One study found cumin extract helped people alleviate bloating and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Previous research has also found that cumin could help with weight loss. One study claimed it help people to lose weight similar to an over-the-counter oral weight loss drug known as Orlistat. Another study, assessing the effects of cumin and lime, found “beneficial effects on weight” for participants who were overweight. A third study showed cholesterol levels improve after people took just three grams of cumin powder a day for three months.