Cumin vs. Garlic powder — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Macronutrients and Calories

As can be seen from the macronutrient comparison chats below, cumin consists of 44% carbs, 22% fats, and 18% protein. On the other hand, carbs make up about 73% of the entire macronutrient composition of garlic powder. Protein amount also makes up a similar percentage in garlic powder as it did in cumin. 

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Cumin

4

Protein: 17.81 g

Fats: 22.27 g

Carbs: 44.24 g

Water: 8.06 g

Other: 7.62 g

Garlic powder

1

Protein: 16.55 g

Fats: 0.73 g

Carbs: 72.73 g

Water: 6.45 g

Other: 3.54 g

Contains more FatsFats	+2950.7%
Contains more WaterWater	+25%
Contains more OtherOther	+115.3%

Contains more CarbsCarbs

+64.4%

~equal in Protein ~16.55g

Vitamins

A single serving of neither garlic powder nor cumin seeds provides significant amounts of vitamins to contribute to your daily needs; however, they still do contain various vitamins that we can discuss here. 

Cumin seeds contain more Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. On the other hand, garlic powder provides higher amounts of Vitamin B6 and folate.

The amount of Vitamin B3 is around 6 times higher in cumin seeds, while the amount of Vitamin B6 is around 4 times higher in garlic powder.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Cumin

7

Garlic powder

4

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+541.7%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+397%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+44.4%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+131.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+475.3%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+1250%

Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+280.2%
Contains more FolateFolate	+370%
Contains more CholineCholine	+173.3%

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Minerals

Just like the vitamin content, the amounts of minerals per single serving for both cumin seeds and garlic powder are not significant enough to contribute to the daily need; however, we can still compare the content.

Cumin seeds provide 12 times more calcium and iron and 5 times more magnesium than garlic powder. They are also high in phosphorus, zinc, copper, and potassium. On the other hand, garlic powder provides more selenium and slightly less sodium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Cumin

8

Garlic powder

2

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+375.3%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+1078.5%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+49.9%
Contains more IronIron	+1074.5%
Contains more CopperCopper	+62.7%
Contains more ZincZinc	+60.5%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+20.5%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+240.4%

Contains less SodiumSodium	-64.3%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+359.6%

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a rating system used for foods containing carbohydrates. As both cumin and garlic powder contain very few carbohydrates, their glycemic index is low, which means their consumption has minimal effect on blood sugar levels.

Acidity

One way to understand the acidity of foods is through their potential renal acid load (PRAL) value, which shows how much acid or base the given food produces inside the organism. 

Based on our calculations, the PRAL values of cumin and garlic powder are -32 and -4.7, respectively, which means cumin has greater potential to alkalize the body. 

Diabetes

Research indicates that cumin can help reduce blood glucose levels. Cumin supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose levels and increased total and glycosylated hemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (1).

According to a 2006 study, raw garlic may help lower blood sugar levels and the risk of atherosclerosis (2). Diabetes increases a person's risk of atherosclerosis-related inflammation, so this is of particular interest to researchers.

Cancer

Garlic powder's bioactive compounds and antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress, relieve inflammation, and prevent cellular mutation, which are the main factors that lead to cancer (3).

According to research, cumin's chemopreventive effects are linked to its ability to modulate carcinogen metabolism. Several mouse studies show that cumin significantly inhibits the growth of stomach and cervical tumors (4).

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Both cumin and garlic powder have antioxidant properties, but garlic powder's allicin is particularly well-studied for its cardiovascular benefits (5).

Studies have shown that both may help reduce arterial blood pressure, which is important in reducing cardiovascular risk (6, 7).

Studies have also shown that garlic and cumin powders may help reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels in the blood and decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, the main cause of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (8, 9, 10).

Moreover, studies have revealed that women's estrogen levels significantly decrease during menopause, increasing their susceptibility to heart disease. Cumin extract has shown hypolipidemic properties, indicating potential benefits for managing cardiovascular risk in this group (11).

To sum up, incorporating either into your diet can be beneficial for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Allergy

Allicin is the most biologically active sulfur-containing compound found in garlic, which can cause allergic reactions. A skin rash and asthma are common symptoms of garlic allergies. Other symptoms include hives, itching, and skin redness (12).

Profilin, a compound found in cumin, can cause an allergic reaction. Individuals who are sensitive to profilin may also be sensitive to coriander. Cumin allergies can exacerbate pollen allergies. Itching, swelling, and tingling in the mouth are common symptoms (13).