As you’re about to see, one of the most super of all of nature’s “superfoods” is Black Cumin Seed Oil…
Now, black cumin seed is completely different than the cumin you may be familiar with (and completely different than turmeric/curcumin, for that matter).
As it’s nickname implies, it has long been revered by ancient cultures for its healing properties…
And, as you’re about to see, modern science is again confirming that the ancients really “knew their stuff”!
The term “superfood” is thrown around rather casually these days.
However, there’s one natural ingredient that certainly merits the term and your close attention: black cumin seed oil. (Also known as black seed oil.)
Read on more to discover why the likes of modern scientists, Egyptian queens, Ayurvedic doctors, and health enthusiasts love the universally helpful seed that is black cumin seed oil.
What is Black Cumin?
Scientifically speaking, black cumin is called “Nigella Sativa,” which comes from a lovely purple flowering plant, also known as “Fennel Flower” or “Roman Coriander.”
(Because there is often confusion, black cumin and turmeric/curcumin are different and come from different plants.)
Black cumin has been hailed as a powerful medicinal plant in ancient cultures for eons. This spice was coined the “oil of the Pharaohs” due to the seeds apparently being found in the tomb of Tutankhamen.
For centuries black cumin has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, eczema and respiratory issues like bronchitis. Earliest records of using this seed in more “modern” medicine dates all the way back to the 1600’s. It’s since won the approval and interest of health and medical experts alike.
For those new to black cumin or wanting to know more about it, here are 7 science-backed secrets of this impressive little seed.
Black Cumin Lowers Inflammation
Black cumin seed oil is loaded with antioxidants making it an excellent addition to any healthy lifestyle. As we know, an antioxidant rich diet is thought to help prevent a variety of illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and has shown promise to be extremely helpful with cancer prevention.1
Several studies have indicated that black cumin seed oil may improve symptoms for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).2
At least one clinical study reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who supplemented with black cumin seed oil demonstrated significantly lower levels of joint inflammation and oxidative stress compared to those who didn’t supplement with the oil.2
Keep inflammation at bay by consuming this seed regularly.
Pro tip: It can help with external inflammatory issues too such as acne, too!
Black Cumin promotes Healthier Skin
Black cumin seed oil was rumoured to be the beautify oil of choice for both Cleopatra and Nefertiti, the ancient Egyptian queens.
And, as mentioned, Egyptian Pharaohs have been found buried with them in their tombs — clearly these precious seeds were considered worthy of taking into the afterlife.
Highly moisturizing and full of nourishing vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids, using black cumin seed oil as part of a skincare routine may help minimize acne, heal and retain your skins moisture barrier, promote softness and radiance, and help issues related to dry skin such as eczema and fine lines.
Black Cumin aids in Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Healthy cholesterol levels are always a significant health marker for people of all ages. With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, anything that promotes a healthy ticker always sparks interest.
Results from a study done by the National Library of Medicine found that black cumin seed may be particularly effective at lowering total cholesterol levels while simultaneously decreasing LDL (“bad”) 3 cholesterol and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. 4
Studies indicate that black cumin demonstrates notable potential to lower and maintain healthy cholesterol levels overall.
So, while science is figuring out the best dosage and form to use this healthy ingredient for heart health, you can use it generously in the kitchen to reap heart-healthy benefits.
Black Cumin Promotes Weight Loss
Clinical studies using black cumin seed oil for weight loss found that it promotes it on three fronts:
It may increase fat loss: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study published results showing that out of 20 sedentary, overweight females, the control group that supplemented with black seed oil while on an aerobics program lost more fat and had a greater reduction in BMI than the other group. The second control group did the same aerobics program but didn’t supplement with black cumin seed oil. 5
Supports Balanced Blood Sugar: One study found that consumption of black cumin seed oil appeared to decrease blood sugar levels, increase insulin production, and decreased insulin resistance.6 This is promising for weight loss considering that excess amounts of insulin produced due to insulin resistance is one the reasons behind a sluggish metabolism and unnecessary fat storage.
May Reduce Inflammation: As touched on earlier, the antioxidant profile of black cumin seed provides distinct anti-inflammatory benefits. Excess fat isn’t the only thing to blame for excessive weight. Inflammation is a key culprit to pushing up the numbers on the scale. Black cumin seed oil’s ability to combat inflammation in the body may make it an ideal supplement to incorporate for overall weight loss!
Yours in Health
Prof Sundardas D Annamalay
https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/gutbrainhealing
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Bibliography
1.Khan MA, Chen HC, Tania M, Zhang DZ. Anticancer activities of Nigella sativa (black cumin). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754079/
2.Nigella Sativa. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nigella-sativa
4. Sahebkar A, Beccuti G, Simental-Mendía LE, Nobili V, Bo S. Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26875640/
5.Farzaneh E, Nia FR, Mehrtash M, Mirmoeini FS, Jalilvand M. The Effects of 8-week Nigella sativa Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO2 max in Sedentary Overweight Females. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24627749/
6. The efficacy of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil and hypoglycemic drug combination to reduce HbA1c level in patients with metabolic syndrome risk https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/259/1/012018/pdf