What are black seeds or kalonji seeds?

Known as black cumin, nigella, or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji relates to the buttercup family of flowering plants. It is a small flowering shrub with purple or white-tinged flowers. They grow in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia.

It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds called kalonji seeds. Along with its culinary value, kalonji is known for its medicinal properties. It can be used to manage blood sugar levels naturally in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedy for several ailments like bronchitis, diabetes, etc. When consumed, the seeds have a bitter flavor that’s often associated with cumin or oregano.

However, kalonji seeds are quite under-appreciated for their health benefits. They are rich in potassium, protein, fiber as well as a number of essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain healthy fats, amino acids, and antioxidants making them extremely beneficial for consumption.

Nutritional values

Benefits of kalonji seeds

1. Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are elements that neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals. They protect our body cells from oxidative damage. Research shows that antioxidants have a powerful positive effect on our health. Studies have shown that antioxidants protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Using black seeds for diabetes also keeps diabetes at bay.

Several compounds found in kalonji, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole, and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties. The high antioxidant content of kalonji may help protect against disease.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found everywhere in our body. It is necessary to have some cholesterol. But high amounts can build up in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease. Kalonji has been shown to be especially effective at lowering bad cholesterol.

It also found that kalonji oil had a greater effect than kalonji seed powder. However, only seed powder increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. As black seeds have no bad cholesterol, adding kalonji in diabetes diet can decrease levels of blood LDL and blood triglycerides.

3. Could Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

Kalonji is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. These free radicles contribute to the development of diseases like cancer. Studies have shown some impressive results regarding the anti-cancer effects of kalonji and thymoquinone, its active compound. Studies suggest that kalonji is effective against several types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, cervical, prostate, skin and colon cancers.

4. Can Help Kill off Bacteria

Disease-causing bacteria are responsible for a long list of dangerous infections. From ear infections to pneumonia bacterias are the root cause. Studies have shown that kalonji has antibacterial properties and be effective at fighting off bacteria. When applied kalonji paste topically to infants with a staphylococcal skin infection, it was as effective as a standard antibiotic.

5. Alleviate Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response that helps protect the body against injury and infection. But, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a variety of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Studies have found that kalonji may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body. This especially due to the presence of thymoquinone, kalonji seed’s one of the most active ingredients.

6. Could Help Protect the Liver

The liver is a vital organ. It eliminates toxins, uses medications, processes nutrients and produces proteins and chemicals that are essential to health. Adding kalonji to your diet help protect the liver against injury and damage. The protective effects of kalonji is based on its antioxidant content and the ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

7. Aids in Blood Glucose Regulation

High blood glucose is a dangerous and dreadful lifestyle disorder. It causes many negative symptoms, including increased thirst, sudden weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If left unchecked high blood sugar levels can lead to more serious problems like nerve damage, vision changes, and cardiovascular diseases. 

Using Kalonji for diabetes has no side effects. Kalonji or black seeds are incredibly rich in potassium- a mineral that diabetic patients are lacking. Potassium is helpful in maintaining blood pressure in blood glucose patients. It is also very rich in iron and immunity-boosting Vitamin C. 

These components are very important for improving overall health in diabetics. Patients of Type 2 diabetes benefit from including black seeds or kalonji seeds, in their daily diet.

8. Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that are formed in the stomach. It appears when stomach acids eat away at the layer of protective mucus that lines the stomach. Kalonji could help preserve the lining of the stomach and prevent the formation of ulcers. Studies also state that kalonji prevent ulcer development and protect the lining of the stomach against the adverse effects of alcohol.

9.Black seed oil beauty benefits

Black seed oil has several benefits for problematic skin conditions. They can be used topically to treat Acne and  Hydrating hair (soften and promote shine). They are also useful in Psoriasis and Wound healing(leaves minimum or no scar)

Side effects- Kalonji May Not Be for Everyone

Kalonji has been associated with many health benefits. It is generally considered safe when used as a spice or seasoning, taking a kalonji supplement or using kalonji oil. However, they may have risks. Rare cases show contact dermatitis after applying kalonji to the skin.

Some studies have shown that kalonji and its components influence blood clotting. If you take medication for blood clotting, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking kalonji supplements.

How to use kalonji seeds for diabetes?

Are you wondering “how to use black seed for diabetes??“. Well, remember that using kalonji and diabetes might run away. But black seeds have a lot of other health benefits too.

Black seed oil

Black seeds kalonji for diabetes can be incorporated in the form of black seed oil in our daily diet. Add a teaspoonful of black seed oil to your food every day to obtain the benefits of black seeds.you can also consume black seed oil by mixing it with honey. Black seed oil can also be used topically on skin and hair for better results.

Black Seed Decoction or Paste