an aromatic quality when cooked.
Therefore, coriander is a popular and effective alternative to cumin. Although the flavor and aroma are different. Coriander is known to relieve constipation, prevent infection and lower blood pressure.
Red pepper
Red pepper or paprika is a strong spice commonly found in Asian and Mexican cuisine.
One of the benefits of cumin is that it is characterized by a limited smoky quality in terms of flavour. And by replacing it with red pepper, Anyone can be fooled.
curry powder
Most curry powders contain a moderate amount of cumin mixed in, In addition to turmeric, ginger , mustard, fenugreek seeds and a variety of other spices.
therefore Curry works as a great substitute for cumin. Although it is a more powerful and permeable alternative, But including turmeric also tends to change the color of your meal to something a little more yellow.