Nutritional Value Of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds represent the second-most popular spice used all over the world, next only to black pepper. The seeds are scientifically called Cuminum cymium. They are known for giving a special flavor and aroma to the foods. They can be used in either whole or powdered form. Cumin seeds resemble caraway seeds and are yellow in color, with an oblong shape. There are several known health benefits of cumin seeds. They have antiseptic properties as well and are extremely helpful in treating colds, sore throats and fevers. The seeds are rich in iron and thus, form a healthy option for the menstruating, pregnant and lactating women, apart from growing children and adolescents. Besides, there are no known side effects of cumin effects. Considering the vast benefits of cumin seeds, we bring you the nutritional value of these seeds, in the table below.

Cumin Seeds Nutrition Facts

Amount of Cumin Seeds: 1 tbsp (whole)

Total Weight of Cumin Seeds: 6 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Carbohydrate	2.7 g
Protein	1.1 g
Water	0.5 g
Ash	0.5 g
Calories
Total Calories	94.2 KJ
Calories From Fat	46.9 KJ
Calories From Protein	15.1 KJ
Calories From Carbohydrate	32.2 KJ
Carbohydrate
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g
Starch	0.6 g
Sugars Sucrose	0.1 g 0.1 g
Glucose	0.1 g
Fructose	0.1 g
Lactose	0.1 g
Maltose	0.1 g
Galactose	0.1 g
Fats
Total Fat	1.3 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	76.2 IU
Retinol Activity Equivalent	3.8 mcg
Beta Carotene	45.7 mcg
Leutin+Zeaxanthin	26.9 mcg
Vitamin C	0.5 mg
Vitamin D	0.5 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.2 mg
Beta Tocopherol	0.2 mg
Gamma Tocopherol	0.2 mg
Delta Tocopherol	0.2 mg
Vitamin K	0.3 mcg
Niacin	0.3 mg
Folate	0.6 mcg
Food Folate	0.6 mcg
Dietary Folate Equivalents	0.6 mcg
Choline	1.5 mg
Betaine	1.5 mg
Minerals
Calcium	55.9 mg
Iron	4.0 mg
Magnesium	22.0 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Phosphorus	29.9 mg
Potassium	107 mg
Sodium	10.1 mg
Zinc	0.3 mg
Selenium	0.3 mcg
Fluoride	0.3 mcg
Copper	0.1 mg
Sterols
Phytosterols	4.1 mg
Campesterol	4.1 mg
Stigmasterol	4.1 mg
Beta-sitosterol	4.1 mg
Saturated Fats
10:00	1.1 mg
12:00	1.1 mg
13:00	1.1 mg
14:00	1.1 mg
15:00	1.1 mg
16:00	68.2 mg
17:00	68.2 mg
18:00	20.6 mg
19:00	20.6 mg
20:00	20.6 mg
22:00	20.6 mg
24:00:00	20.6 mg
Mono unsaturated Fat
14:01	0.8 g
15:01	0.8 g
16:1 undifferentiated	12.7 mg
16:1 c	12.7 mg
16:1 t	12.7 mg
17:01	12.7 mg
18:1 undifferentiated	817 mg
18:1 c	817 mg
18:1 t	817 mg
20:01	12.7 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat
16:2 undifferentiated	0.2 g
18:2 undifferentiated	186 mg
18:2 n-6 c, c	186 mg
18:2 c, t	186 mg
18:2 t, c	186 mg
18:2 t, t	186 mg
18:2 i	186 mg
18:2 t not further defined	186 mg
18:03	10.6 mg
18:3 n-3, c, c, c	10.6 mg
18:3 n-6, c, c, c	10.6 mg
Other Fats
Omega 3 Fatty Acids	10.6 mg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids	186 mg
Amino Acids
Alanine	1.1 g
Arginine	1.1 g
Cystine	1.1 g
Glycine	1.1 g
Histidine	1.1 g
Isoleucine	1.1 g
Leucine	1.1 g
Lysine	1.1 g
Methionine	1.1 g
Phenylalanine	1.1 g
Proline	1.1 g
Serine	1.1 g
Threonine	1.1 g
Tryptophan	1.1 g
Tyrosine	1.1 g
Valine	1.1 g
Hydroxyproline	1.1 g
Glutamic Acid	1.1 g
Aspartic Acid	1.1 g

Buying & Storing Tips

Always the whole cumin seeds, rather than the powdered ones. Cumin powder tends to lose flavor quickly.
You can conveniently grind whole cumin seeds with a mortar and pestle. Add the freshly ground seeds to the recipes, to impart a grand flavor to the food.
Though available in supermarkets, in large quantity, you should look for cumin seeds in the local spice stores or ethnic markets. You will get better quality cumin seeds there, with absolute freshness.
Always go for the organically-grown dried cumin seeds, as they stand for freshness.
Both the cumin seeds and the cumin powder should be kept in a sealed glass container. Keep the container in a cool, dark and dry place, always.
Whole cumin seeds stay fresh for a time period of one year, whereas the ground ones stay for about six months.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'