19 Impressive Health Benefits of Kalonji Nigella Seeds

19 Impressive Health Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)




Also known as black cumin, nigella or by its scientific name Nigella sativa, kalonji belongs to the buttercup family of flowering plants.

It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and produces a fruit with seeds that are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines.

In addition to its culinary use, kalonji is known for its medicinal properties.

In fact, its use can be traced back several centuries as a natural remedy for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea (1Trusted Source).

This article discusses 9 of the most impressive science-backed benefits of kalonji, plus how you can add it to your diet.

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1. Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells.

Research shows that antioxidants can have a powerful effect on health and disease.

In fact, some studies indicate that antioxidants may protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity (2Trusted Source).

Several compounds found in kalonji, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties (3Trusted Source).

One test-tube study found that kalonji essential oil also acted as an antioxidant (4Trusted Source).

However, further research is needed to determine how the antioxidants found in kalonji may impact health in humans.

SUMMARYSome test-tube studies have shown that the high antioxidant content of kalonji may help protect against disease.

2. May Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found throughout your body. While you need some cholesterol, 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 cholesterol.

One review of 17 studies found that supplementing with kalonji was associated with significant decreases in both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.

Interestingly, it also found that kalonji oil had a greater effect than kalonji seed powder. However, only seed powder increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol (5Trusted Source).

Another study in 57 people with diabetes showed that supplementing with kalonji for one year decreased total and LDL cholesterol, all while increasing HDL cholesterol (6Trusted Source).

Lastly, a study in 94 people with diabetes had similar findings, reporting that taking 2 grams of kalonji daily for 12 weeks reduced both total and LDL cholesterol (7Trusted Source).

SUMMARYSeveral studies have found that supplementing with kalonji could help reduce both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

3. Could Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

Kalonji is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals that may contribute to the development of diseases like cancer.

Test-tube studies have found some impressive results regarding the potential anti-cancer effects of kalonji and thymoquinone, its active compound.

For instance, one test-tube study found that thymoquinone induced cell death in blood cancer cells (8Trusted Source).

Another test-tube study showed that kalonji extract helped inactivate breast cancer cells (9Trusted Source).

Other test-tube studies suggest that kalonji and its components may also be effective against several other types of cancer, including pancreatic, lung, cervical, prostate, skin and colon cancers (10Trusted Source).

However, there is no evidence on the anti-cancer effects of kalonji in humans. Studies are needed to examine whether kalonji has any cancer-fighting benefits when used as a spice or taken as a supplement.

SUMMARYTest-tube studies have shown that kalonji and its components may exhibit anti-cancer effects.

4. Can Help Kill off Bacteria

Disease-causing bacteria are responsible for a long list of dangerous infections, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia.

Some test-tube studies have found that kalonji may have antibacterial properties and be effective at fighting off certain strains of bacteria.

One study applied kalonji topically to infants with a staphylococcal skin infection and found that it was as effective as a standard antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections (11Trusted Source).

Another study isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a strain of bacteria that is difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics, from the wounds of diabetic patients.

Kalonji killed off the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner in over half of the samples (12Trusted Source).

Several other test-tube studies have shown that kalonji can help inhibit the growth of MRSA, as well as many other strains of bacteria (13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).

Yet, human studies are limited, and more research is needed to look at how kalonji may affect different strains of bacteria in the body.

SUMMARYBoth test-tube and human studies have found that kalonji may be effective against several types of bacterial infections.

5. May Alleviate Inflammation

In most cases, inflammation is a normal immune response that helps protect the body against injury and infection.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a variety of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease (15Trusted Source).

Some studies have found that kalonji may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

In one study in 42 people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking 1,000 mg of kalonji oil daily for eight weeks reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (16Trusted Source).

In another study, inflammation was induced in the brain and spinal cord of rats. Compared to a placebo, kalonji was effective at protecting against and suppressing inflammation (17Trusted Source).

Similarly, a test-tube study showed that thymoquinone, the active compound in kalonji, helped reduce inflammation in pancreatic cancer cells (18Trusted Source).

Despite these promising results, most human studies are limited to people with specific conditions. More research is needed to understand how kalonji may affect inflammation among the general population.

SUMMARYSome studies have found that kalonji and its active components could help reduce markers of inflammation.

6. Could Help Protect the Liver

The liver is an incredibly important organ. It removes toxins, metabolizes drugs, processes nutrients and produces proteins and chemicals that are crucial to health.

Several promising animal studies have found that kalonji may help protect the liver against injury and damage.

