Scientific name Cuminum cyminum, cumin is a spice known since ancient Egypt. It is currently grown especially in India, South Africa, the Middle East and Mexico, but it is worth mentioning that it is used worldwide.
Bianca Sermarini, functional nutritionist and consultant at OrtoBio Institute, explains that cumin was used since ancient times in the preparation of food and liqueurs. "Even today, it is a very common ingredient in the preparation of meat, sauces, baked goods, breads, cheeses, soups and even some sweet dishes," he 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 the raw kibe and hummus, famous in Arabic cuisine.
The benefits of cumin, however, go beyond giving the dishes more flavor. Know the advantages of this spice and know how to use it in your daily life.
5 Amazing Cumin Benefits
Bianca explains that cumin is a source of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and B. Check out some good reasons to include it in your preparations:
Read also: 20 kafta recipes to enjoy Arabic cuisine and spice up the barbecue
1. Ally of cardiovascular health: A study published in the journal Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology found that cumin may offer long-term benefits for cardiovascular health, as its constant consumption has been linked to lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Fight against anemia: Bianca points out that eating cumin can help fight anemia because it is rich in iron.
3. Improved 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 elimination of toxins from the body.
5. Improved Memory: The nutritionist adds that regular consumption of cumin also contributes to memory improvement as it increases concentration levels.
Read also: 122 recipes for sauces that will boost the flavors of your dishes
It is noteworthy that the best way to include cumin in your diet is to rely on the guidance of a nutritionist to then enjoy the best benefits that it can offer to health.
Cumin consumption forms
Want to know how to include this spice in your diet? Check out the tips:
Cumin Powder: This is probably its most common use. The powder comes from the ground dry seed and has a very striking taste. Bianca points out that it can be used as an ingredient in recipes, suggesting using a knife tip. "Studies on cumin are still scarce in the scientific literature, but it is suggested to use a knife tip as a homemade measure (in powder form)," adds the nutritionist.
Tea: It is possible to prepare a tea with cumin seed, according to nutritionist Bianca. • Bring 500 mL of water to the boil, turn off the heat and add a tablespoon of cumin seed. Muffle for 10 minutes. Just strain and drink? He says.
The delicacy emphasizes the flavor of various dishes based on cheese, meat, eggs and vegetables. Aromatic, it can also be added to sauces and breads, as well as some types of liqueurs, preserves and sweet jams.
Read also: Get to know different seasonings and learn how to use them in your recipes
10 recipes that have cumin as a star
Get inspired by the recipes below and highlight the flavor of your dishes using cumin:
1. Homemade Curry
It is worth mentioning that curry is not a spice, but the combination of several. Also known as curry, it is widely used in Asian countries like India, Thailand. It usually contains, in addition to cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, juniper, turmeric, fenugreek and pepper.
2. Hummus
It is a very tasty Arabian chickpea with tahini paste. 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 Arabian dish, you'll use wheat for kibe, double-ground duckling, 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 is perfect for warming up on cold days and a good way to reuse the beans.
Also read: 10 foods that look healthy but aren't
5. Tex-Mex
The yield is six servings, and you will only use ground beef, onion, celery, tomatoes, water, boiled beans, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, sugar and olive oil.
6. Guacamole
The well-known and appreciated guacamole in an easy recipe where you only need cumin, salt, garlic, avocados, lemon, tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro 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 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 combine the flavors and leave the dish in a silky sauce.
9. Onion and Cumin Bread
To make this tasty bread, you will use only 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 course from day to day. Cumin, combined with bay leaf, coriander, sweet paprika, tahini and ginger, create a powerful and unforgettable flavor!
Remember, though, that cumin has a marked flavor, so don't overdo it!
Side Effects and Contraindications
Moderate consumption of cumin offers no 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 besides giving the dishes more flavor, cumin, when consumed regularly, can offer health benefits. Consult your dietitian and include this spice in your diet.
19 Amazing Benefits Of Cumin (Jeera) For Skin, Hair And Health (April 2024)
- Food, Fitness, Kitchen
- 1,230
