Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a small plant in the parsley family with
aromatic, seedlike fruit, used in cookery and medicine. The Prophet Isaiah mentions the planting of cumin
along with dill twice (Isaiah 28:25 and 28:27).
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus berates the scribes and Pharisees calling them
hypocrites. "For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the
weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these
are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
Cumin is extensively used as a condiment on the Indian Subcontinent
and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries. It does not grow
wild, but has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Middle East,
Asia and Africa. Cumin boasts a number
of important nutrients that can help keep you healthy. Because of its strong
aroma, only a small amount of cumin is needed.
Cumin is a good source of energy, vitamin A, C, E & B6,
thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin, and minerals like iron, manganese,
copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. It is also rich in
protein and amino acids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a reasonable amount
of fats & fatty acids. Consuming about one teaspoon of cumin daily can help
you meet your daily nutrient requirements.
It helps in losing weight, improving digestion and immunity, and
treating skin disorders, boils, piles, insomnia and respiratory disorders. Let
us understand each benefit in detail.
