Also known as black cumin, kalonji  or by its scientific name Nigella sativa this plant belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.

In addition to its culinary use, kalonji is known for a wide array of medicinal properties. Its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedy for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea.

1. Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells.Research shows that antioxidants can have a powerful effect on health and disease.

In fact, some studies indicate that antioxidants may protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity Several compounds found in kalonji, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties.

2. May Lower Cholesterol

While you need some cholesterol, high amounts can build up in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease. Black seeds have  been shown to be especially effective at lowering cholesterol.  One review of 17 studies found that supplementing with black seeds was associated with significant decreases in both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.

Interestingly, it also found that kalonji oil had a greater effect than black seeds in lowering “bad” cholesterol. However, only seeds increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

Another study in 57 people with diabetes showed that supplementing with black seeds for one year decreased total and LDL cholesterol, all while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Lastly, a study in 94 people with diabetes had similar findings, reporting that taking 2 grams of kalonji daily for 12 weeks reduced both total and LDL cholesterol.

3. It has Cancer-Fighting Properties

Black seeds have a  high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals that may contribute to the development of diseases like cancer. Test-tube studies have found some impressive results regarding the anti-cancer effects of black seeds  and thymoquinone, its active compound. For instance, one test-tube study found that thymoquinone induced cell death in blood cancer cells.

Another test-tube study showed that black seed  extract helped inactivate breast cancer cells. Other test-tube studies suggest that kalonji and its components may also be effective against several other types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, cervical, prostate, skin and colon cancers.

Black seeds have been traditionally used in Ethiopia and Somalia to treat several types of cancer.

4. They Help to Kill off Bacteria and Viruses

Disease-causing bacteria and viruses are responsible for a long list of dangerous infections, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia, including the common seasonal cold and flu..

Some test-tube studies have found that black seeds have antibacterial and anti-viral  properties and are therefore effective at fighting off certain diseases caused by the said pathogens, including staphylococcus.

 One study isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), a strain of bacteria that is difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics, from the wounds of diabetic patients.Black seed powder killed off the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner in over half of the samples

Several other test-tube studies have shown that black seeds can help inhibit the growth of MRSA, as well as many other strains of bacteria

5. Known to Alleviate Inflammation

In most cases, inflammation is a normal immune response that helps protect the body against injury and infection .On the other hand, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a variety of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Some studies have found that the regular consumption of black seeds may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body, in cases of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis and oxidative stress.

In another study, inflammation was induced in the brain and spinal cord of rats. Compared to a placebo, black seed powder was effective at protecting against and suppressing inflammation

Similarly, a test-tube study showed that thymoquinone, the active compound in Nigella sativa, helped reduce inflammation in pancreatic cancer cells.

6. Help Protect the Liver

The liver is an incredibly important organ. It removes toxins, metabolizes drugs, processes nutrients and produces proteins and chemicals that are crucial to health. Several promising animal studies have found that regular consumption of black seeds may help protect the liver against injury and damage.

In one study, rats were injected with a toxic chemical, either with or without black seeds. Black seeds reduced the toxicity of the chemical and protected against liver and kidney damage

Another animal study had similar findings, showing that black seeds protected rats against induced liver damage, compared to a control group

One review attributed the protective effects of kalonji to its antioxidant content and ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress .

7. Can Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation

Left unchecked in the long term, high blood sugar can lead to even more serious consequences, such as nerve damage, vision changes and slow wound healing.

Some evidence shows that Nigella sativa could help keep blood sugar steady and thus prevent these dangerous adverse side effects. One review of seven studies showed that supplementing with Nigella sativa  improved levels of fasting and average blood sugar .

Similarly, another study in 94 people found that taking black seeds  daily for three months significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, average blood sugar and insulin resistance .

8. May Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Some research shows that kalonji could help preserve the lining of the stomach and prevent the formation of ulcers.

In one animal study, 20 rats with stomach ulcers were treated using kalonji. Not only did it result in healing effects in about 83% of rats, but it was also nearly as effective as a common medication used to treat stomach ulcers. Another animal study showed that Nigella sativa  and its active components prevented ulcer development and protected the lining of the stomach against the effects of alcohol .

9. Easy to Add to Your Routine

There are a variety of ways to add black seeds to your diet.

With a taste that is described as a mix between oregano and onions, it is often found in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines. It’s usually lightly toasted and then ground or used whole to add flavor to bread or curry dishes.

Some people also eat the seeds raw  ( either ground or whole) for increased medicinal effect and mix them with honey or water. They can also be added to oatmeal, smoothies or yogurt.

Caution:

Furthermore, some test-tube studies have found that kalonji and its components may influence blood clotting. If you take medication for blood clotting, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking Nigella sativa.

Pregnant women should abstain from using Nigella sativa, or use it in moderation, as they could slow down uterine contractions when used in large amounts. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

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For more information on ORGANIC  BLACK SEEDS (Nigella sativa)  you may go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1be9PgUMkJw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgyMPVHVMG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6pQetPaFcM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZj-_XHBWUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWrivWLuUt8

Disclaimer

This content is strictly the opinion of its author and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice , diagnosis or treatment from a personal physician.

Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither the author nor publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.

 All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition or supplement or lifestyle programme.