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Coriander vs Cumin - In-Depth Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on May 30, 2022
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Cumin
vs
Coriander

Summary

Cumin contains more iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, Vitamin B family, Vitamin E, zinc, and potassium than coriander. However, coriander has more Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and folate, low in sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and price.

Introduction

This article will discuss the main differences in the nutrition of turmeric and cumin, focusing on their health impact.

What's The Actual Difference?

Both turmeric and cumin are the main ingredients in the Indian kitchen. However, they differ in taste and appearance. Turmeric has a golden yellow color and a bitter taste with a peppery flavor, whereas cumin is earthy, spicy, and slightly bitter and has a brown color. Cumin is used in some cheeses, it can be an ingredient in chili powder, or you can add it to dry rubs for roasted or grilled meats, soups, and the breading for fried foods. In contrast, turmeric is one of the main ingredients in curry and vegetable curry.

Nutrition

You can find nutritional infographics at the bottom of this page that visually show the differences between coriander (leaves, raw) and cumin seeds.

Calories

Cumin seeds are considered high calorie-foods; they contain ten times higher calories.

Cumin seeds have 375 calories per 100g, whereas coriander contains 23 calories per 100g.

Fats

Cumin seeds contain 40 times more fats than coriander. It has 22.27g of fats per 100g, whereas coriander provides only 0.52g of fat.

Carbs

Cumin seeds have 44.24g of carbs per 100g, of which 10.5g is fiber and 33.74g are net carbs.

Coriander contains only 3.67g of net carbs, of which 2.8g is fiber and 0.87g are net carbs.

However, people usually consume them in tiny amounts so that the number of carbs doesn't matter much.

Cholesterol

Both coriander and cumin have no cholesterol.

Minerals

Cumin seeds have 12 times more calcium, 36 times more iron, 13 times more magnesium, nine times more phosphorus, six times more zinc, and two times more copper and potassium.

Cumin seeds fall in the range of the top 2% of foods as a source of iron and can fully convert your daily iron need.

However, coriander provides 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
9
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 261% 279% 158% 2489% 289% 131% 214% 22% 435% 28%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 20% 46% 66% 75% 14% 21% 6% 56% 4.9%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +1307.7%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +1289.6%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +243.2%
Contains more IronIron +3649.2%
Contains more CopperCopper +285.3%
Contains more ZincZinc +860%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +939.6%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +682.4%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +477.8%
Contains less SodiumSodium -72.6%

Vitamins

Cumin seeds contain a significantly higher amount of Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, folate, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B6.

Cumin seeds fall in the top 14% of foods as a source of Vitamin B1 and are in the top 18% of foods as a source of Vitamin A.

Coriander is higher in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate. The amount of Vitamin K is 56 times higher in coriander.

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
5
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate 26% 0% 21% 67% 157% 75% 86% 0% 100% 0% 14% 7.5%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate 90% 0% 112% 50% 17% 37% 21% 34% 34% 0% 775% 47%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +33.2%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +837.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +101.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +311%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +191.9%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +250.6%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +426.6%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +5640.7%
Contains more FolateFolate +520%
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Glycemic Index

The estimated glycemic index of cumin is 0, while coriander has a GI of 32. Both are considered low GI foods.

Health Benefits

Diabetes

Several studies have found that cumin can help to lower blood glucose levels. Cumin supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and increased total hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It also reduced total cholesterol levels and prevented weight loss [1]. However, more research on humans is needed.

Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may aid in blood sugar control. According to animal studies, coriander seeds lower blood sugar by promoting enzyme activity that aids in the removal of sugar from the blood [2].

Cancer

Based on test-tube and animal studies, terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols found in coriander may have anticancer, immune-boosting, and neuroprotective properties [3].

Research indicates that the chemopreventive effects of cumin are associated with its ability to modulate the metabolism of carcinogens. Several mice studies demonstrate [4] significant suppression of the growth of stomach tumors and cervical tumors with cumin.

Cardiovascular Health

According to research, estrogens in the body may aid in lipid metabolism, protecting the heart from coronary heart disease. Estrogen levels drop significantly during menopause, making a woman vulnerable to heart disease. Cumin extract has hypolipidemic properties, making it a potential treatment for certain menopausal disorders [5].

Based on research, coriander extract may be a diuretic, assisting your body in flushing out excess sodium and water, which may help to lower your blood pressure. According to some studies, coriander may also help lower cholesterol [6].

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Cumin contains bioactive compounds known as curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown in studies to inhibit the action of free radicals and stimulate the activity of other antioxidants [7].

Downsides and Risks

Allergy

Coriander can cause allergic reactions. Asthma, nasal swelling, hives, and swelling inside the mouth are all symptoms of such reactions.

A compound known as profilin is responsible for cumin allergies. Individuals who are allergic to profilin may also be allergic to coriander. Cumin allergy can also aggravate pollen allergies. Common symptoms include itching, swelling, and tingling in the mouth [8].

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: May 30, 2022

Infographic

Cumin vs Coriander infographic
Infographic link

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Cumin Coriander DV% diff.
Iron 66.36mg 1.77mg 807%
Vitamin K 5.4µg 310µg 254%
Manganese 3.333mg 0.426mg 126%
Calcium 931mg 67mg 86%
Magnesium 366mg 26mg 81%
Copper 0.867mg 0.225mg 71%
Phosphorus 499mg 48mg 64%
Vitamin B1 0.628mg 0.067mg 47%
Zinc 4.8mg 0.5mg 39%
Potassium 1788mg 521mg 37%
Monounsaturated fat 14.04g 0.275g 34%
Fats 22.27g 0.52g 33%
Protein 17.81g 2.13g 31%
Fiber 10.5g 2.8g 31%
Vitamin A 64µg 337µg 30%
Vitamin B3 4.579mg 1.114mg 22%
Vitamin B6 0.435mg 0.149mg 22%
Polyunsaturated fat 3.279g 0.04g 22%
Vitamin C 7.7mg 27mg 21%
Calories 375kcal 23kcal 18%
Carbs 44.24g 3.67g 14%
Vitamin B2 0.327mg 0.162mg 13%
Folate 10µg 62µg 13%
Vitamin B5 0.57mg 11%
Selenium 5.2µg 0.9µg 8%
Saturated fat 1.535g 0.014g 7%
Vitamin E 3.33mg 2.5mg 6%
Sodium 168mg 46mg 5%
Choline 24.7mg 12.8mg 2%
Protein per 100 calories 4.7g 9.3g N/A
Calories per 10 g protein 211kcal 108kcal N/A
Weight per 100 calories 27g 435g N/A
Unsaturated / Saturated Fat ratio 11 23 N/A
Net carbs 33.74g 0.87g N/A
Sugar 2.25g 0.87g N/A

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Cumin
4
18% 22% 44% 8% 8%
Protein: 17.81 g
Fats: 22.27 g
Carbs: 44.24 g
Water: 8.06 g
Other: 7.62 g
2% 4% 92%
Protein: 2.13 g
Fats: 0.52 g
Carbs: 3.67 g
Water: 92.21 g
Other: 1.47 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +736.2%
Contains more FatsFats +4182.7%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +1105.4%
Contains more OtherOther +418.4%
Contains more WaterWater +1044%

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Cumin
2
8% 74% 17%
Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 1.535 g
Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 14.04 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 3.279 g
4% 84% 12%
Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 0.014 g
Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.275 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.04 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated fat +5005.5%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +8097.5%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated fat -99.1%

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References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Cumin - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170923/nutrients
  2. Coriander - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169997/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.