Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Cumin supplementation was shown to reduce weight, waist circumference, fat mass, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while improving HDL or “good cholesterol” in overweight and obese women.
An estimated 34.9% of U.S. adults are now obese, costing over $147 billion each year in medical expenses (2). Obesity is the leading cause of preventable death and increases the risk for related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain types of cancer (1, 2). Previous studies have found body fat distribution may play a role in the risk of these diseases (3). Recent research found that supplementing with cumin powder in overweight and obese women improved cholesterol levels and body composition markers, such as weight (1).
The research included 100 overweight and obese women with an average age of 37 years. The women were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received cumin, a common cooking spice in Mediterranean and Indian foods. The experimental group (n=50) took 3 g of cumin powder along with yogurt at lunch and dinner (each time: 1.5 g cumin and 150 ml low-fat yogurt) daily. The control group (n=50) only ate the yogurt at lunch and dinner daily over the period of 3 months (1). All the women also received nutritional counseling every 2 weeks in the first month and monthly thereafter (1).
At the end of 3 months, the following results were observed:
| Body Composition Marker | Experimental Group: Cumin Powder | Control Group | Significance between Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight reduction | reduction of 6.20 kg | reduction 4.19 kg | p=0.005 |
| Waist circumference | reduction of 8.22% | reduction of 5.51% | p=0.005 |
| Fat mass index | reduction of 18.21% | reduction of 10.66% | p=0.005 |
| Percent fat mass | reduction of 14.64% | reduction of 4.91% | p=0.005 |
| Triglycerides | reduction of 23.06 mg | reduction of 5.04 mg | p=0.020 |
| Total Cholesterol | reduction of 26.48 mg/dl | reduction of 0.88 mg/dl | p>0.005 |
| LDL “bad” cholesterol | reduction of 9.62 md/dl | reduction of 0.44 mg/dl | p=0.001 |
| HDL “good” cholesterol | increased by 1.84 mg/dl | decreased by 0.82 mg/dl | p=0.049 |
These results show that cumin powder significantly improved all of the above body composition markers (1). This is the only study to examine the effect of cumin on body composition (1).
In conclusion, cumin supplementation is shown to reduce weight, waist circumference, fat mass, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while improving HDL or “good cholesterol” in overweight and obese women (1). The data suggests this common spice can reduce risk factors associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome (1). Future research with diabetic individuals should be considered (1).
Source: Zare, Roghayeh, et al. “Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice 20.4 (2014): 297-301.
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Posted December 30, 2016.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Zare R, et al. Effect of cumin powder on body composition and lipid profile in overweight and obese women. Complementary Therapies in Clin Practice 20 (2014) 297-301.
- Adult Obesity Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Despres JP. Body fat distribution and risk of cardiovascular disease. An update. Circulation. 2012; 126: 1301-13.
