Is Cumin Bad For You?
Also Known As: cummin
Short answer
Cumin is not bad for you. It is a spice with several health benefits. People on diabetes medications, however, should be aware of possible interactions with cumin.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Native to Egypt and used extensively in Indian cuisine, cumin (not to be confused with curcumin) is full of antioxidants and other phytochemicals that can help keep you healthy. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A help prevent damage caused by free radicals and are known to lower the risk of heart disease and cancers caused by oxidative stress. Furthermore, vitamin C is necessary for building collagen and a vital component in a fully functioning immune system, while vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Another benefit to be gained from cumin is improved digestion. Cuminaldehyde, a compound found in the aroma that comes from cumin, stimulates the salivary glands and thymol activates glands that secrete the acids, bile, and enzymes needed to fully digest foods. These essential oils may also relieve stomach-ache if cumin is mixed with hot water.
Cumin is also a good source of iron, which has many important functions in the body such as red blood cell formation and transporting oxygen to the cells. Due to its supply of iron, cumin may be good for women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding – however, more research needs to be done in this area and it would be best to consult a doctor first. Another reason to ask a doctor about cumin would be its possible effect on blood sugar. Cumin may act as a blood sugar lowering agent – which means that while it may be good for patients with diabetes, it could interact with diabetes medications to bring blood sugar to dangerously low levels, causing blurry vision, headaches, and fatigue which could lead to a loss of consciousness or seizure.
Magnesium is another seemingly do-it-all mineral, performing functions such as regulating blood pressure and aiding in the absorption of calcium. Furthermore, proper calcium absorption ensures that calcium does not get stored in soft tissue. Particular to black cumin, thymoquinone has been shown by studies to be potentially effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Aside from the warning regarding cumin’s potential ability to lower blood sugar levels, it is worth note that buying cumin from the store carries a risk of cross-contamination. Early in 2015, the FDA issued a warning concerning a recall of products with cumin, due to traces of peanuts – a deadly allergen for some people – being found in the cumin.
Possible short-term side effects
- allergic reaction (see peanut warning above)
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decreased blood sugar levels
Benefits
- helps prevent diseases related to iron-deficiency
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promotes bone health
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promotes eye health
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decreases risk of heart disease
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fights free radicals
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aids digestion
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improves calcium absorption
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Simply Organic Cumin
- Rich, warm flavor
- Complex earthy notes
- Certified organic
- Kosher
- Convenient glass jar
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-27-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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