The Ethnic Cook: cumin is good for you

January 13, 10:01 PMNY Ethnic Food ExaminerAimée Kligman

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Cumin is an extremely popular spice in middle eastern dishes, but it is as popular in Spanish cuisine. Its name is derived from the Spanish "comino". It is also used in India in ayurveda healing. As a child, I loved it immediately, no matter what it was used for. And half a century later, I'm still using it liberally on everything I can imagine. By the way, cumin and coriander complement each other really well in meats.

But today we are looking at how this seed can be used in improving our health.

Cumin's properties have been hailed for their beneficial effect on the digestive system, curbing flatulence, and improving liver function. It also acts as an anti-spasmodic, controlling menstrual pains or alleviating their intensity, and it is also believed to relieve nausea. I prefer eating ginger for nausea, as it works almost instantly.

Laboratory testing has shown cumin to protect rats from carcinogens. It is believed to fight free radicals and enhances the detoxification strength of liver enzymes.

Some middle Eastern countries still hold the belief that cumin, when mixed with pepper and honey, has aphrodisiac effects. If you're inclined to test this idea, you can use the mixture on meat or chicken. If it works, please let us know in the comments section...

If you want to feel as beautiful as Queen Nefertiti, eat cumin often; it reportedly keeps nails strong and hair shiny.

For recipes using cumin see: Salmon Kebabs, for a change,

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