Curry Powder vs. Cumin — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Macronutrients and Calories

As can be seen from the macronutrient comparison charts below, the most prevalent macronutrients in both curry powder and cumin seeds are carbohydrates. Curry powder consists of 56% carbs, while cumin seeds consist of 44% carbs. 

Given that the serving sizes for both cumin seeds and curry powder are very small, the differences in macronutrients are not relevant in the context of the daily recommended amount of nutrients and calories.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Curry powder

2

Protein: 14.29 g

Fats: 14.01 g

Carbs: 55.83 g

Water: 8.8 g

Other: 7.07 g

Cumin

3

Protein: 17.81 g

Fats: 22.27 g

Carbs: 44.24 g

Water: 8.06 g

Other: 7.62 g

Contains more CarbsCarbs

+26.2%

Contains more ProteinProtein	+24.6%
Contains more FatsFats	+59%

~equal in Water ~8.06g

~equal in Other ~7.62g

Fats

Cumin seeds contain 2 times more fat than curry powder.

One teaspoon serving of curry powder (2 grams) contains around 0.28 grams of fat, while one teaspoon of cumin seeds (2.1 grams) contains around 0.47 grams.

As can be seen from the fat type breakdown charts below, the most prevalent type of fat found in both is monounsaturated fat, which makes up 65% of the entire fat content in curry powder and 74% of the entire fat content in cumin.

Both spices have no trans fats and no cholesterol.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Curry powder

0

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.648 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 8.782 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 3.056 g

Cumin

3

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.535 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 14.04 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 3.279 g

Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat

+59.9%

~equal in Saturated Fat ~1.535g

~equal in Polyunsaturated fat ~3.279g

Vitamins

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

Curry powder provides 18 times more Vitamin K, 8 times more Vitamin E, and slightly more folate than cumin seeds. On the other hand, cumin seeds provide 67 times more Vitamin A, 4 times more Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6, as well as more Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B3.

They both completely lack Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, and while some small amounts of Vitamin B5 are present in curry powder, it is completely absent in cumin seeds. 

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.

Curry powder

5

Cumin

6

Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+658%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+1748.1%
Contains more FolateFolate	+460%
Contains more CholineCholine	+159.9%

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+1000%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+6584.2%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+256.8%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+63.5%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+40.5%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+314.3%

~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 curry powder are not significant enough to contribute to the daily need; however, we can still compare the content.

Cumin seeds contain 2 times more calcium and potassium, 3 times more iron, as well as relatively more magnesium and phosphorus. On the other hand, curry powder is 8 times higher in selenium, around 2 times higher in manganese, and slightly higher in copper. 

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.

Curry powder

4

Cumin

5

Contains more CopperCopper	+38.4%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-69%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+149%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+675%

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+43.5%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+77.3%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+52.8%
Contains more IronIron	+247.4%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+36%

~equal in Zinc ~4.8mg

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a rating system used for foods containing carbohydrates. 

The glycemic index of cumin seeds is negligibly lower than that of curry powder. The GI of cumin seeds is equal to 0, whereas curry powder has a GI equal to 5. Both are considered low glycemic index foods.

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 seeds and curry powder are -32 and -17.4, respectively, which means cumin seeds have greater potential to alkalize the body. 

Weight Loss

Most natural, sugar-free spices are acceptable during diets. In particular, ground cumin is considered to be a keto-friendly, paleo-friendly seasoning. Curry powder usually contains turmeric, which gives a golden hue to your recipes. 

Both curry powder and curry seeds are great additions to your recipes during low-calorie and low-fat diets.

All fresh herbs in small amounts, including ground cumin and curry powder, are acceptable in the first phase of Atkins and beyond (1).

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Both cumin and curry powder contain bioactive compounds that are called curcumin. Curcumin is considered a potent antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that curcumin can block the action of free radicals and may stimulate the activity of other antioxidants (2).

In addition, chili pepper and coriander in curry powder also have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Capsaicin compounds in them can block the destructive effects of free radicals (3).

Cancer

Studies show that the chemopreventive effects of cumin can be attributed to its ability to modulate the metabolism of carcinogens. Studies in mice show significant suppression of the growth of stomach tumors and cervical tumors with cumin (5).

Since curry powder contains turmeric, it also has an anti-cancer effect. Animal studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancer cells. It also can reduce angiogenesis (6).

Diabetes

Many studies have shown that cumin can lower blood glucose levels. According to a study conducted on rats, cumin supplementation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats has significantly reduced blood glucose and increased total hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin. It also prevented a decrease in body weight and reduced total cholesterol levels (7). 

According to another study, turmeric extract helps stabilize blood sugar levels and make diabetes more manageable (8). Curry powder can help with blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Cumin contains various nutrients, such as iron, manganese, and antioxidants. Additionally, cumin extract has demonstrated estrogenic activity and has been found to lower cholesterol levels in rats (9).

According to one study conducted on rats, oral administration of cumin seeds has decreased systolic blood pressure and improved plasma nitric oxide, a factor responsible for lowering blood pressure. This study has also shown that cumin can lower inflammation and oxidative stress (4).

On the other hand, curry powder is a blend of various spices, including cumin, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, and others. Turmeric, a key ingredient in curry powder, contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may have potential cardiovascular benefits. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help improve blood lipid levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease. However, the amount of curcumin in curry powder can vary depending on the blend and concentration, so its impact may not be consistent across all curry powders (10).

In summary, both curry powder and cumin should be part of a balanced diet.

Brain Health

According to one study, curcumin, one of the main compounds of curry powder and cumin, can protect your brain. It can significantly improve markers of mental decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (11).