Slimming down with a pinch of cumin. Discover the forgotten spice's weight loss secret

Cumin (Roman caraway) contributes to our bodily functions in several ways. The magnesium in it plays a significant role in the functioning of the nervous system and muscles. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and blood pressure.

Other components like phosphorus and vitamin K assist energy metabolism and maintain the health of bones and teeth. Potassium helps manage blood pressure and is vital for the proper functioning of the heart. The presence of vitamins A and C, selenium, and polyphenols, are potent antioxidants that bolster the immune system and protect cells from damage. Vitamin A is of critical importance for skin health and vision.

Folic acid is beneficial in the production of red blood cells, while niacin, or vitamin B3 as it's commonly known, is vital for a healthy metabolism. Volatile compounds like cymene, cumin aldehyde, and safranal have anti-inflammatory properties.

Such a spice with an abundant nutritional profile provides comprehensive support for health.

A study conducted by Iranian scientists investigated the results of a controlled weight loss process involving 88 overweight and obese individuals. For three months, all participants consumed 500 fewer calories per day than prior to the study. However, only half of the participants received cumin-rich meals (one teaspoon per day).

Participants who consumed Roman cumin daily lost more than a kilogram more than the others. Significantly, they lost up to 14.6 percent of body fat. As for those whose diet did not include cumin, body fat decreased only by 4.9 percent.

Add a pinch of cumin to a glass of water every morning - you could also add some lemon juice to enhance the taste - and you'll quickly notice a slimming effect. This mixture is a simplified version of the popular Indian lemonade called jal-jeera, which you can prepare at home.

Jal-Jeera Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 quart of water,
• Juice of 3 lemons,
• 1 teaspoon of jal-jeera masala (an Indian spice, which can be purchased at health food stores or prepared at home by grinding roasted Roman cumin and coriander seeds with black pepper, salt, and ground paprika),
• A pinch of sugar.

Add the lemon juice, jal-jeera masala, and sugar to a large bowl and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Pour in the water and stir well, then transfer to a container, adding ice cubes. Ensure you shake or stir well before serving, as the spices tend to settle at the bottom of the container.