Cumin (Cuminum cyminum )
Health Benefits: Cumin has a great iron and manganese content, which help to improve energy and metabolism. Cumin is yet another spice that is known to improve digestion. Studies have shown that cumin stimulates the pancreas to secrete the enzymes necessary for digestion and assimilation. Further, cumin has some excellent anti-oxidant properties and a study has shown that it protected lab animals from developing cancerous stomach and liver tumors.
The Encyclopedia of Spices also lists some really cool medicinal properties. Cumin is claimed to in-crease lactation and help with morning sickness. It is also claimed as treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, diarrhea, flatulence, colic, breast and testicular swelling and indigestion. And for the la-dies, if cancer prevention and gas relief isn’t enough, this wonder spice shows promise as a natural way of increasing breast size. Your guess is as good as mine is on the workings of that mechanism.
