An affordable and widely available cooking spice costing just 27p per portion could deliver remarkable health benefits, including potential cancer protection and cholesterol reduction. Studies have revealed that cumin seeds, a staple ingredient in numerous Asian and Mexican culinary traditions, may help shield the body against serious diseases while improving cardiovascular health.
The £1 Superfood Available at Tesco
Currently, 37g of cumin seeds are available at leading supermarket Tesco for just £1, equating to approximately 27p for a standard 10g portion. This makes the spice an exceptionally accessible addition to any household kitchen, offering potential health advantages at minimal cost.
Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Scientists believe many of cumin's health-boosting properties stem from its rich flavonoid content, which acts as powerful antioxidants within the body. These antioxidants help neutralise harmful particles called free radicals that damage cells and contribute to disease development.
Medical resource WebMD explains that this antioxidant process means cumin can "help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure." Beyond flavonoids, the seeds represent a rich natural source of essential nutrients including vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Promising Cancer Research Findings
Groundbreaking research published in the Frontiers in Oncology journal in 2023 examined cumin extracts on bone cancer-affected cells, with scientists discovering the extracts assisted the cells in healing processes. The study authors wrote: "The present study finds that there is scientific validity in using cumin seeds as a novel method of anticancer therapy after undergoing both intrinsic and extrinsic research."
Separate investigations have connected cumin consumption to reduced risks of liver, stomach, and bowel cancers. WebMD elaborates: "Cancer develops when cells in the body start to multiply out of control." Tumours represent collections of these abnormal cells, and several animal studies have demonstrated that cumin seeds may prevent the growth of different kinds of tumours.
Nevertheless, medical experts recognise that further human trials are required to definitively determine cumin's cancer-preventive capabilities in people. The current evidence, while promising, primarily stems from laboratory and animal research.
Significant Cholesterol Reduction Evidence
Elevated cholesterol represents a significant risk factor for numerous life-threatening conditions including heart disease and stroke. This occurs when excessive amounts of fatty cholesterol substances accumulate in the bloodstream.
Clinical Trial Results
Research published in the International Journal of Health Sciences tested cumin consumption on human volunteers. During the trial, participants received three to five drops of cumin extract added to their meals three times daily for approximately 45 days.
Scientists observed a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, following the study period. The researchers concluded: "The results demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in the level of oxidised low-density lipoprotein after receiving cumin."
Additional Weight Management Study
In a separate three-month study involving obese and overweight women, participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed 3g of cumin powder mixed with yoghurt twice daily, while the control group ate plain yoghurt alone.
The women who included cumin in their diet showed measurable improvements across multiple health markers:
- Reduced total cholesterol levels
- Lowered triglyceride concentrations
- Decreased low-density lipoprotein ("bad" cholesterol)
- Elevated high-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol)
Additional Health Benefits Identified
Beyond cancer prevention and cholesterol management, medical sources highlight several other potential advantages of regular cumin consumption:
- Antibacterial properties that may help combat infections
- Diabetes management support through blood sugar regulation
- Weight management assistance as demonstrated in clinical studies
- Improved digestive function and gastrointestinal health
This versatile spice, available for just £1 at Tesco supermarkets, represents an economical approach to potentially enhancing multiple aspects of health through dietary inclusion. While further human research is warranted, current scientific evidence suggests cumin seeds deserve consideration as a valuable addition to health-conscious cooking and nutrition strategies.
