15 Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds

 

These seeds have fragrant, purgative, stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, carminative, and sedative qualities because of their beneficial chemical content. Thymoquinone, a substance with numerous medicinal applications, can be found in nigella seeds (Nigella sativa). In addition to its distinctive flavor, this condiment has many health advantages. The advantages of nigella seeds, the best ways to use them, and any possible negative effects are covered in this article. 

In addition to being used in cooking similarly to cumin, sesame, and fennel seeds, nigella seeds are the primary component of both black seed oil and nigella, a traditional herbal treatment that has been used for generations to support the immune system.

Antioxidants like polyphenols and tocopherols, which fight free radical damage and oxidative stress, which both contribute to aging and many diseases, are abundant in nigella seeds and kalongi (the urdu name for this plant). These seeds' active ingredients have also been demonstrated to have cardio-protective, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties.

What are Nigella Seeds:

Small, angular, and black, nigella seeds resemble dark sesame seeds. They are raised on a member of the Ranunculaceae plant family called Nigella sativa.

In the Middle East and Eastern Europe, including Turkey and Syria, these plants are common. The most valuable component that has a positive impact on health is thought to be the seeds of the plants.

They are used in cooking and are the source of black seed oil, which is loaded with antioxidant phytonutrients like thymol and thymoquinone.

Health Benefits:

The flowering plant nigella, sometimes referred to as black cumin, nigella, or by its botanical name Nigella sativa, is a member of the buttercup family.

It can reach a height of 12 inches (30 cm) and bears fruit with seeds that are used in many dishes as a savory spice.

In addition to being used in food, nigella has therapeutic uses as well.

In reality, it has been used as a natural medicine for many centuries. Trusted source for everything from diarrhea to pneumonia.

This article addresses how to incorporate nigella into your diet as well as 15 of the most astounding, scientifically proven advantages of the herb.

1-Assist in Reducing Cholesterol Levels:

Total cholesterol levels can be significantly reduced by nigella seeds by altering plasma lipid concentrations. The seeds help reduce triglyceride levels.

Your body has a chemical called cholesterol that resembles fat. While some cholesterol is necessary, excessive levels can accumulate in the blood and raise your risk of developing heart disease.

It has been demonstrated that nigella is particularly good at reducing cholesterol.

According to a study of 17 trials, taking nigella supplements was linked to significantly lower levels of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and "bad" LDL cholesterol.

It was also intriguingly discovered that nigella oil had a stronger impact than nigella seed powder. Only seed powder, meanwhile, led to an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

2-The Nigella Seeds Control Blood Sugar:

For diabetics, consuming 2 grams of nigella seeds daily may help control blood sugar levels. The seeds, in the dosage described, have significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels.

Nigella seeds decreased the amounts of glycosylated hemoglobin in different research. Patients with diabetes have been demonstrated to have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation when their glycosylated hemoglobin levels are high. In patients, the seeds can reduce this danger.

3-Provide Cancer Protection:

Antioxidants found in nigella help to combat free radicals that can lead to cancer. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer are the specific cancers that it effectively treats.

The seeds' capacity to reduce inflammation and have immune-boosting effects can be linked to their protective benefits against cancer.

4-Can Help You Lose Weight:

You can seem slender and trim by increasing your body's metabolism with the aid of nigella. Studies show that consuming nigella seeds with warm water helps people lose weight.

5-Support Blood Pressure Maintenance:

According to a study  regular use of nigella seed extract may reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were decreased by seed extracts.

Even the seeds' oil can be helpful in this regard. The seeds' ability to reduce blood pressure may be attributed to thymoquinone and thymol. Angiotensin-converting enzyme  (ACE) activity and cardiac oxidative stress are both reduced by the substances, which lower blood pressure levels.

6-Might Aid in Fighting Infections:

Following one assessment, nigella is a medicine that has the potential to increase immunological responses and the body's defensive mechanism by enhancing immune system function, activating and suppressing immune-specialized cells, and interfering with various pathways.

There is proof that some of the components in nigella seeds are naturally antibacterial, making them effective in combating bacterial strains that can cause illnesses including bronchitis, ear, and skin infections, among others.

