Whether they take multivitamins or herbal supplements for their health, many Americans invest in dietary supplements in order to make sure they are getting plenty of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. Recently, scientists at the Central Food Technological Research Institute said that a tasty source of antioxidants may be sitting on your spice rack.

It’s called bitter cumin, and it has been used for centuries as a traditional treatment for stomach aches and hyperglycemia. Now, a study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine has stated that bitter cumin contains plant phenols, which are antioxidant compounds that can prevent cellular damage.

Many chemical reactions in the body involve the creation of charged ions called free radicals. These ions can cause damage to genetic material or cell parts, a process that degrades cellular health and can speed the aging process.

By consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants, health-conscious individuals may be able to reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress. Besides bitter cumin, other foods that contain antioxidants include blueberries, salmon, fresh greens, nuts and fruits rich in vitamin C.