Kalonji seeds control and prevents diabetes, kills bacteria and prevents disease-Causing Infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in lowering cholesterol levels, prevent stomach ulcers and keeps the liver healthy.
Kalonji seeds, which people more commonly known as black cumin, belongs to the family of buttercup plants. Its scientific name is Nigella Sativa. Kalonji has long been used in cooking because of its natural spicy flavor and the aroma it lends to any dish it is added in, but now people are increasingly aware of its incredible medicinal properties.
Long before the advent of modern medicine, kalonji seeds were traditionally used as natural remedies from a wide range of health issues- ranging from bronchitis to diarrhea. The kalonji seeds are packed with vitamins, crystalline nigellone, amino acids, saponin, crude fiber, proteins and fatty acids like linolenic and oleic acids, volatile oils, alkaloids, iron, sodium, potassium and calcium and provide multiple health benefits. One-quarter of a spoon of Kalonji oil can also be added to regular black tea and be consumed.
In this article:
How to Consume Kalonji Seeds?
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)
Some Words of Precaution
How to Consume Kalonji Seeds?
The suggested average amount of consumption of Kalonji seeds is 20gms. A good way to consume it would be adding 10gms of Kalonji seeds to one tbsp of lemon juice, one tbsp of honey and one glass of warm water.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)
Kalonji oil is also beneficial. It can be used to directly apply to the area with joint pain or on the scalp for hair growth.
Controls and Prevents Diabetes
We end up consuming an unhealthy amount of sugar in our daily lifestyle. Biscuits, cake, coffee, tetra pack drinks, all contain a high amount of hidden sugar. Diabetes is a deadly lifelong condition which in severe cases can cause the slow decay of our digestive and respiratory system. Here is where kalonji oil comes to the rescue. Proved by traditional Ayurveda and recent medic research, Kalonji seeds prevent a sudden increase in blood sugar levels and relieve the patient of blood sugar symptoms like thirst and fatigue.
Kalonji seeds help in increasing insulin resistance. In a study on Kalonji seeds by the Indian Journal of Physiological Pharmacy in 2010, 94 people who consumed kalonji seeds for 3 months daily experienced steady levels of blood sugar and reduction in symptoms of diabetes.
Kills Bacteria and Prevents Disease-Causing Infections
Bacterial infection can cause ear infections, eye infections, and even pneumonia. Kalonji has anti-bacterial properties as it fights off skin infections in infants, kills MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which is hard to kill off and is usually present in the wounds of diabetic patients.
Anti Inflammatory Properties of Kalonji Seeds
Inflammation is usually a normal immune response of the human body, but in some cases, chronic inflammation can cause diabetes, severe heart diseases and even cancer.
In one scientific study in Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine in 2016, 42 people who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis took 1000 mg of kalonji oil every day for two months. This caused a significant decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress in their bodies. Thymoquinone, an anti-inflammatory active compound is present in kalonji seeds which reduce pancreatic stress.
Kalonji Oil Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is an unhealthy substance resembling fat that is found throughout your body. Increased intake of fried and oily food, food rich in spices or red meat, can increase cholesterol levels. Accumulation of a high amount of cholesterol in your body will lead to an increase in chances of heart diseases and sudden myocardial infractions (most commonly known as heart attacks. Kalonji oil is beneficial in reducing cholesterol effectively.
An overall review of 17 extensive studies found that adding kalonji seeds or kalonji oil as a daily part of one’s diet was associated with a marked decrease in both levels of cholesterol: total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.
Another study published in 2012 in the Journal of Family and Community Medicine found that 94 people with diabetes reported that taking 2 grams of kalonji daily for 12 weeks reduced both total and LDL cholesterol.
Prevents Stomach Ulcers and Keeps the Liver Healthy
By now you may know the amount of effectiveness kalonji oil has in improving our digestive system. Stomach ulcers are caused when the protective mucus around the lining of the stomach is eroded away through excessive acidity. The liver is one of the most important organs aiding in digestion and the creation of bile. Liver health is protected by kalonji oil as its high anti-oxidant properties reduce stress related to acidity in the stomach.
Kalonji Oil and Seeds for the Skin
For those suffering from eczema, acne, spotting, and skin lacking glow, kalonji oil is a blessing because of its Both Kalonji -aging antioxidants, high content of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. They slow down the signs of aging and reduce pigmentation. For smooth skin, mix equal amounts of kalonji oil and olive oil, a small amount that is enough to cover the skin on your face. Apply this mixture as a thin mask and keep it on for 15 minutes, then risen it with cold water. Doing this twice a week will improve and nourish your skin.
Kalonji Oil for Hair
If you want shiny, nourished hair free of dandruff and not prone to breakage and intense amounts of hair fall, you can opt for either of the two packs. Mix 1tbsp kalonji seeds with either coconut oil or a mixture of one tbsp castor oil with 15-20 tbsp of coconut oil as a carrier oil. Their high content of vitamin E nourishes and strengthens the scalp, and the hair growth becomes nourished from the very roots.
Some Words of Precaution
Like all things, kalonji seeds consumption in excess can have certain adverse effects. Kalonji seeds in excess can slow down blood clotting and reduce blood sugar levels enough to cause hypoglycemia, hence it should be consumed in moderation. Children below the age of 5 and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming kalonji seeds.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21675032
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884216/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3515953/
