Black seeds are scientifically called Nigella sativa. These seeds are a common ingredient which is used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines. Black seeds are also called fennel flower seeds, onion seeds, Roman coriander, kalonji, and black caraway.
These seeds have a bitter, peppery, and pungent flavor along with an oregano-like aroma. Besides, people always use dry roasted black seeds to add flavor to side dishes, stir-fry vegetables, and curries. These seeds are even used extensively in baking.
Thanks to 3 natural chemicals: thymoquinone (TQ), thymol, and thymol hydroquinone (THQ) contained in them, black seeds provide many health benefits. They also have calcium, fiber, potassium, protein, iron, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
Additionally, these seeds contain analgesic, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-ulcer, anticholinergic, and antihypertensive properties.
Here are top 8 health benefits of black seeds, collected from reliable references. Keep reading to discover:
- Control Type 2 Diabetes
In fact, many researchers have studied the effect of black seeds on patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes. A study published in 2010 showed that consuming 2 grams of black seeds per day might be an effective way to manage the sugar levels in blood in Type 2 diabetic patients.
Plus, taking black seeds regularly can help in reducing fasting blood sugar levels as well as insulin resistance. Besides, they also assist in increasing beta-cell function in your pancreas. Black seeds are also beneficial in preventing diabetes.
- Boost Your Memory
Another benefit in the list of top 8 health benefits of black seeds is to boost your brain health. Thanks to the antioxidant, neuron-protecting, and anti-inflammatory properties in them, black seeds will help you to improve your memory and brain health.
According to a study which was published in 2013 of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, those consuming 2 500mg capsules which contain the powder of pure ground black seed had a significant improvement in cognition, attention, and memory compared with those taking a placebo.
Hence, you should eat ground black seeds (½ teaspoon) twice a day or you can take a supplement as soon as consulting your doctor.
- Reduce Cancer Risk
These seeds are also beneficial in easing the risk of various types of cancer such as breast, brain, cervical, colon, and oral cancer.
A study published in 2012 proved that the thymoquinone contained in black seeds is useful for curing cancer and inflammatory disorders. This component works as a superoxide radical and free radical scavenger.
- Treat Eczema
Here is also a great benefit in the list of benefits of black seeds. Eczema is known as a skin condition which you may cure by using black seed oil. This black oil contains emollient property that forms a non-greasy film to fight against flare-ups. Additionally, black seed oil has anti-inflammatory property helping you ease redness, inflammation, and various eczema symptoms.
According to a 2013 study, topical black seed oil has a therapeutic effect which will improve the quality of life as well as decrease the severity of hand eczema.
- Treat Hair Loss
This is another health benefit of black seed oil that you should know. The powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in this oil will assist you in strengthening hair follicles, which eases hair loss. Besides, black seed oil also contains an antifungal property which prevents infections causing hair loss.
Moreover, it has a moisturizing quality and thereby protecting your hair from being damaged and speeding up hair growth as well as promoting healthy hair.
- Treat The Symptoms of Asthma
According to a study issued in the Phytomedicine journal, black seed oil can give you a relatively potent effect of anti-asthmatic on asthmatic airways,
Black seeds have an anti-asthmatic property that can help you to reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms and promote recovery. Besides, the thymoquinone contained in this black seed oil can ease airway inflammation as well as inhibit excess mucus secretion.
Moreover, this oil is also helpful for treating various problems such as sore throats, tonsillitis, and acute sinusitis.
- Promote Your Liver Health
This is also known as one of the effective benefits of black seeds. This oil will assist you in promoting liver health and a properly functioning liver can help you to remove toxins from your body.
A study found that this black seed oil can enhance the mechanism of protecting hepato-renal, reduce disease complications as well as delay its progression. However, it is required to identify the molecules that are responsible for the pharmacological effect of these seeds.
In order to improve the liver function and keep both damage and disease at bay, you should include these black seeds in each of your meals.
- Lower High Blood Pressure
Black seeds have the antihypertensive effect and thereby helping people in dealing with hypertension. It is proved that using the black seed extract every day for 2 months will bring an effect of lowering blood pressure in patients suffering from mild hypertension.
Additionally, these seeds assist in decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels as well as boost overall heart health.
Hence, when you suffer from hypertension, let consume 100 to 200 mg of black seed extract 2 times a day. You should consult your doctor to get the suitable dosage for your condition.
Warnings
- Remember to limit your intake of black seeds between two and three teaspoons per day.
- For topical application, you’d better dilute this oil with sesame or olive oil.
