Cumin seed is a spice made from the dried seed of a planks known as cuminum, which is a member of the parsley family. When used in food, it has a unique aroma and taste. Locally, the spice is mostly used in making ‘pilau’ and other dishes. It is one of the most popular spices and is commonly used in Latin American, Middle Eastern, North African, and Indian cuisines, among many others. Apart from making food delicious, nutritionists say that this spice has numerous health benefits. Private Kamanzi, a dietician and nutritionist at Amazon Nutrition Cabinet in Kigali, says cumin seeds are abundant in a phytochemical compound called cumin aldehyde, which has since exhibited medicinal properties that fight some conditions including diabetes and tumours, and are also known to boost immunity. He says that these seeds are also known as beneficial plant compounds that are associated with incredible wellness incentives including flavonoids and alkaloids. These compounds, Kamanzi says, function as antioxidants that combat free radicals from damaging healthy cells, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In addition to this, cumin seeds are also an abundant source of iron, offering around 20 per cent of daily iron needs in one teaspoon. “It has been established that drinking cumin water may be valuable to young children to promote growth and also help women suffering from anaemia,” Kamanzi says. Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist with Rwanda Diabetes Association in Kigali, says cumin seeds are one of the most gut-friendly herbs, thus effective in promoting digestion. He says this is done by promoting pancreatic enzymes and assisting in the digestion process. They also contain thymol and essential oils that stimulate the salivary gland, thereby easing digestion. In fact, people with a weak digestive system are urged to drink cumin water early in the morning on an empty stomach for better digestion and to decrease flatulence. Musengimana says these wonder seeds also help in relieving one from flatulence and thereby improve digestion and appetite. The presence of essential oils, magnesium, and sodium content provide relief from stomach aches when taken with hot water. Kamanzi says cumin is a rich source of dietary fibre and exhibits carminative, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. The essential oils like aldehyde and pyrazines in them act as natural laxatives, aid in curing infections or wounds in the excretory system, and also relieve haemorrhoids. A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, revealed that cumin is also beneficial to people trying to lose weight. It also identified that cumin not only helps in losing weight quickly but also influences the body’s fat profile in a positive way by reducing the levels of harmful lipids in the blood. Consuming cumin seeds has also been associated with asthma and cold relief. This is because of the powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of cumin seeds, making it a wonderful remedy for treating asthma and cold. How it happens is that it acts as an expectorant, loosens up the phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts, and makes it easier to eliminate. The essential oil acts as a disinfectant and helps ward off infections and boost immunity.
