The incredible benefits of black seed oil is becoming more and more popular as a new superfood because of its nutritious profile. A few years ago my local health food store introduced me to black seed oil. Since then it has become a part of my daily regimen. It is my hope that after reading this week’s article, you will make it a part of yours.
Black seed oil, also called Nigella sativa is a small shrub which has purple or white flowers and grows in the Eastern part of Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East.
Although it seems unsuspecting, the plant produces fruit which has black tiny seeds. Black seeds are used for the medicinal purposes for which it is known for thousands of years now.
Archaeologists have also found these black seeds in the tomb of the famous King Tuts, and have emphasized its importance in the history of healing and even protection. They are used in the kitchen too as a flavor for bread, pickles, and curries. When they’re eaten, these seeds have somewhat of a bitter taste which is often compared to oregano or cumin.
Black seed oil is known to have some other names, and these include the following:
- Kalonji
- Black cumin
- Black caraway
- Black onion seeds
What are the benefits? Read on to find out more about this powerful seed.
Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Fights Cancer
With its powerful phytochemical and its antioxidant properties, black seed oil has shown its ability to treat cancer naturally. Some Croatian researchers have evaluated the antitumor activity of the thymohydroquinone and thymoquinone based on the animal model study. They have found that these two phytochemicals which are present in black seed oil results for a 52 percent decrease in cancer cells. The antitumor effects of the oil are beneficial in tumor reduction for pancreatic, colon, prostate, and lung cancer.
Research has recently shown that Thymoquinone, which is a very abundant bioactive component commonly found in black seed oil, induces apoptosis, which is also known as programmed death in leukemia cells, brain tumor cells, and even breast cancer cells.
Fights Diabetes
Black seed oil helps to balance blood sugar levels. In addition, it has been known to be effective in treating and even preventing type 1 and 2 diabetes in several international studies. It is one of the few elements in the world suggested to prevent type 1 and type 2 diabetes! It helps inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines and improve glucose tolerance. Also, black seed oil reduces damage to beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin. This might lower the risk of type 1 diabetes. Thymoquinone found in black seed oil can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and increase insulin.
It doesn’t end there, according to a study, black seed oil also, improves glucose tolerance just as effective as metformin, yet it does not show the weighty adverse effects and has lower toxicity.
Helps in Weight Loss
Black seed oil aids in weight loss and this claims actually have scientific backing to it. The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases have published a systematic literature review for plants with anti-obesity properties and found that black seed oil is one of the most natural and effective remedies known to man.
Another systematic meta-analysis and review, which was published in 2018, reveals results from about 11 clinical trials which are placebo-controlled and demonstrates the ability of black seed oil formula to reduce body weight. Supplementation has also been shown to reduce body mass index (BMI) and also waist circumference. It is also pertinent to note that none of the studies had serious side effects arising from use of this natural product.
Black seed oil melts away body fat, boost your metabolism, and curbs your appetite. You may want to grab you a bottle today!
Lowers Blood Pressure
The Journal of Hypertension published a study which revealed the evaluation of the effectiveness of black seed oil and found it reduces blood pressure. The test was carried out by combining the results of 11 clinical trials which involved about 860 people. The experiments lasted from 4 to 12 weeks.
On the average, patients who were taking the black seed oil supplements were observed to have their blood pressure lowered by about 3.26/2.80mmHg.
The benefits of this natural product cannot be talked about enough, as it brings hope nutritionally, medicinally, and economically. It is sometimes hard to believe the kind of benefits this supplement offers, but the truth is, black seed oil is as beneficial as they say. Give it a try. Take your daily dose with a small glass of orange juice or other natural juice. Make it a part of your regimen and feel the benefits.
