Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice that belongs to the cashew and mango family. This shrub produces cone-shaped clusters of bright purple seeds. To obtain sumac, these seeds are dried and ground, which is called sumac in Persian and is still used today in English with the same pronunciation. Stay with us to read interesting points about the properties of sumac and also talk about the benefits of sumac for weight loss and health as well as the harms of sumac and its drug interactions
What is Sumac?
The raw and dried sumac spice has a purplish-brown color and a sand-like texture. This powder is not soft. The taste of sumac tends to be sour. It is more tart and tangy, but less tart than lemon. In cooking, it is used to add a spicy flavor to meat, vegetables, rice, and salads like fattoush.
Zaatar is a spice that contains sumac, thyme, toasted sesame seeds, marjoram, oregano, and salt. In the Middle East, Zaatar is considered the king of spices.
Although it is better known in this part of the world than elsewhere, it is also consumed by Americans. Perhaps long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.
The best-known and most widespread type of sumac is Sicilian sumac, so named because it is found in southern Italy. In Asia and the Middle East, Iran is the main exporter and largest consumer of this product.
Properties of sumac
Join us as we present the properties of sumac for health and weight loss:
1. It is the spice's richest in antioxidants.
In any laboratory method that measures the antioxidant activity of substances, this spice usually comes first. At least Sicilian sumacs are like that.
According to a previous USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) report, this spice had an ORAC value of 312,400 [one of the scientific methods for determining the amount of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables based on their oxygen radical absorbance ratio or ORAC ]. Gallic acid is the most common antioxidant in this plant.
Sumac contains 66 times more antioxidants than blueberries.
Blueberry ORAC is only $4,669. However, keep in mind that this comparison is based on the same weight, so 100 grams each is easy to eat. Compared to this spice, you will probably only consume 5 to 10% of it in each serving of blueberries.
2. According to laboratory research, it has anti-cancer properties.
Honestly, if we want to talk about the benefits for humans, these benefits are not fully proven.
There have been no human clinical trials.
But in laboratory research, there is a lot of data proving its anti-proliferative (cancer cell) effect.
When HT-29 colon cancer cells growing in vitro were treated with sumac, their viability was significantly reduced in several ways.
The highest dose observed in the image above (600 ug/ml) corresponds to a net accumulation of 0.06%.
In addition, through various laboratory measurements, they found that sumac stops the growth of breast cancer.
At least one study has found that sumac gum inhibits angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels in a tumor) better than any other part of this plant.
Sumac has also been tested on breast cancer cultures and Canadian scientists found that “…in summary, it is a promising chemotherapy agent alongside conventional chemotherapy drugs.”
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol
When rabbits were fed 1.5% Iranian sumac in their diet, levels of “bad cholesterol” were observed to be significantly reduced. The same change occurred in laboratory mice.
What about people?
Just a year or two ago, in randomized clinical trials, the same change was observed in both the main and control (placebo) groups.
The image above, recorded by ClinicalTrials.gov, is from a study in which subjects were given sumac supplement capsules for six weeks. The daily dose was 1,000 mg. The following experiments happened to overweight people (middle diagram):
- Reduce bad cholesterol
- Increase good cholesterol
Another experiment was conducted in Iran with 72 obese adolescents and young adults. In a one-month trial in which subjects were given 500 mg of sumac powder three times a day, there were "significant" reductions in total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and
4. Reduces Blood Pressure
In Middle Eastern alternative medicine, the use of sumac to lower blood pressure is a popular method, consumed mainly in the form of a decoction. According to preliminary studies, the sumac plant may have a hypotensive effect.
They found that cells treated in the laboratory with the addition of tannins from sumac powder reduced the migration of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells) by 62%. This problem is the main cause of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, in the elderly.
Only one human study has reported this benefit and it was not significant. Thirty adults with high cholesterol in the sumac-consuming group experienced a slight decrease in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
5. Good for Diabetes
Even after ingesting a small dose, sumac seeds worked in diabetic mice, reducing postprandial blood glucose (PBG) by 24% in 5 hours.
In fact, more than a dozen studies in rats report that sumac improves insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar, and increases leptin levels.
Can it do the same in humans?
Only one or two human trials have been conducted.
Simply put, the use of sumac for diabetes seems promising.
Among other parameters, there was a decrease in insulin, C-reactive protein, and an increase in insulin resistance.
In traditional medicine, sumac tea is used for diabetics. More clinical research is needed to confirm and demonstrate this benefit.
6. By preventing fat, sumac is good for weight loss and weight loss.
When its extract was used in porcine pancreatic tissue, its antilipase activity was observed.
At doses of 300 mg/ml and above, the benefit of sumac was as great as that of the anti-obesity drug Orlisat. It neutralizes pancreatic lipase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas that helps break down fats for digestion. When fats are not broken down properly, fewer calories are absorbed.
Traditional and organic raw sumac showed the same results.
It is too early to say that sumac reduces weight, but this suggests that it is a dietary remedy. Sumac is currently considered a type of treatment in some cultures.
7. Stops bone loss.
No matter how healthy you are, bone loss is a fact of life as you age. This is why your parents look so small when you are in your twenties... and why you will look small to everyone else one day!
A study of mice with gingivitis measured the decrease in bone density in their jaws.
This is the bone that is attached to the teeth. Its deterioration over time is the main cause of dental problems and complex restorations such as dental implants and dentures, because there may not be enough bone to attach them.
They were divided into three groups and those treated with sumac extract experienced less reduction in bone density than the other group (control group).
Unfortunately, there is no research on humans, so this topic is quite elementary.
8. Acts as an antibacterial agent against oral pathogens.
Perhaps this herb can help teeth in a variety of ways.
In a laboratory study, a water extract of sumac was shown to reduce the formation of biofilms on orthodontic wires caused by these five main and most common culprits:
Sumac water extract had strong antibacterial properties against five common oral bacteria and could prevent the formation of biofilms on the orthodontic wire. Further research is recommended for widespread clinical use of this extract.
Side Effects and Harms of Sumac.
The side effects of consuming sumac spice are not very common and are as follows:
1. Allergic reactions
Since it is a member of the cashew family, people with allergies should consult a doctor before consuming it. Anyone who is allergic to mango should be careful as both trees belong to the same family.
Skin dermatitis, rashes, and itching after ingesting sumac spice is a common problem due to the content of erushiol (a type of chemical). Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac contain urushiol. These are also classified as “toxic” according to the plant species. It is distinct from the American sumac genus, which includes Arabian spice and North American sumac.
2. Unwanted weight loss
Although many consider this to be a benefit, those who are underweight and cannot maintain their weight at an ideal level should avoid consuming sumac on a daily basis. This is due to its possible antilipase activity, which partially inhibits fat absorption in the small intestine.
3. Safety for pregnant women is unknown.
Can you eat sumac while pregnant?
Herbs and spices to avoid during pregnancy include uterine stimulants and those that disrupt the menstrual cycle. These things may increase the risk of miscarriage. Sumac seeds and tea have not been tested or studied in pregnant women. Pregnant women or animals were generally not tested.
Quercetin in sumac is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown in research to have both anticancer properties and side effects related to genetic mutations. In theory, the latter could raise concerns about the risk of birth defects. It is common for oxidative enzymes and alkaline pH levels to counteract the effect of the genetic mutation.
Until safety data are available, it is recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of sumac spice and tea during pregnancy.
4. Drug Interactions
Cholesterol-lowering statins, blood pressure medications, and diabetes treatments may cause side effects. If a large amount of sumac is consumed, sudden and excessive weight loss may occur.
Post a Comment
0Comments