7-Can Prevent Inflammation:

According to an American study, nigella seeds can reduce pancreatic cancer cells' propensity for inflammation. A promising anti-inflammatory agent, thymoquinone in the seeds may reduce the effects of proinflammatory cytokines.

The antioxidant qualities of nigella seeds are also responsible for their anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that the seeds' antioxidant qualities diminish tissue and serum inflammatory indicators as well as other inflammatory diseases such as cardiac fibrosis.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis who used nigella seed oil topically also reported reduced pain. The oil was shown to be more effective than acetaminophen, a common painkiller used to treat arthritic pain.

8-Heart Healthy:

Given its hypotensive, calcium channel blockading, and diuretic qualities that assist regulate blood flow and blood lipid levels, Nigella sativa supplementation may aid in the management of healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

For the heart, nigilla is particularly beneficial. By regulating the levels of harmful cholesterol in your body, it keeps your heart healthy. To get effective outcomes, you need consistently take the milk and nigella oil.

9-Skin and Hair Problem:

Due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, black seed oil and nigella may aid in treating common skin issues including acne and eczema. Others discover they're beneficial for rosacea and psoriasis.

 The use of the extracts has significantly improved epidermal health. The oil has also helped with the treatment of acne vulgaris when applied topically.

The seeds' thymoquinone also exhibited antifungal properties. Treatment of fungus-related skin illnesses like candida may benefit from it.

In addition to the advantages indicated above, nigella seeds are frequently included in hair masks to promote hair development and enhance the texture and sheen of hair. The nutrients in nigilla will strengthen your hair and stop hair loss.

10-Enhance Immunity:

Studies on hybrid hens suggested that nigella seed feeding could increase resistance to the virus that causes Newcastle disease. This is a positive development, even though we still need to look at specific human research.

Another UK study found that nigella seed oil supplementation improved pulmonary function and asthma control.

 The seeds have potent antibiotic and antibacterial capabilities. They displayed antibacterial action against the dangerous MRSA type of bacteria.

Antibacterial action of nigella seed extract against staphylococcal skin infection had already been demonstrated.

11-Kidney Health:

According to an Iranian study, nigella seeds can treat kidney conditions such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and renal damage. Calcium oxalate deposits were much less likely to form when the nigella seed extract was taken orally.

Nigella works by lowering blood sugar, serum creatinine, and blood urea levels to lessen diabetic nephropathy (a kidney consequence of diabetes). Infections and kidney stones are also treated with it.

12-Heals Stomach Ulcers: 

Stomach ulcers are sores that eat through the mucus lining of the stomach and can be extremely painful. According to research, consuming black seeds not only prevents stomach ulcers but also improves digestion and shields the stomach lining from the negative effects of alcohol.

13-Liver Protection: 

By regulating vital liver processes including metabolism and the processing of nutrients and minerals that are crucial for good health, nigella's extraordinary ingredients and compounds protect the liver from toxins. Take nigella seeds or oil every day to protect your liver and kidneys from the toxicity of pollutants.

The nigella seed's antioxidant qualities help to safeguard the liver. These can protect the liver from oxidative stress, which can be harmful. Additionally, the thymoquinone in the seeds combats free radicals and lessens the likelihood that they may damage human DNA and perhaps the liver.

14-Nigella Seeds Can Help With Infertility:

The number of free radicals in the body can have an impact on sperm quality. The ability of nigella seeds as antioxidants can help prevent this. According to studies, the antioxidant defense of men can be strengthened by thymoquinone, which is present in nigella seeds.

According to studies, nigella seeds can be used as the sole treatment for male infertility.

According to an Iranian study, infertile men who consume 5 mL of nigella seed oil daily for two months can have better-quality sperm with no negative side effects.

15-Enhances Memory: 

Memory loss and impaired cognitive function are issues that older people encounter. To improve memory and prevent neurological problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, Ayurveda advises ingesting nigella oil or seed powder combined with mint leaves.

When combined with honey, nigella seeds are said to lessen mental strain. Consume it every day on an empty stomach to improve your cognitive power. Add a half-spoon of nigilla oil or seed powder to a bunch of fresh mint leaves that have been blanched in water. Eat it every day on an empty stomach to improve your brain performance.