Black seed oil (or Nigella sativa) is a small flowering plant that grows in Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Southern Europe, and North Africa. It produces fruits with tiny black seeds. Commonly known as black seed, N. sativa seeds also go by several other names. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine due to its many therapeutic benefits.
This oil can be used and consumed in many types of dishes, such as soups, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes. It has a slightly bitter taste, reminiscent of cumin and oregano. It is also available in capsules, however, it can be quite expensive.
Although not all of its medicinal uses have been extensively researched, black seed oil and its plant compounds have been linked to several positive health-giving effects. Curious about this black oil mystery? Then follow on for Black Seed Oil: 5 Great Benefits You Must Know About!
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Black seed oil is made up of plant compounds that help protect the cells of our body from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals, which, in excess, can produce negative, changes alterations or mutations in the body.
Antioxidants have been shown to slow aging, reduce inflammation, and protect against conditions such as heart disease, and mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.
This oil is characteristic for being rich in thymoquinone – a chemical substance with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Supports Treatment of Asthma
Thanks to the substance described above, thymoquinone, it can help by reducing inflammation, and thereby improving air flow into the respiratory tract. However, more studies are needed to evaluate this as a treatment.
3. Likely Aids Weight Loss
There are some studies that show it can help lower BMI (Body Mass Index) in people with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes. Research on this is ongoing.
4. Decreases Blood Sugar Levels
It has been shown that blood sugar levels in diabetics can increase the risk of problems such as: kidney disease, eye disease and stroke. Black seed oil has been seen to help lower blood sugar levels. Research is currently ongoing.
5. Decreases Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
These are important risk factors, since there is a greater probability of suffering cardiovascular diseases if a person has these. Some studies show that this oil can help lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) and total cholesterol levels. More research is needed to confirm this.
The results seen with black seed oil, in conjunction with a plant-based, healthy lifestyle show a great deal of promise. There is certainly no harm in trying 1-2 tablespoons per day of one such as Hab Shifa Nature’s Divine Secret (250ml),100% Pure Nigella Sativa Oil, which is TGA Certified, Organic, and Vegan Friendly. Try it for a month and note the effects you experience. Let us know how you get on in the comments below, and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
