Kalonji or Nigella sativa is popularly known for its herbal health benefits for diabetes, weight loss, arthritis, and more. Also known as black cumin or black seed, Kalonji is a flowering plant grown in North Africa, Southern Europe, and Asia.
A commonly used spice in Asian cuisines, Kalonji has a unique nutty-sweet flavor. Interestingly, recent studies have shown incredible benefits of kalonji for weight loss.
Before we learn about the benefits of kalonji, let’s look at how nutrition-packed kalonji is:
Kalonji is packed with fibers, proteins, sodium, iron, potassium, and calcium. The tiny black seeds are rich in vitamins including vitamin A, B, C, and B12. Kalonji seed oil is a powerhouse of essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Kalonji:
Aam Gunde ka Achar/Marwari Kairi Lehsua Pickle
Lesua or Gunda Pickle Marwari Style Homemade Gum Berry pickle
Adrak ka Achar
Kundru/Tendli Pickle
Chicken Pickle – 100% Himalayan
Let’s dive into the, 6 Incredible Health Benefits of Kalonji:
1. Helps with Weight Loss
Kalonji oil contains phytochemicals, particularly phytosterols, which are well-known for their therapeutic benefits, especially weight loss. Studies suggest that these chemicals impact the expression of genes leading to appetite control along with faster fat loss.
Several studies including around 783 overweight participants concluded that kalonji seed oil and powder can reduce weight by an average of 2.1kg (4.6 pounds) compared to the placebo group.
However, the effect of kalonji seeds is significant only with other dietary and lifestyle changes.
Another 8-week study conducted on women taking a low-calorie diet with 3 grams of kalonji oil revealed a weight loss of 2.1kg in comparison to placebo.
2. Boosts Memory
When taken with honey, kalonji seeds improve memory.
For a boost in brain functions, memory, and mental alertness, it’s best to take kalonji seeds on an empty stomach in the morning.
The beneficial dietary supplement is super healthy for elderly people to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Ayurveda suggests taking kalonji seeds combined with mint leaves for a memory boost.
3. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Kalonji can be a heart-healthy supplement as it may have a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels and blood pressure.
Around 5 RCTs study, reviews showed that kalonji oil and powder reduce the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels—an indicator of risk of heart disease and inflammations—in obese people.
Kalonji is also proved to be effective for reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in healthy participants as well as obese, diabetic, high BP patients.
Basically, Kalonji seeds reduce triglyceride levels, which is responsible for higher risk of heart disease.
Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Kalonji:
Aam Gunde ka Achar/Marwari Kairi Lehsua Pickle
Lesua or Gunda Pickle Marwari Style Homemade Gum Berry pickle
Adrak ka Achar
Kundru/Tendli Pickle
Chicken Pickle – 100% Himalayan
4. Great for Skin and Hair Problems
Kalonji oil (black seed oil) well-known to strengthen hair and reduce hair fall. You can use it on the skin in combination with honey, coconut oil, or olive oil for healthy and glowing skin. It has antibacterial properties that combat acne and other skin inflammatory responses.
Whereas, kalonji benefits for hair are significant in winters when it fights scalp inflammation and dandruff. The kalonji oil protects hair follicles from damage and, ultimately, reduces hair loss.
However, allergic reactions on the skin can be one of the kalonji side effects. To avoid it, always do a patch test.
5. Treats Diabetes
Kalonji, a natural cure, may improve healthy blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, your body cannot produce enough insulin, hormone released in the pancreas to decrease blood sugar levels.
Moreover, extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, eyesight, or kidney problems.
Kalonji is believed to be helpful for diabetic patients as it boosts the function of insulin and delays absorption of sugar.
A few study reviews confirmed that kalonji oil and powder are effective in reducing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. However, the importance of a healthy diet, routine, and workout shouldn’t be overlooked as per these studies.
Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Kalonji:
Aam Gunde ka Achar/Marwari Kairi Lehsua Pickle
Lesua or Gunda Pickle Marwari Style Homemade Gum Berry pickle
Adrak ka Achar
Kundru/Tendli Pickle
Chicken Pickle – 100% Himalayan
6. Cures Constipation
Kalonji contains thymoquinone, an important ingredient to cure various gastrointestinal issues. A few clinical studies have revealed therapeutic and preventative effects of black seeds on gastric issues, especially constipation.
Adding kalonji seeds to your diet prevents constipation and regulates digestive health. Black tea or warm water along with kalonji oil is effective cure to treat constipation quickly.
How Much Kalonji to Take Daily?
For weight loss, an effective dose of kalonji is 1 to 3 grams of black seed powder or 3 to 5 ml of black seed oil. This is a healthy dose for heart health and improved sugar levels.
Final Verdict
All in all, kalonji is super healthy for cardiac, mental, and digestive health. Kalonji is commonly used at homes for natural skin and hair care routines as well.
For 7 Benefits for Fenugreek Seeds(Methi) for Hair, click here
Read 7 Benefits of adding Cumin Seeds to your diet, click here
7 Benefits of Bay Leaf during Pregnancy, click here
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Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using Kalonji:
Aam Gunde ka Achar/Marwari Kairi Lehsua Pickle
Lesua or Gunda Pickle Marwari Style Homemade Gum Berry pickle
Adrak ka Achar
Kundru/Tendli Pickle
Chicken Pickle – 100% Himalayan
