Black Seed Oil Benefits: 5 Surprising Ways It Improves Your Health Naturally

Are you looking for a natural way to improve your overall health?

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, is a natural supplement and has been used for centuries for its many therapeutic properties.

From boosting the immune system to aiding in weight loss, and improving skin and hair health, black seed oil has been gaining popularity in the health and wellness community.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of black seed oil, its nutritional value and how it can improve your well-being.

Let’s get started!

black seed oil in glass bottle and on the kitchen counter

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What is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is a cold-pressed oil derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant.

The Nigella Sativa plant, which is also known as black cumin seed, black caraway, and kalonji in Indian dishes, is a flowering shrub that grows primarily in the Middle East and North Africa.

When it comes to taste, black seed has a specific bitter/peppery taste and spicy aroma. The black seed oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back over 3,000 years.

It was traditionally used to treat various ailments, such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

In recent years, black seed oil has gained popularity in the Western world for its many health benefits. Today, it’s commonly used as a dietary supplement and often added to skincare and hair care products.

Black seed oil can be taken orally from the bottle or you can add it to salads, smoothies and dishes for extra flavour. It can also be applied directly to the skin or used as a scalp treatment.

It comes in a variety of forms, including tiny black seeds, capsules, oils, and tinctures. I have only tried it in the oil form and it has done wonders for my health and skin.

What are the 5 Benefits of Black Seed Oil?

Black seed has been used for centuries for its many therapeutic properties.

If you’re interested in incorporating black seed oil into your daily routine, it’s essential to understand its health benefits, here are 5 of them.

Black Seed Oil Boosts Immunity
Black Seed Oil Aids Weight Loss
Black Seed Oil Improves Skin Health
Black Seed Oil May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Black Seed Oil May Reduce High Blood Pressure

Let’s break down each of these black seed oil benefits in more detail below.

1. Black Seed Oil Boosts Immunity

Black seed oil is high in antioxidants because of its thymoquinone content. Thymoquinone is the main bioactive and powerful component of nigella sativa, which serves as an antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-Alzheimer properties. Source

Due to its high antioxidant content, black seed oil may help to protect against free radical damage in your body leading to a stronger immune system.

This antioxidant-rich oil can help reduce inflammation in the body, boosting your overall immunity. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it effective at fighting off illnesses.

So if you want to strengthen your immune system consider consuming black seed oil regularly.

2. Black Seed Oil Aids Weight Loss

Black seed oil has many reported health benefits, and one of them is its ability to help with weight loss.

It can not directly cause you to lose weight but black cumin seed oil contains powerful compounds that may help reduce inflammation and cravings, making it an effective natural weight-loss aid.

When you gain weight and become obese, you’re at risk of multiple metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer. A study from the National Library of Medicine demonstrated that Nigella Sativa oil in combination with a low-calorie diet decreased weight in obese women. Source

Lastly, I am an avid user of black seed oil. it helps me suppress cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, because it is high in antioxidants, black seed oil can help reduce inflammation associated with metabolic diseases.

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, start by using our free calorie calculator to calculate your calorie intake and create a slight calorie deficit for weight loss.

3. Black Seed Oil Improves Skin Health

One of the main black seed oil benefits that I have personally experienced is its effect on skin health.

The anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil make it an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema. It helps reduce redness, inflammation and dryness, helping to improve the overall health of your skin.

Black cumin seed oil contains powerful antioxidants that can fight free radicals which cause premature ageing. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm inflammation and reduce puffiness around your eyes.

Applying black seed oil to your skin can also help protect it from bacteria and viruses, as well as reduce the appearance of scars.

Lastly, it can be used to alleviate some symptoms associated with psoriasis and eczema. So if you’re looking to improve your skin health naturally, black seed oil may be a great option.

4. Black Seed Oil May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Black seed oil has been found to have potential benefits for regulating blood sugar levels.

One study in the National Library of Medicine from El-Shamy et al. (2011) reported a highly significant reduction of fasting blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients receiving 5 gm/day of Nigella Sativa tea for 6 months.

Fasting blood sugar (also known as fasting glucose) is a measure of the amount of glucose in your bloodstream after you have gone 8 hours without food or drink. A fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or higher is considered a sign of prediabetes or indicates you have diabetes. Source

Fortunately, black seed oil has been proven to help reduce your fasting blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose in your body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with diabetic complications such as heart disease and stroke.

However, it’s important to note that black seed oil should not be used as a primary treatment for diabetes. It’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive plan for managing your blood sugar levels that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication if necessary.

Lastly, before taking this black seed, please seek the advice of your Doctor first if you’re taking medications for diabetes or other conditions, as black seed oil may interact with certain medications.

5. Black Seed Oil May Reduce High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension (HT), is a serious condition that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hypertension is a lifestyle-related disease, and dietary modifications are effective for its management and prevention, according to NCBI.

Fortunately, black seed oil may be able to help. A study performed by Huseini et al found that supplementing with black seed oil (5 mL/day) for two months can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with pre-hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

It may also reduce LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, two risk factors for heart disease. Of course, before you supplement with black seed, consult with your healthcare provider to be sure it’s the right choice for you.

Nutritional Value of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a nutrient-rich food that contains many vitamins and minerals. It’s also an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.

One teaspoon of organic black seed oil contains:

Calories: 45
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 5 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fibre: 0 grams

Some of the nutrients found in black seed oil include:

Thiamine (vitamin B1)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Folic acid (vitamin B9)
Calcium
Iron
Zinc
Phosphorous

Source

The fatty acids in black seeds include linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). These fatty acids are essential for good health and play a role in reducing inflammation, heart health, and brain function.

How to Use Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular ways:

1. Topically: Black seed oil can be applied topically as part of a massage to help relieve muscle and joint pain.

Black seed oil is also used in cosmetic and skincare products. It’s believed to have anti-ageing properties and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I use black seed oil as a night-time routine on my face and leave it on overnight.

2. In cooking: Black seed oil can be used in place of other oils when cooking and is especially delicious in sauces and dressings.

It’s commonly used in cooking in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, where it’s often added to bread, soups, and stews. I use it in place of extra virgin olive oil in my salad.

3. Medicinally: Traditionally, black seed oil has been taken orally for its health benefits. It can be taken with a spoonful or mixed with honey to make it more palatable. I take a tablespoon of black seed oil with raw honey daily for 5 days on and 2 days off.

4. Supplements: Black seed oil can also be taken as a supplement in capsules or liquid form. Make sure to choose a high-quality product that is cold-pressed and organic.

Safety and Precautions

While black seed oil has many benefits, it’s essential to use it safely. Some people may experience side effects when using black seed oil, including upset stomach, nausea, and allergic reactions.

It’s also important to note that black seed oil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and medications used to treat high blood pressure.

When using black seed oil, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosages on the label or as prescribed and avoid using it for extended periods without consulting a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Black seed oil is a versatile and nutrient-rich supplement that has many health benefits.

Whether you want to boost your immune system, improve skin and hair health, or manage blood sugar levels, black seed oil is an excellent choice.

Have you tried black seed oil? What benefits have you noticed? Share your experience by leaving a comment below!

Black Seed Oil Benefits: 5 Surprising Ways it Improves Your Health Naturally

What is Black Seed Oil?