Health Benefits of Kalonji Oil and Seeds

Kalonji seeds, also popular as black cumin seeds, are also referred to as the ‘seed of blessing’ owing to their unique health properties and benefits. These seeds are frequently used in traditional medicine and a wide range of cuisines because of their healing qualities and unique flavour. They also play a crucial part in ayurvedic medicine and are recommended for treating conditions affecting the stomach, eyes, heart, and nervous system. Additionally, kalonji oil made from the seeds of the plant has several medicinal benefits.  

Read on to understand all about the amazing benefits of kalonji seeds and oil and the best way to incorporate them into your diet. 

Nutritional Value of Kalonji Seeds

The nutritional value of kalonji seeds per 100 grams is given below

Benefits of Kalonji Oil and Seeds

Kalonji oil and seeds have immense curative properties and several benefits. Some of the kalonji health benefits are listed below:

1. Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemicals that combat harmful free radicals and guard against oxidative cell damage. Research shows that they can significantly affect health. Some research suggests that antioxidants may offer protection against a number of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The antioxidant properties of kalonji can be attributed to the presence of the compounds Thymoquinone, t-anethole, carvacrol and 4-terpineol.

2. May Help Prevent Cancer

One of the most impressive benefits of kalonji seeds is that they may possess the ability to prevent cancer. Kalonji has a lot of antioxidants, which aid in scavenging dangerous free radicals that could be a factor in the emergence of diseases like cancer.

Research on the possible anti-cancer properties of kalonji and thymoquinone, its active component, has produced some interesting findings. For instance, thymoquinone was reported to cause cell death in blood cancer cells in one investigation. 

Another study has shown that kalonji extract could assist in the inactivation of breast cancer cells. Kalonji and its components may be effective against a number of different cancers, including pancreatic, lung, cervical, prostate, skin, and colon cancers.

3. Antibacterial Properties

Kalonji health benefits also include the ability to kill some types of bacteria responsible for causing an array of diseases, from pneumonia to ear infections. In one trial, kalonji was used topically to treat infants with a staphylococcal skin infection and was just as successful as a common antibiotic for treating bacterial infections 

A different study found methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is difficult to treat and drug-resistant, in the wounds of diabetes patients. The Kalonji dose was able to provide relief to most of the patients. Kalonji can restrict the growth of MRSA and other strains of bacteria.

4. May Help Manage Cholesterol 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 cardiovascular issues. It has been demonstrated that kalonji is particularly good at reducing cholesterol.

Studies have shown that consumption of kalonji supplements can significantly lower blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and bad LDL cholesterol levels. It was also intriguingly discovered that kalonji oil had a stronger impact than kalonji seed powder. Only seed powder, though, saw an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

It was also seen that including kalonji supplements in the diet of people with diabetes for a year helped reduce total and LDL cholesterol and also raised the levels of HDL cholesterol.

5. Help Reduce Inflammation

Most of the time, inflammation is a typical immunological reaction that aids in defending the body against damage and infection. On the other hand, persistent inflammation plays a role in a number of illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

Kalonji benefits in lowering the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress indicators with its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It was also seen that the inclusion of kalonji supplements to the extent of 1000 mg daily for eight weeks have helped reduce inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Thymoquinone, the active compound in kalonji to a great extent, helped in reducing the inflammation in pancreatic cancer cells.

6. May Help Protect the Liver

The liver is a very significant organ. It eliminates pollutants, breaks down medications, breaks down food, and makes proteins and chemicals that are vital for health. Studies have shown that one of the kalonji seeds benefits may be to shield the liver from damage. Another study showed that some of the kalonji benefits included its antioxidant content and capacity to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

More research is required to determine whether it applies to humans in the same way since the majority of studies were conducted on animals.

7. May Help Avert Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers are painful sores caused by stomach acids, eroding the protective mucus layer that lines the stomach. According to some studies, kalonji may help preserve the stomach lining and prevent the formation of ulcers. When used to treat stomach ulcers, kalonji was just as effective as conventional medicine. Additionally, it was noted that kalonji and its active ingredients prevented the development of ulcers and shielded the stomach lining from the negative effects of alcohol.

Since most of the studies conducted were on animals, more research is needed to ascertain if it works the same way for humans as well.

8. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Numerous detrimental symptoms, such as increased thirst, unintended weight loss, weariness, and difficulties concentrating, can be brought on by high blood sugar. Long-term, uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can have even more detrimental effects, including nerve damage, visual problems, and sluggish wound healing. 

Kalonji may help maintain stable blood sugar levels and thereby prevent these harmful unfavourable side effects, according to some data.

An analysis of seven trials found that taking kalonji supplements improved fasting and average blood sugar levels. Similar studies conducted on 94 individuals revealed that consuming kalonji continuously for 3 months drastically decreased insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar, and random blood sugar. 

9. Help in Weight Loss

Weight loss is one of the most well-known kalonji benefits. The active components in kalonji seeds boost weight loss by influencing the expression of specific genes linked to appetite control and fat loss. 

The kalonji oil benefits weight loss by decreasing the body weight by an average of 4.6 pounds and the waist circumference by 1.4 inches over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

Kalonji may not help with weight loss on its own but it can be very effective when combined with a low-calorie diet and an active lifestyle. You can consume kalonji fresh, add it to food, or combine it with honey or water. The oil can also be consumed orally as a supplement or it can be diluted and used topically on the skin and hair.

Consuming Kalonji

Given below are different ways in which you can consume kalonji:

1. Preparation of Kalonji Concoction 

In a glass of warm water, combine 10 grams of coarsely grounded kalonji seeds with 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey. Drink the concoction on an empty stomach daily to lose weight, especially belly fat. Within a week, you’ll notice a difference.

2. Preparation using Kalonji Seeds and Lemon

Soak 50 grams of kalonji seeds in ½ cup lemon juice. Sun dry it till the seeds absorb all the lemon juice. Store it in an airtight container and consume 10 seeds daily for weight loss.

Kalonji seeds are high in fibre and will keep you satiated for longer. Kalonji seeds also have the ability to increase body heat, which aids in the burning of extra fat. To prevent digestive problems, take them in moderation.

Side Effects of Kalonji Oil

While consuming kalonji as a spice or condiment is typically safe and has been linked to a number of health advantages, using kalonji oil or as a supplement may have some side effects.

For instance, contact dermatitis has been linked to the use of kalonji on the skin. If you intend to use it topically, make sure to perform a patch test by applying a little amount first to ensure it won’t have a negative effect.

You should exercise caution while including kalonji supplements if you are on blood thinners since the ingredients in kalonji may affect blood coagulation. Consult a health provider before starting kalonji supplements.

Also, expecting mothers should be very careful while using kalonji supplements. Ensure to use kalonji oil in moderation, as overdoing it may delay uterine contractions. 

Conclusion

Kalonji oil and seeds are popular for their culinary uses and therapeutic properties. Kalonji has been linked to a wide range of health advantages and has been traditionally used to cure a number of diseases. Adding kalonji to your diet or taking it as a supplement may improve a number of areas of your health, though further research is required.