A tasty spice that costs as little as 27p a serving could come with a number of incredible health benefits. Research has shown that cumin seeds, which is popular in many Asian and Mexican dishes, have the potential to protect the body from cancer – as well as lowering cholesterol.
It is thought some of its health benefits lie in the fact it contains compounds called flavonoids, which work as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants can help to neutralise unstable particles known as free radicals that cause cell damage.
WebMD explains that this process means antioxidants can “help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure”. Further to this, the seeds – which can also be used in cooking as a ground up spice – are a rich source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
One study, published in Frontiers in Oncology journal in 2023, tested the use of cumin extracts on cells affected by bone cancer. Researchers found that they helped the cells “heal”.
They wrote in the study: “The primary chemical components of the extract are revealed by the study, and these help the malignant cells heal. The present study finds that there is scientific validity in using cumin seeds as a novel method of anticancer therapy after undergoing both intrinsic and extrinsic research.”
While other research has linked cumin to a lower risk of cancers of the liver, stomach, and bowel. WebMD says: “Cancer develops when cells in the body start to multiply out of control.
“Tumours are collections of these abnormal cells. In several animal studies, scientists have found that cumin seeds may prevent the growth of different kinds of tumours, including those caused by liver, stomach, and colon cancers.”
However, it is acknowledged that more studies are needed to “determine if cumin can help prevent cancer in humans”. Separate research has associated cumin with reduced cholesterol levels.
Having high cholesterol is a major risk factor for a number of deadly conditions including heart disease and stroke. It occurs when you have an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood.
A study, published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, trialled the consumption of cumin on a group of participants. As part of the experiment, three to five drops of cumin extract were added to the patient’s diet three times a day for around 45 days.
Researchers noted a “significant” drop in low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad” cholesterol, following the trial. They wrote: “The results demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in the level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein after receiving cumin.”
And in another study on obese and overweight women, one group ate 3g of cumin powder with yoghurt twice a day for three months and the other group ate yoghurt without the cumin. Women who ate the cumin had lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels, along with increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).
On top of these benefits, WebMD adds that cumin consumption could:
- Have antibacterial properties
- Manage diabetes
- Help weight management
- Improve digestion.
At the time of reporting, you can buy 37g of cumin seeds from Tesco for £1, which works out as roughly 27p per 10g serving.