Kalonji and its impressive health benefits
Kalonji is also referred to as nigella seeds or black cumin. Its scientific name is Nigella sativa and is part of buttercup flowering plant family. This plant grows about 30cm (12”) in length and produces fruits. Its seeds are used in different types of cuisines as flavorful spice. Besides culinary use, this seed is also to known to have amazing medicinal properties. It is being used as natural remedy for several centuries to treat diarrhea and bronchitis.
Science-backed, impressive benefits
- Lowers Cholesterol: This fat type substance exists throughout the body. High amounts of cholesterol builds-up in blood thereby increasing heart disease related risks. Kalonji is found to reduce cholesterol level. Studies revealed that having Kalonji reduces significantly blood triglycerides as well as bad and total LDL cholesterol. Its oil is stated to be more powerful when compared to seed powder. But ‘good’ HDL cholesterol can be improved with seed powder.
- Antioxidant rich: Harmful free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants. It also prevents cells from experiencing oxidative damage. It also exhibits powerful effect upon disease and health. Studies reveal that antioxidants can help prevent numerous chronic conditions. It includes obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. Kalonji also has several compounds in it like 4-terpineol, t-anethole, carvacrol and thymoquinone. They enhance its antioxidant properties. Even its essential oil acts like antioxidant.
- Destroys bacteria: Dangerous infections like pneumonia to ear infections result from disease causing bacteria. Kalonji has antibacterial properties. It can fight effectively certain bacterial strains. Kalonji can effectively treat infants suffering from staphylococcal skin infections. It is to be applied topically. Studies also revealed that Kalonji is powerful enough to treat Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Cancer fighting abilities: Being antioxidant-rich, Kalonji neutralizes free, harmful radicals that could otherwise develop cancer. Its active compound Thymoquinone has potential anti-cancer effects. Kalonji extracts when given inactivates cancer cells developing in the breast region. It also can treat different types of cancer like colon, skin, prostate, cervical, lung and pancreatic cancers.
- Protects the liver: Being a vital organ in the body, the liver needs to be taken care of. It functions to eliminate toxins developing in the body, produces chemicals, proteins, processes nutrients and metabolizes drugs. Kalonji is found to protect liver against damage and injury. It is also known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Alleviates inflammation: Inflammation is considered to be a normal response by the immune system if attacked by any foreign particle inside the body. Through inflammation, the body is protected from harmful infection and injury. However chronic inflammation results in different types of diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Powerful anti-inflammatory effects can be derived on the body by taking Kalonji.
- Prevents stomach ulcers: Painful sores may develop in the stomach referred to as ulcers. Stomach acids tend to eat away protective mucus layer lining the stomach. Kalonji preserves the stomach’s inner lining, thereby preventing ulcer formation.
Beneficial for health
From the above it can be concluded that Kalonji seeds have beneficial medicinal properties and culinary uses. It also offers numerous health benefits and can treat different types of ailments.
