A discreet star of world cuisines, cumin is now emerging from the shadows. Behind its hot and spicy taste, this ancient seed attracts attention for its potential effects on digestion, blood sugar and metabolism. From there to making it a slimming ally? Not so simple… but promising enough for us to take a closer look. Explanations from Dr. Laure Martinat, doctor expert in micronutrition.
Effects on digestion: Does cumin deflate the stomach?
Cumin has been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicineespecially for relieve all digestive problems : stomach aches, spasms, gas, flatulence, heaviness, heartburn…
And for good reason, this versatile spice is one of the most effective for supporting digestion.
He is also recognized for his carminative propertieswhich means that it helps to reduce gas formation and to promote their expulsion, which makes it an interesting ally in the event of bloating or abdominal pain. “It is a spice that I recommend to patients who suffer from functional digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome” adds the specialist.
It is these combined effects on digestion and gas that can help reduce the feeling of a bloated and tense stomach after a meal. Be careful though, if cumin can make you deflate, it does not make you “lose belly weight” by reducing abdominal fat!
What are the other benefits of cumin seeds or powder?
The use of cumin seed for medicinal purposes is not new, since it is part of the basic pharmacopoeia of traditional Indian medicine.
“Since then, cumin has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, which have been able to confirm several of its digestive, but also metabolic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties” indicates Dr. Martinat.
On the metabolic level, several studies suggest a moderate but real effect on the regulation of blood sugar (source 1).
Positive effects were also observed on the lipid profilewith a trend towards reduction of certain markers linked to cardiovascular risk. “It’s a very spicy recommended in cases of prediabetes, diabetes, overweight or obesity – always in addition to a global approach of course” adds the specialist.
Cumin also has properties anti-infectives documented, in particular linked to the presence of its active ingredient cuminaldehyde. Studies (source 2 and 3) have demonstrated antibacterial activity against different strains, notably Escherichia coliinvolved in most of the urinary infections. “It would in particular be capable of disrupting the formation of bacterial biofilms, structures which protect pathogenic bacteria and make them more resistant” explains the micronutritionist. Note, however, that these effects were observed at very high concentrationsoften with essential oils or concentrated cumin extracts.
Finally, cumin has effects anti-inflammatories and antispasmodicslinked to its flavonoids. These antioxidants contained in the seed act on smooth muscles and help reduce spasms and pain, whether in the digestive or bladder areas. “As cumin is also slightly diuretic, it presents a real interest in the prevention of recurrent urinary infections” concludes our expert.
Slimming: is it a fat-burning spice and does it really help you lose weight?
Everyone dreams of a miracle slimming remedy, which could make us melt effortlessly, but bad news: it doesn’t exist!
Although cumin seed has many health benefits, simply adding it to every meal will not melt the bulges and will not have any effect on the weight displayed on the scale.
“Nevertheless, cumin can be a slimming ally through several indirect means : it regulates blood sugar levels, improves lipid balance and above all, it allows dishes to be spiced up without adding calories” lists Dr. Martinat.
Furthermore, by limiting bloating and gas, it can have a “flat stomach” effect appreciated when you want to lose a few kilos.
Seeds, herbal teas, extracts: how to use cumin seed to benefit from its benefits?
To fully benefit from all the benefits of cumin, it is essential to preserve its active ingredients which are quite fragile.
The cumin powdermore practical, is on the other hand less nutritionally interesting. Once ground, the spice oxidizes more quickly and gradually loses intensity, both aromatically and phytotherapeutically.
Another option is to consume it in decoction or infusionperfect for facilitate digestion after a rich meal. “We then use a teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds, which we infuse in a cup of simmering water for around ten minutes” advises Dr. Martinat.
Cumin also exists in the form ofessential oilbut its use requires great care. “Very concentrated, she should not never be used pure and is consumed in very small quantities, at a rate ofone to two drops maximum per day diluted in a neutral oil” insists the specialist.
Finally, the standardized extracts are interestingparticularly for targeted uses, because they guarantee a stable concentration of active ingredients. They may be recommended in specific contexts, such as in the context of recurrent urinary infections.
But on a daily basis, it is mainly cuisine let cumin find its place!
What about black cumin?
Contrary to what its name might suggest, black cumin actually has no no botanical connection with cumin ! “It’s the nickname of another spice called nigellawhich belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and not Apiaceae like cumin” corrects Dr. Martinat.
These small triangular black seeds are also very rich in molecules and active ingredients, which give them numerous properties: anti-histamine, metabolic regulator, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant.
