Cumin is a popular spice to consume and research. Cumin may help manage diabetes, reduce cholesterol, and boost memory, among many other benefits. But it may affect fertility and pregnancy.

 

Cumin has the potential for helping you lose weight because of a unique active ingredient — thymoquinone, a naturally occurring chemical that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Thymoquinone can target free radicals in your body, assisting your body in cleansing itself of toxins. Cumin helps your cells respond to insulin and glucose, which keeps your blood sugar stable.

 

Over time, the effects of cumin can work together with a healthy diet and exercise to decrease fat deposits and reduce inflammation in your body. When everything works together, you may notice that any symptoms of bloating, swelling, and fatigue are decreased when you consume cumin.

 

Research backs up the idea that cumin can help you lose weight, but we need more studies to come to a firm conclusion about how well it works.

 

One small study of 72 overweight subjects demonstrated that adding cumin and lime to a weight loss routine accelerated weight loss significantly.

 

In another small study of 88 overweight women, cumin alone was enough to result in faster weight loss for subjects.