One tablespoon of cumin seeds can supply 22 percent of your daily requirement for iron. Iron helps keep your energy levels high and strengthens the body’s natural defenses against disease. According to early research, cumin may also improve your brainpower: In an animal study, cumin extract was shown to improve performance on memory tests. Cumin may help people with diabetes by keeping their blood sugar level in check. It may also have powerful germ-fighting qualities.