In one study, rats were injected with a toxic chemical, either with or without kalonji. Kalonji reduced the toxicity of the chemical and protected against liver and kidney damage (19Trusted Source).

Another animal study had similar findings, showing that kalonji protected rats against induced liver damage, compared to a control group (20Trusted Source).

One review attributed the protective effects of kalonji to its antioxidant content and ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress (21Trusted Source).

However, more studies are needed to measure how kalonji may influence liver health in humans.


7. Can Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation



High blood sugar can cause many negative symptoms, including increased thirst, unintentional weight loss, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Left unchecked in the long term, high blood sugar can lead to even more serious consequences, such as nerve damage, vision changes and slow wound healing.

Some evidence shows that kalonji could help keep blood sugar steady and thus prevent these dangerous adverse side effects.

One review of seven studies showed that supplementing with kalonji improved levels of fasting and average blood sugar (22Trusted Source).

Similarly, another study in 94 people found that taking kalonji daily for three months significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, average blood sugar and insulin resistance (23Trusted Source).


9. Easy to Add to Your Routine

There are a variety of ways to add kalonji to your diet.

With a bitter taste that is described as a mix between oregano and onions, it is often found in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.

It’s usually lightly toasted and then ground or used whole to add flavor to bread or curry dishes.

Some people also eat the seeds raw or mix them with honey or water. They can also be added to oatmeal, smoothies or yogurt.

What’s more, the oil is sometimes diluted and applied topically as a natural remedy that’s said to increase hair growth, reduce inflammation and treat certain skin conditions.

Lastly, supplements are available in capsule or softgel form for a quick and concentrated dose of kalonji.

10. Fights Acne
together can fix many skin problems. For every cup of sweet lime juice, you’ll need about half a teaspoon of kalonji oil. Apply the oil twice a day on your face and watch your blemishes and acne disappear. If you keep pure kalonji oil handy, you can use it to treat cracked heels as well. (Also Read: Ayurveda For Acne: 5 Easy Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Acne​)


11. Keeps a Check on Diabetes
one of the most known benefits of kalonji. If you already have diabetes, kalonji oil can also help to manage it. Take half a teaspoon of the oil in a cup of black tea every morning, and see the difference in a few weeks. (Also Read: 5 Vegetables You Must Include In Your Diabetes Diet)





12 . Increases Memory and Alleviates Asthma

Ground kalonji seeds with a little bit of honey is known to boost memory. And if you mix this in warm water and drink, it also helps in alleviating breathing trouble (asthma included) in children and adults alike. But you need to do this is for at least 45 days, and avoid cold beverages and food during the period. (Also Read: Foods To Boost Your Memory. Remember To Eat These!)
13. Gets Rid of Headache

common urban problems in today’s time is headaches. Instead of popping a pill, rub kalonji oil on your forehead, relax, and wait for your headache to disappear. Nothing like natural home remedies! (Also Read: 10 Natural Home Remedies For Headaches That Actually Work​)


14. Aids Weight Loss

The warm water, honey, and lemon combination is often recommended for those who are on a diet. Now add a pinch of powdered kalonji seeds to this mix and see how it works. Many health enthusiasts have claimed that kalonji seeds is a miracle ingredient which helps in shedding those extra kilos.

15. Eases Joint Pain

It’s an old-school treatment; take a handful of kalonji seeds, and heat it well with mustard oil. Once the oil is smoking, take it off the flame and cool it down for a bit. The oil is ready when you can dip the tip of a finger into the oil without feeling uncomfortable. Now use this oil to massage the inflamed joint.
16. Controls Blood Pressure
For those who suffer from or have the tendency of high blood pressure can drink half a teaspoon of kalonji oil with warm water to keep hypertension under control. It is of course advised to follow a proper diet along with it.
 

17. Protects the Kidney

Kidney stones are a common urban problem. It is said that half a teaspoon of kalonji oil had with two teaspoons of honey and warm water can aid in getting rid of kidney pain, stones and infections. But you also need to consult a doctor to get a proper diet.

18. Makes Teeth Stronger

Did you know that kalonji has been used traditionally to take care of dental trouble such as swelling or bleeding of gums, and weak teeth? Of course you need to see a dentist, but you can also massage your teeth with curd and some kalonji oil twice a day to strengthen your gums. (Also Read: Beware! These 5 Foods Are Known to Stain Your Teeth)


19. Strengthens Immunity

Kalonji oil, honey and warm water have more than one benefit. Apart from the ones already mentioned, it can also help to strengthen your immunity if consumed daily. If you add kalonji oil in boiling water and inhale the fumes, it can also reduce nasal congestion, and help those who suffer from sinusitis problems.

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