Whether you're the type of person who loves to cook, or you just prefer to wait at the table to enjoy the food, chances are you have heard about cumin. Yes, you have probably heard a chef on the telly mention it, but what exactly is it? Is it a herb or a spice? What does it taste like? Are there any health benefits to eating it? Let us answer some of those questions now.
What Is Cumin?
If you've enjoyed a warm bowl of curry before, you have already had cumin. Cumin is one of the spices usually included in your typical curry. This spice comes from a small plant native to countries with warmer climates, such as India, Upper Egypt, and the Americas. However, even if the plant does not grow where you live, you will likely be able to find cumin in its ground-up form in the spice aisle of your local grocer.
Advantages Of Cumin
Aside from making a curry taste delicious, cumin has many amazing health benefits. Here are the ones that made the top of our list.
1 - Weight Loss
If you are looking to lose a bit of weight, adding a small amount of cumin to your food will go a long way. Studies have shown that people who frequently consume food with cumin experience a significant amount of weight loss over a period of time. Cumin is also great at lowering insulin levels in the body,
2 - Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Other studies have also shown that frequently eating food with cumin will also help regulate cholesterol levels in the body. In the studies mentioned, most of the participants were overweight or obese, and they were shown to have "good" cholesterol levels by the end of the study.
3 - Promotes Good Digestion
A specific compound found in cumin, called Thymol, helps the body secrete bile and other fluids and acids that are responsible for digestion.
4 - Boosts Your Immune System
Cumin has a high amount of vitamin C, which is essential to help fight disease, prevent cancer, and boost the immune system. It also gives that person that feeling of "being well."
5 - Promotes Detoxification And Healthy Skin
Vitamin E is also present in cumin seeds. It is a wonderful antioxidant that helps get rid of toxins inside the body and keep cells young. Your skin will have a youthful glow if you choose to add cumin to your diet on a regular basis. Also, cumin's detoxifying agents also help your kidneys do their job effectively.
6 - High Source Of Calcium
Cumin is also high in calcium. It helps your bones get stronger as well as aid in relaxing sore muscles. Cumin, if consumed regularly, can also help delay the effects of bone diseases and disorders, such as osteoporosis.
Conclusion
If you are looking to add an extra layer of flavour in your cooking, or if you are looking for a health boost, consider adding cumin to the next pot of curry you will cook for your family. Cumin will help take that bowl of comfort food to the next level, both health-wise and flavour-wise!
Tower Tandoori is a local curry house and one of the best
event venues in London. Book a reservation early to avoid waiting in line!