The Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seeds
Black cumin (Nigella Sativa) is an annual flowering plant and the seeds are dark, thin, and crescent-shaped when whole.
The seeds have been used for many centuries in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and India. Today, black cumin seeds are used as a seasoning spice in different cuisines due to their nutty flavor.
Besides their culinary uses, black cumin seeds also have a wealth of important health benefits and are one of the most cherished medicinal seeds in history.
Black cumin seeds contain over 100 chemical compounds, including some yet to be identified. In addition to what is believed to be the primary active ingredient, crystalline nigellone, black cumin seeds contain essential fatty acids, protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorous.
The taste is a mild, nutty flavor that is very unique compared to other nut and seed oils.
Black cumin seeds have a long history use in Egypt. When archaeologists found and examined the tomb of Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamen (King Tut), they found a bottle of black cumin oil, which suggested that it was believed to be needed in the afterlife. The Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament records the use of black cumin seed.
Incredible health benefits
A search on Pubmed.gov, the site that records the vast majority of research articles in the last 150 years, reveals over 500 studies on Nigella Sativa. Benefits have been seen in diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disease. In fact, there are nine studies on black cumin seed in pancreatic cancer alone. It is also a natural immune booster.
I do want to highlight the evidence for a benefit in cardiovascular disease.
Black cumin seed/oil has been found to:
1) Increase Apo A-1 gene expression leading to higher levels of HDL(1)
2) Improves blood sugar control in multiple studies(2)
3) Improved LDL(3)
4) Improves triglycerides(4)
5) Inhibits lipid oxidation damage(5)
For tasty recipes using Black Cumin Seed Oil try:
We carry a fantastic Black Cumin Seed oil in our office. Please call us for more information.