| Who would think that your spice rack may hold the secret to weight loss? Cumin looks like an unassuming spice, but recent studies have shown that it has many health benefits, including boosting your chances at losing substantial weight. The other major benefit scientists revealed was that cumin can effectively reduce harmful lipids in the blood that are associated with cholesterol. Backed up by science  A study was conducted in Iran's Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. It included 88 women considered overweight and obese, who were divided into two groups and assigned different diets. Both groups were instructed to reduce their daily caloric intake by 500 calories. The first group ate 3 grams of cumin powder mixed with 5 grams of yogurt, daily. The control group ate yogurt too, but without any additives. After 3 months, the group eating cumin lost 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) more than the control group. Their body fat percentage dropped by 14.64% - triple the control group's decrease of 4.91% - which the researchers attribute to the spice. In addition, the cumin-eating group members were found to have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. The researchers determined that the spice was a beneficial dietary aide. How the cumin works  Cumin is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body, and phytosterols, a plant substance with a similar structure and function to cholesterol. Phytosterols hinder the bad cholesterol from being absorbed by the digestive tract. Previous studies found that food enriched with 0.8 grams of plant sterols lowered LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol. Other studies have also associated cumin with cancer prevention. In addition to fighting cholesterol, cumin is a loaded with iron, which supports the immune system and prevents anemia. Creative ways to incorporate cumin in your diet The study had the participants mix cumin and yogurt, which many people might find unappetizing or challenging to stomach. Since the daily dosage recommended is 3 grams of powder, which is less than a teaspoon, we have thought of some easy ways to include the spice into your daily diet.  Add to roasted or sautéed vegetables- Add to homemade guacamole or hummus
- Sprinkle over a healthy snack of nuts
- Drizzle over brown rice, along with almonds and dried apricots
- Use instead of black pepper
- Season salads
- Sprinkle over meat or fish
- Flavor your lentil soup
- Season scrambled eggs
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| Other spices that can help There are other spices sitting in your spice rack that have plenty health benefits. Not only can you add spices to boost your diet success, but eating certain foods have also shown to improve your weight loss. Keep thin by adding these foods to your diet. You can also try coconut oil or a mixture of cinnamon and honey. |
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