Amazing Health Benefits of Using Nigella Seeds

Widely used as a spice that garnishes flatbreads wonderfully in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, Nigella seeds are packed with flavour and are used widely in vegetarian recipes across the globe. These tiny black seeds are grown in Asia and are also referred to as Kalonji.

These seeds are packed with all the right flavours but are milder in taste compared to other spices. They provide a nutty flavour to the dish and taste slightly less pungent when compared to onions. The versatility of these seeds is not just limited to Indian flatbreads and African white bread, but can also be used in rice and salads to spruce the dishes up a little bit. This spice can also be used in egg or cheese-based dishes and can also make pancakes and smores taste a little bit more captivating.

If you’re wondering whether or not you should grab a bottle of Nigella seeds from the convenience store the next time you visit, you must first know that this spice isn’t just all about its flavour but there are several health benefits attached to its name.

Benefits of Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)

1. A Whole Lot Of Minerals

First things first, no matter how tiny these seeds may seem, they are loaded with all the right vitamins and minerals including amino acids, saponin, proteins, iron, sodium and are known to sport anti-carcinogenic or anti-cancerous properties. This is what makes them the perfect remedy to curb several health-related problems.

2. The Three Prime Effects

The most crucial health benefits of the Nigella Seeds include aiding potential or existing breathing and respiratory problems, it helps in keeping your heart healthy and it acts as a great lubricant for your joints, in order to keep them in the best condition possible, and also to relieve any kind of pain.

3. Skin Benefits

When directly consumed, these seeds have the potential to maintain the health of your skin. If at all you have persistent acne on your face, using the oil made from the seeds can prove to be extremely helpful in getting rid of the blemishes when you apply it on the affected areas.

4. Maximizing Your Brain Power

Another really wonderful benefit if the seed is that it helps boost your memory and enables you to breathe easier, especially if you’re suffering from asthma. Have a spoonful of honey mixed with ground seeds every morning in order to ensure that your memory is improved.

5. It Fits Your Diet

Another effective health benefit linked to these wonderful black seeds is fat loss. If you’re on a diet and you’re looking for foods that will support all your weight loss efforts, ground Kalonji can be added to warm honey water with a drop of lemon in it.

6. Helps To Kill Harmful Bacteria

From pneumonia to ear infections, harmful bacteria in our body are attributed to a long list of infections and health complications. Studies have proven that these seeds contain anti-bacterial properties that ward off certain bacteria strains.

7. Helps to Control Diabetes

Nigella seeds are known to relieve hypertension. In most cases, people suffering from diabetes have found that maintaining optimum blood sugar levels can be achieved through these seeds. High blood sugar is the leading cause of several health problems like unintentional weight loss, concentration difficulty, and increased thirst. When left unchecked, it can have severe implications like vision changes, slow healing of wounds, and even nerve damage.

8. Boosts Memory

These seeds are found to improve your memory levels when consumed with honey. This benefit is irrespective of your age. Hence, it is very popular with the elderly population since memory weakening is a common problem across the age group. It also helps to cure diseases related to the brain and improves concentration power.

9. Natural Painkiller

Experiencing pain is one of the most common problems today. Why would you want to pop a tablet when you can cure it naturally? These seeds are effective painkillers without any side effects. This is especially true for headaches and joint pain. Use these seeds and just wait for your headache to vanish. There can be nothing more satisfying than a natural home remedy.

10. Strengthens Your Teeth

Your teeth can be vulnerable to numerous diseases like a cavity, plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, swelling or bleeding gums. Your teeth also lose some strength as you age and toothache becomes commonplace. These seeds work as an excellent natural remedy for treating dental diseases. They provide relief from toothache.

11. Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are those substances that aid in fighting against the effects of harmful free radicals and protect our cells from experiencing oxidative damages. These substances have a great influence on our overall well-being. They are also known to fight against chronic diseases like cancer, heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes. The seeds contain specific compounds like thymoquinone, 4-terpineol, and t-anethole that provide antioxidant properties and benefits to humans.

These are some of the few health benefits that make Nigella seeds a great ingredient to incorporate in your next dish.