Cumin is one of the essential spices used in everyday cooking, especially in Indian cuisines. Be it the final touch of seasoning of the humble lentil soup or that secret spice paste bursting with flavor for that special dinner meal, cumin seeds are a must-add! Having said that, it might come as a surprise that there could be side effects of cumin as well! While cumin offers a ton of health benefits along with its refreshing flavor, there are certain things you need to be aware of, before using cumin too much. Wondering what and how? Fret not, we have done all the research and summed it all up for you in this article! Read on to know more about the side effects of cumin seeds to enjoy them to their best potential.
9 Side Effects Of Cumin Seeds
Like everything else, cumin seeds have their own set of side effects. Here are a few of them:
1. Heartburn
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Cumin seeds are known for their gas-relieving properties, but ironically they can also cause one of the most common digestive problems, heartburn! Cumin seeds facilitate the eviction of more gas into your gastrointestinal tract (1), (2).
Related: 9 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Heartburns And Reflux Quickly
2. Belching
The carminative effect of cumin seed may also cause excessive belching. Sometimes belching is referred to as a ructus or burping, which involves excess bloating and gas from the intestinal tract and stomach escaping through the mouth. Belching has sometimes a bad odor and characteristic sound. Though not a problem in the real sense of it, belching can definitely lead to embarrassment (1), (2)!
3. Liver Damage
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The oil present in cumin seed is highly volatile and can cause liver and kidney damage if one consumes cumin seed in large amounts for a long period of time.
4. Abortifacient Effects
Cumin seeds may have an abortifacient effect on pregnant women. This means that consuming large amounts of cumin seeds can lead to a miscarriage or induce premature labor (1), (2), (3).
StyleCraze TriviaOverconsumption of cumin may also reduce testosterone levels and affect sperm motility in men (7).
5. Narcotic Effects
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Cumin seed has narcotic properties. Cumin seeds should be consumed with caution as they can become addictive. Other side effects of cumin seeds are mental clouding, drowsiness, and nausea.
6. Heavy Menstrual Cycle
Cumin seeds may lead to heavy bleeding during menstruation. If cumin seeds are consumed in large amounts, then you can blame your heavier than usual periods on them (3).
Related: 13 Best Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps & Preventive Tips
7. Low Blood Sugar Level
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Consuming cumin seeds in large amounts can lower the blood sugar level in the body. This point is important to remember if you are heading for surgery in the near future. During surgery, it is essential to maintain the blood sugar level. So your doctor may advise you to stop eating cumin seeds at least 2 weeks before surgery as your blood sugar level needs to be controlled during and after surgery (4).
Related: Easy Ways To Lower Blood Sugar Naturally And SafelyStyleCraze Says People on anticoagulant drugs should avoid this spice. Cumin slows down blood clotting (8). Consuming it with anticoagulant drugs may further increase the risk of bleeding.
8. Not Good For Diabetics
Diabetes patients need to control their blood sugar levels. They should have normal blood sugar levels to remain healthy. Fluctuating blood sugar levels are a strict no-no for most diabetics. As mentioned before, cumin seeds may decrease your blood sugar level quickly and can cause low blood sugar levels in some individuals (4). So, people with diabetes should avoid consuming cumin seeds in excess.
9. Causes Allergy
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Consumption of cumin seeds can also cause skin rashes and allergies. So people with skin allergies should consume cumin seeds in low amounts if they must (5), (6).
Cumin seeds are aromatic spice that is used in many cuisines. Nevertheless, too much of it can be problematic. The side effects of cumin seeds range from causing liver damage to possibly lowering blood sugar levels. Thus, diabetic patients should be careful before overindulging on cumin seeds. It may cause heartburn or belching in moderate cases, but can lead to miscarriage in severe cases. Cumin seeds may cause also heavy bleeding during menstruation. In some cases, it can trigger allergic reactions as well. Limiting its consumption can help avoid these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we eat cumin seeds daily?
Yes. Cumin seeds are considered safe for daily consumption, even in larger quantities.
Is cumin poisonous?
No. Cumin seeds are nontoxic.
How much cumin can I take daily?
The typical dose of 300 milligrams to 600 milligrams of cumin per day as a supplement is safe (7).
Can I drink cumin water every day?
Yes. It is completely safe to drink cumin water every day.
Does cumin seeds cause constipation?
No. Cumin seeds are natural laxatives and promote bowel movement.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- The pharmacological activities of Cuminum cyminum – A review
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali-Al-Snafi/publication/313742829_The_pharmacological_activities_of_Cuminum_cyminum_-A_review/links/58a46696a6fdcc0e0755de90/The-pharmacological-activities-of-Cuminum-cyminum-A-review.pdf - Cuminum cyminum – A Popular Spice: An Updated Review
https://phcogj.com/sites/default/files/10.5530pj.2017.3.51.pdf - Study of Analgesic Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Cuminum Cyminum (L.) and Centratherum Anthelminticum (L.) in Mice
http://annals-ashkmdc.org/index.php/ashkmdc/article/view/36 - Antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation by Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691510002759 - Presence of Undeclared Food Allergens in Cumin: The Need for Multiplex Methods
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05497 - Cumin
https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Fulltext/2021/05000/Cumin__Potential_Health_Benefits.8.aspx - The pharmacological activities of Cuminum cyminum -A review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313742829_The_pharmacological_activities_of_Cuminum_cyminum_-A_review - Extracts from two frequently consumed spices — Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) — Inhibit platelet aggregation and alter eicosanoid biosynthesis in human blood platelets
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0952327889901877
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Tanya Choudhary
Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin,… more
Dr Archana Batra
(PG Diploma, CDE)Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 13 years of experience in nutrition and… more
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