Health Benefits of Kalonji Seeds and Kalonji Oils
Kalonji Seeds are one of the most used spices in the Indian subcontinent. Scientifically known as Nigella and commonly called as black cumin, the seed is largely produced in South and Southwest Asia. The black seeds are pungent, bitter in both taste and smell.
Nutrition Values
Kalonji seeds, also called caraway seeds have been widely mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. These seeds and the oil extracted from the seeds are a powerhouse of minerals and nutrients. 100 grams of serving size of Kalonji seeds contain
- Iron- 66.36mg
- Total Fat- 22.27gm
- Protein- 17.81gm
- Calories- 375k cal
- Fiber- 10.5gm
- Sugar- 2.25gm
- Sodium- 168mg
- Carbohydrates- 44.24gm
- Saturated Fat- 1.5gm
- Polysaturated Fat- 3.27gm
- Monosaturated Fat- 14.04gm
- Amino acids
- Vitamin A- 641U
- Vitamin C- 7.7mg
- Vitamin E- 3.33mg
- Vitamin K- 5.4mcg
- Potassium- 1788mg
- Crude fiber
- Calcium- 931mg
- Phosphorous- 499mg
Medicinal Benefits
Kalonji seeds have been widely mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. These seeds contain Nigella and Melatin, 2 very important compounds offering nutrition to the body. Regular consumption of the seeds may help you treat stomach ailments, eye disorders, heart issues, and neurological problems. Let us checkout in detail the different medicinal benefits of caraway seeds or blackseed oil-
Weight Loss- Another benefit of kalonji seeds oil is , which can boost metabolism. It is one of the most prized ingredients that help in burning belly fat and hence in fast weight reduction.
Good Heart Health- For this reason, regular use of the seeds can keep cholesterol in check, balance insulin levels and facilitate blood circulation through the body and liver.
Stomach Health- Kalonji seeds are an effective way to deal with stomach ulcers as well. Kalonji seeds may help in strengthening the stomach lining and hence reduce the chances of stomach ulcers caused by alcohol. Want to boost digestion? The caraway seeds may help you in this regard as well. Want to flush out toxins from the body? Take kalonji seeds on regular basis to serve the purpose. A clean and clear stomach is a way to a healthy digestive system.
Piles- Also known as hemorrhoids, this health problem is accompanied by severe pain in the rectal region. Kalonji seeds are laxative in nature and hence ease constipation. This in turn offers relief from piles.
Low Diabetes- Another reason for having kalonji seeds is to stay safe from high blood sugar levels. These seeds are known to prevent the sudden spike of sugar levels in the blood and other negative effects of diabetes like fatigue, confusion, and excessive thirst. Last but not the least; the seeds may also work as insulin resistance.
Sharp Brain- The seeds are also known to boost memory. Rich in fatty acids, zinc, and iron, kalonji seeds are known to improve brain functions. Elderly people suffering from weak cognitive functionality and memory loss-related problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease may get help with om regular use of kalonji seeds.
Reduce Pain- Kalonji seeds also work as pain relief. It is also used as joint lubrication and hence is another benefit of kalonji seeds. Working as an anti-inflammatory agent, blackseed oil or any of its supplements may help to decrease the inflammatory markers in the blood. This ultimately helps in reducing the swell in the joints. Besides joint pain, inflammation may also lead to reducing swelling in other body parts like the pancreas. People suffering from arthritis can get help from the consumption of kalonji seed as it works as joint lubrication. Thymoquinone, which is an active compound found in kalonji seeds is known to help reduce swelling or inflammation. This compound also offers caraway seed its alkaline nature. It reduces the thinning of hair, and ageing of hair and ultimately helps to reduce excess hair fall.
Protection from Cold- Suffering from allergies? A spoonful of kalonji oil may offer you relief from severe allergies that might cause chest congestion and persistent cold. Rub the lukewarm oil on the chest to ease the congestion, and prevent running nose and frequent sneezes. Anyone suffering from asthma or breathing problems may also get relief due to the regular use of kalonji seeds.
Oral Health- Dental problems like swollen and bleeding gums are common in both adults and children. If you are looking for a natural remedy to these health concerns, then kalonji seeds can again come as a savior.
Eye Health- Red eyes and continuous watering of the eyes are some eye problems encountered by people of all ages. Power packed with vitamins, the caraway seeds may help in delaying cataracts and improve vision. For improved eye vision, you may drink a decoction of kalonji oil with a glass of freshly extracted carrot juice.
How to Use
Kalonji seeds and oil is just an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is popularly used as an ingredient in Indian cuisines as well. So how much Kalonji should you have regularly? Well, ideally intake areof 20 grams of these seeds can help you breach the gap between your nutritional requirements and the amount of nutrition you take every day. So how to use kalonji seeds?
Drink Kalonji Water
You can take caraway seeds in the form of water on an empty stomach. This helps you reduce belly fat. This concoction is known to show effects in just a week’s time. When kalonji seeds are mixed with water, these are known to have the best effect in slimming you down.
So how to make Kalonji water?
- Take 10 grams of the crushed kalonji seeds
- Mix the seeds along with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey
- Mix all the ingredients in 1 glass of warm water
Kalonji Seeds & Lemon Seeds
This is another way to use caraway seeds to reduce weight. Soak kalonji seeds in fresh lemon juice. Keep under the sun and let it dry. Once the seeds absorb the lime juice, store these in an airtight container. Eat 10 seeds daily to lose the extra calories.
Thinking how this process works? Eating lemon juice soaked kalonji seeds reduces hunger pangs and hence craving for food.
Kalonji Oil
Black caraway may be taken in form of oil as well. Also termed as blackseed oil, this amber hued oil may be used in cooking, as a massage oil and in different beauty treatments. The antioxidants and bioactive ingredients in these seeds help you maintain skin glow and radiance.
Raw kalonji seeds
One of the extremely easy use of caraway seeds is just chewing on these seeds. Regular use of the kalonji seeds in this way may offer strong teeth and gums. If you want to reduce toothache then you may try applying kalonji oil or powder mixed with curd on the gums and as a Flavoring Agent .This is another popular use of kalonji seeds.
External Uses
Kalonji seeds are great for topical application as well. Some external uses of the seeds are as follows-
- Anyone suffering from pain caused due to piles may apply a mixture of kalonji oil and vinegar in equal amounts on the affected area. The process is known to provide instant relief from pain caused due to piles.
- Cracked heels is a common issue caused due to winter dryness or other lifestyle issues. You may rub blackseed oil or powder on the cracks. The mixture cleans the cracks and also softens and moisturizes the heels. Same effect may be caused by application and massage of kalonji oil with lemon juice.
- Apply a thin layer of kalonji oil and olive oil on the skin. Leave on to dry and wash off with plain water. Follow the process twice a week for best results.
- Kalonji seeds are wonder seeds and a mix of blackseed oil and castor oil pack may clear dandruff, boost hair growth and offer strength to the hair follicles.
- Kalonji Herbal Pimple Cream is an excellent remedy for removing Acne, Blemishes and Pimples, wrinkles, blackheads, and under-eye darkness. The regular use of this cream provides freshness and fairness to the face.
