Black seed oil

Black Seed Oil is an extract obtained from the black cumin seeds of the plant, Nigella Sativa. This plant is native to the south Asian countries. Recent studies have proved that a regular consumption of black seed oil can help in the treatment and prevention of several disorders including hypertension, diabetes, eczema, and cancer. Let us have a look at the nutritional value, of Black Seed Oil and its health benefits. 

Nutritional Value Of Black Seed Oil

Black Seed Oil provides a rich natural source of essential vitamins such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as vitamin C and vitamin D. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, folate, copper, phosphorous, and zinc. 

The other bioactive compounds present in Black Seed Oil include crystalline nigellone, thymoquinone, myristic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid. These compounds possess strong medicinal properties and produce antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The ORAC value of Black Seed oil is 82,400 indicating its strong antioxidant potential.

Black Seed Oil also contains a high amount of proteins that can help in the growth and development of organs and promote the healing processes of the body to restore health. 

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Cardiac disorders 

Thymoquinone present in Black Seed Oil can improve the health and functions of the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Including one or two teaspoonfuls of Black Seed Oil in your regular diet or consuming it directly can promote the healthy cholesterol levels and normalize the blood pressure. This can help you to avoid hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, both of which are the major risk factors for heart attacks. 

Diabetes

Black Seed oil can be included in the diet by the patients with diabetes. The active ingredients of this oil such as Thymoquinone can regulate the blood sugar levels and control diabetes. It can also prevent the complications of this disease such as retinopathies, athletes foot, and cataract. 

Cancer

Black Seed Oil possesses a great anti-cancer potential. It can be used in the treatment and prevention of the cancers of colon, rectum, breast, ovaries, esophagus, and stomach. It is also used to treat leukemia or blood cancer. 

Thymoquinone, and myristic acid present in this oil together with its rich content of vitamin C can prevent damage to the healthy cells by producing anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects. Thymoquinone can prevent cancer by inducing apoptosis or cell death. This can help to improve the chances of recovery of the cancer patients. 

Hence, patients undergoing treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy, or radiation therapy and those who have undergone a surgery for the removal of cancer are advised to consume two teaspoons of Black Seed Oil every day to recover faster. It can also provide protection against the side effects caused by radiation and chemotherapeutic agents.

Degenerative disorders

A regular consumption of Black Seed Oil has been found to be beneficial for the patients who are at a risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Myasthenia gravis, and dementia. Thymohydroquinone present in this oil acts as a natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It can inhibit the activity of an enzyme, which is known to cause degeneration. Eating a two teaspoonful of this oil every day can protect you against the development of these degenerative diseases. 

Skin disorders

Chronic skin diseases such as Eczema and Psoriasis can be managed well by using Black Seed oil. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic compounds such as myristic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. These compounds can soothe the inflamed skin, relieve the symptoms and make it clean and clear. 

You can consume one teaspoon of this oil every day to avoid exacerbations of these skin problems. You can consume two teaspoonfuls of this oil and apply it locally on the affected part during periods of acute attacks.  

Allergic disorders

Patients who suffer from allergic diseases such as asthma, dermatitis, and rhinitis should use Black Seed Oil on a regular basis. They can consume one or two teaspoonfuls of this oil every day. It could reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks by regulating the action of the immune cells. 

Palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid present in it can promote healthy functions of the immune system and prevent an exaggerated response to the allergens. This can provide relief from the symptoms of allergic diseases such as difficulty in breathing, itching, skin rashes, and sneezing. 

Infections

Black seed oil can be used for the treatment and prevention of infective disorders. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is particularly used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. The bioactive compounds present in it such as palmitoleic acid, and linoleic acid can produce a strong anti-bacterial action and destroy the pathogens. 

You can apply a small amount of black seed oil on the affected part to relieve the symptoms of skin infections. You can consume one teaspoonful of this oil every day to prevent infections. During an acute attack, you can increase the dose to two teaspoonfuls a day. 

Obesity

If you are overweight, and trying to lose weight, you can consume two teaspoonfuls of Black Seed Oil every day to achieve the desired results. Stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and linoleic acid present in it can promote the fat burning processes and inhibit the effect of the weight gain triggers. 

It can also help to prevent the disease associated with obesity such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and heart attacks. 

How To Use Black Seed Oil?

Patients can use black seed oil orally or topically. You can directly consume one or two teaspoons of this oil once or twice a day depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms. It can be applied locally in the case of skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis to relieve itching, rash, and oozing. 

What are the side effects of Black Seed Oil?

Black Seed Oil is considered safe to use. It is not known to cause serious side effects. However, patients should avoid using this oil in a very high dose. It is advisable to limit the intake of Black Seed Oil to not more than four teaspoons per day.