Spices for Diabetes - Cumin

Whole Cumin

I have had some good days and some not so good days trying to use foods to control and possibly eliminate diabetes in my life. When one is exposed to eating a particular way, some days the change to a healthier lifestyle can and for me have been difficult, but, it is important to continue the struggle to be diabetic-free.

There has been a lot of talk about using spices for diabetes. There are a lot of reports all over the Internet that spices such as cumin are great in the fight against diabetes. Today I will take the time to introduce you to cumin and to share with you how I use the spice and the results I have seen to date. You are going to want to continue reading this article.

Introduction to Cumin

Cumin is a spice which has been used in Indian, African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes for as long as we can recall. Cumin belongs to the parsley family and the seeds can be used whole (click “whole“) or grounded into a powder.

Some other names for cumin are; Anis Acre, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Comino, Cummin, Jeeraka, and Zira. There are others, but I just thought I would mention a few. Cumin is really a herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It is also a popular spice in some parts of the world. In my home, it is now a must-have spice in the kitchen.

Cumin was tested on animals and when combined with other oils such as fenugreek, cinnamon, and oregano, the glucose readings were reduced. Interestingly, a similar result was achieved when cumin was tested on human beings. For more information check out livestrong.com for a 2017 article entitled “Cumin & Diabetes.”

A few words of caution:

I would avoid cumin if I were pregnant or breastfeeding. The reason for this is that there is not enough research to date to give the go-ahead to consume cumin whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Yes, what about people living in those countries where cumin is used in almost every food? This is certainly worth examining, but, for now, I am just saying, do the research and make an informed decision.

The Many Uses of Cumin

Cumin has been used for diabetes, diarrhea, colic, gas, other bowel related issues, as a diuretic to relieve bloating, menstruation issues and also to increase sex drive. It is popular in foods and beverages and has even been used in beauty products as a fragrance.

Blood Clotting Issues. There are reports of cumin slowing the rate at which our blood clots, especially for those who are already struggling with bleeding disorders. Again, I would caution that we do the research and as I am known to say “moderation is still the key.”

I can state this as a fact in my own life. Cumin lowers my blood sugar and so I have found that especially when I consume some cumin tea, or add it to my morning coffee or ginger, then I have to take less blood sugar lowering medication, or none at all.

I know the monitoring of ones’ blood sugar can be a nuisance, but, it is worth the effort. Remember that too low a blood sugar can be devastating and could result in coma, headache, blurred vision, fatigue, trembling, seizures, or possibly death.

Cumin in the Kitchen


I use spices and herbs to replace salt in some of my dishes, like stew and when cooking meats. I absolutely love cumin in my curried dishes and I sometimes use it as a rub on meats.

I now use it as a tea a few days out of the week. Please see below for two (2) tea recipes using cumin powder:

Cumin-Ginger Delight

You will need:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground organic cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground organic ginger
  • 1 cup boiled water
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice, if you so desire

Directions

  1. Place the cumin and the ginger in the cup
  2. Add the water
  3. Add the honey/sweetener
  4. Stir and enjoy

Cumin Coffee Perk

You will need:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground organic cumin
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee
  • 1 cup boiled water
  • 2 teaspoons cream/evaporated milk

Directions

  1. Place the cumin and the coffee in the cup
  2. Add the water
  3. Add the cream/evaporated milk
  4. Stir and enjoy

Is Cumin the Diabetic Gem?

What I found interesting during my research stage on cumin is that there is a strong possibility that cumin could also be a gem in the fight against diabetic-related issues. A study documented an improvement in the levels creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Note that diabetics tend to have excess blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

A few other things were noticed; improvement in digestion, more antioxidant activity in the kidney and the pancreas, insulin retention improves, causes the body to produce more insulin, and a reduced waistline was evident for those consuming cumin over a period of time.

A Reminder About Weight

It is worth giving a reminder here as it relates to weight. This is the enemy of most diabetics. For some, this is where it all started, and I have certainly noticed a link between my weight and diabetes.

The first reduction I saw in my blood glucose readings is when I started to lose weight. Since then I have not returned to those excessively high numbers.

Cataracts and Cumin

A number of people with diabetes, eventually finds themselves dealing with cataracts as well. Research has shown where cumin helps to prevent this unwanted ill and so the benefits of using cumin as a diabetic appears to be worth the while.

Hypertension Busted

I was very pleased to see that cumin will also lower high blood pressure. Let me remind my readers that a number of diabetics also struggle with high blood pressure. It is amazing and comforting to see the many diabetic-related issues addressed by cumin.

Just a little note on high blood pressure. My experience has been one to mention and to encourage my readers. I am finding high blood pressure easier to manage with diet, than diabetes. Yes, a bit disappointing for me, but at least I also do not have to struggle with hypertension.

The dietary adjustments of more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are doing wonders for my blood pressure. I rarely need the medication as my pressure remains in the normal range most days. I now have to manage my stress as I do see a horrible link between this and high blood pressure and high blood glucose readings.

Off the Wagon, But Back

I must admit that I “fell off off the wagon” for a while. My dietary choices were not what they were before as I started to re-introduce some of the previous foods on a weekly basis. There is no excuse, I just felt a bit hopeless because of some other issues.

Whenever we get to that place of caring little for ourselves, it is a dangerous place to be. Yes, I witnessed an increase in my blood glucose readings and hypertension became an issue again. My tendon and joints started hurting also.

Stay with me here. The only changes I made was 1) the reduction in the quantity of whole foods that I ate and 2) a “bad ass” attitude towards life.

Yes, Food Matters

The price I paid was too much, but, at least I now know for sure that food matters, and, most importantly is that we need a lot of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, peas and some animal protein to keep us healthy and ultimately diabetic-free.

Readers, please do not lose hope and keep trying. The changes will be well worth the effort. Cumin is only one of the many foods given to us for our healing. Let us encourage each other as we embrace a healthier lifestyle, especially as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I leave with you Gods’ Peace and His Grace.

Continue reading here: Is there a Link Between Diabetes and Cholesterol?

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