If you haven’t heard of kalonji seeds, you may miss out on some of their excellent health benefits. Though these seeds have been used in herbal medicine for a while, it wasn’t until recently that researchers started to study them. More studies need to be done but here are some of the benefits that have been identified so far.
10 Health Benefits Of Kalonji Seeds
1. They Can Lower Cholesterol
Studies show that kalonji seeds can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood triglycerides. This reduction can positively impact your heart health.
2. They Can Boost Your Memory
According to recent research, consuming kalonji seeds can help to improve your memory and concentration. This is good for everyone but is especially helpful for older adults who are more prone to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
3. They May Help With Weight Loss
Kalonji seeds contain phytosterols that have been linked to weight control. When participants in two separate studies incorporated kalonji seed powder or oil into their daily meals, they lost an average of five pounds more than those who didn’t.
4. They May Offer Asthma Relief
Given its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s possible that kalonji can help ease the inflammation in your respiratory system that contributes to asthma.
5. They Can Control Blood Pressure
Studies show that kalonji seeds can help regulate blood pressure levels. If you’re already taking blood pressure medication, however, your blood pressure may get too low.
6. They May Protect Against Heart Disease
Kalonji seeds contain high levels of antioxidants which are good for preventing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as pancreatic, lung, cervical, prostate, skin, and colon cancers.
7. They May Be Good For Your Teeth
Kalonji seed oil has good antibacterial properties. When used in dental care, they may prevent issues like plaque, cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, and bleeding gums. It can also help with toothaches.
8. They May Protect Your Kidneys
Several promising studies have shown that kalonji seeds can reduce the toxins in the body, which is good news for your liver and kidneys. The seeds also help with blood sugar regulation. Since high blood sugar levels can affect the kidneys, this can keep them healthy.
9. They Can Help With Stomach Ulcers
There’s some evidence that consuming kalonji seeds can strengthen the lining of your stomach so that you’re less likely to develop stomach ulcers. According to a recent study, the seeds may also help heal ulcers if you already have them.
10. They Can Be Good For Your Skin
If you have skin problems, consuming kalonji seeds or applying the oil directly to the affected areas can help. Research shows that kalonji can help you maintain healthy skin and reduce the likelihood of dry skin, scarring, acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
What Are Kalonji Seeds?
Kalonji seeds come from a flowering plant that is native to Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. The plant produces large fruits, which produce black seeds that are also known as black cumin and black caraway. Historically, these seeds were used in meals because of their great flavor but have also been used to treat conditions like bronchitis and diarrhea.
According to research, the seeds are rich in nutrients like essential fatty acids, fiber, proteins, sodium, iron, potassium, and calcium, as well as Vitamins A, B, C, and B12.
How You Can Add Them To Your Diet
The easiest way to add kalonji seeds to your diet is to use them as a spice. The seeds typically have a nutmeg-like flavor while smelling like fennel. It’s a good idea to use the dry-roasted seeds in curries, stews, smoothies, oatmeal, bread, and salads. You can also eat the seeds raw.
The seeds don’t have to be eaten, either. Kalonji seed oil can be used on the skin to reduce the inflammation caused by certain skin conditions.
However, despite their health benefits, kalonji seeds may only be right for some. Some people experienced contact dermatitis when they applied black seed oil to their skin. Additionally, some research suggests that kalonji seeds can affect blood clotting so it might be dangerous if you’re already on blood thinners. The seeds may also slow down uterine contractions in those who are pregnant. The best thing to do is consult with your doctor before adding kalonji seeds to your diet.
Several studies show that consuming kalonji seeds can have a positive effect on your health. It’s important to note that they can have a few side effects for some people, so you should always talk to your doctor before eating kalonji seeds.