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9 Unexpected Side Effects Of Cumin Seeds

Keep a close eye on your cumin seed consumption; too much of it can be harmful.

Medically reviewed by Dr Archana Batra, CDE
Written by Tanya Choudhary, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition

Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health

Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach • Jul 5, 2023

9 Unexpected Side Effects Of Cumin Seeds

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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, like spice allergies, caused by cumin seeds.

Know The Flip Side: Cumin Seeds

Short-Term Effects
Heartburn, belching, low blood sugar levels, and heavy menstrual cycle.

Long-Term Effects
Excess consumption may have an abortifacient effect and lead to miscarriage in pregnant individuals.

Drug Interactions
May interact with diabetes medications and drugs that slow blood clotting.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience continued heavy bleeding during menstruation, or skin rashes then seek medical help.

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

Cumin seeds may cause side effects like heartburn

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Cumin seeds are known to help with gastrointestinal distress, 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). This could be more severe in some cases where heartburn affects existing health issues like irritable bowel syndrome may lead to other issues like diarrhea and stomach pain. Some symptoms of heartburn include nausea (and dizziness) or vomiting.

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 sometimes has 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

Cumin seeds may cause side effects like 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. This suggests that it negatively affects liver toxicity as liver damage leaves the organ more susceptible to toxins.

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).

Trivia

Overconsumption of cumin may also reduce testosterone levels and affect sperm motility in men (7).

5. Narcotic Effects

Cumin seeds may cause side effects like depression or loneliness

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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).

7. Low Blood Sugar Level

Cumin seeds may cause side effects like low blood sugar

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Consuming cumin seeds in large amounts can cause hypotension. 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). A common symptom of low blood sugar levels is headaches. Severe low blood sugar levels may cause serious side effects like seizures and brain damage.

Quick Tip

Cumin seeds may cause adverse drug interactions. 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

Cumin seeds may cause side effects like allergies

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As with most foods, cumin seeds may also lead to food allergies. 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). In some cases food allergies can lead to serious respiratory distress too.

Infographic: Most Common Side Effects Of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds have a refreshing flavor and are one of the most widely used spices in Indian cooking. Although they offer many health benefits, like aiding blood clotting disorders, they also have side effects when consumed in large quantities. Check out the most common side effects of cumin seeds in the infographic below.

most common side effects of cumin seeds (infographic)

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Cumin seeds are aromatic spices 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 also cause heavy bleeding during menstruation. In some cases, it can trigger allergic reactions as well. Limiting its consumption can help avoid many health 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, since there are not too many known side effects of jeera water, it is completely safe to drink cumin water every day.

Do cumin seeds cause constipation?

No. Cumin seeds are natural laxatives and promote bowel movement.

Key Takeaways

Use cumin seeds in moderation to avoid the side effects.
An allergy to cumin seeds can result in rashes and itching.
Although these seeds help treat digestive issues, using them in large amounts can cause bloating.
Avoid cumin seeds if you are pregnant as they may lead to contractions and a miscarriage.

Cumin seeds are a powerhouse of health benefits, but they can also have unexpected side effects. Learn the 10 unexpected side effects of cumin seeds you should know about in the video below.

Sources

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