Speaking of herbs and spices you must be surprised how long the list will be. Kalonji seeds are among spice that is well known in Asia from India up to Middle East. In Islam, kalonji seeds are well known as black seeds which have been mentioned several times in the Quran as the cure of every disease except As-Sam which means death.
What Are Kalonji Seeds?
Kalonji seeds are well known as spice commonly used as substitute of black cumin. Kalonji seeds obtained from the fruits of a flowering plant from the family of Ranunculaceae with scientific name Nigella sativa. This flowering plant is native to some regions in south and southwest of Asia. Kalonji seeds are spice commonly found in traditional cuisines of India and Middle Eastern. The taste of kalonji seeds are like the combination of oregano, black pepper and onion that is why sometimes kalonji seeds are also used as the substitute of black pepper in some cuisines.
Nutritional Values of Kalonji Seeds
Kalonji seeds are excellent source of some essential minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, sodium and some vitamins. This spice is also excellent source of fiber and amino acids. Kalonji seeds are rich of antioxidants, containing potent anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. The list of benefits of kalonji seeds in Islam below will tell you more about amazing thing of kalonji seeds.
- Excellent Source of Fiber
There are a lot of health benefits of fiber from improving digestion system up to eliminating excessive cholesterol inside the intestine.
- Great for Digestion
Maintaining the health digestive system is essential because it is the source of all metabolism processes in human body.
- Prevents Stomach Ulcers
Some studies have proven the possibility of kalonji seeds in preventing stomach ulcers by preventing the formation of ulcers at the layer of protective mucus inside the stomach.
- Beneficial for Diabetic Patients
Once you have been diagnosed with certain types of diabetes, you could mix half a teaspoon of kalonji seeds to be mixed into your tea and drink it every morning to help you regulating your blood sugar.
- Protects Liver Health
The main function of liver is to eliminate toxins and chemicals that are dangerous for your health. Consuming kalonji seeds may protect your liver from damage caused by those toxins and chemicals.
- Contains Anti-Bacterial Agents
Some studies have stated that kalonji seeds contain some potent anti-bacterial agents that even able to kill MRSA, a type of bacteria that is difficult to treat.
- Fights Cancer
The antioxidants content found in kalonji seeds are excellent to fight cancer by eliminating the free radicals and preventing the development of cancerous cells.
- May Lower the Cholesterol Level
Having a great diet management may be helpful to lower the cholesterol level and kalonji seeds are among foods that lower cholesterol level you should add to your daily diet.
- Greats for Memory
Some studies have stated that some potent compounds found in kalonji seeds are super great for brain health especially for memory.
- Alleviates Asthma
Just mixing kalonji seeds and warm water have been claimed to be effective in alleviates the symptoms of asthma.
- Natural Remedy to Headache
During pregnancy, mothers cannot drink any medicine even to treat simple condition like headache. Applying the kalonji seeds oil could help relieving the headache.
- Aids Weight Loss
Some people have claimed that by mixing kalonji seeds and honey and consume it regularly could aid weight loss.
- Eases Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory properties contained in kalonji seeds are able to ease up the joint pain. That is why is important to keep a bottle of kalonji seeds in your first aid box.
- Great for Cardiovascular Health
Kalonji seeds are excellent source of potassium. One of the health benefits of potassium is to eliminate the excessive sodium to promote the heart health. In other words, consuming kalonji seeds could help reducing the symptoms of high blood pressure as well.
- Keeps Your Bones and Teeth Strong
As rich of some essential minerals such as calcium and zinc make kalonji seeds are excellent way to keep your bones and teeth strong.
- Immunity Booster
As rich of antioxidants and some essential vitamins and minerals make kalonji seeds are excellent immunity booster. It protects your body from infection and improve your immunity.
- Treats Some Skin Diseases
Applying kalonji seeds oil to your skin could help relieving some skin diseases. Some studies stated that the anti-bacterial agents contained in kalonji seeds is excellent way to prevent acnes and pimples naturally.
Cautions of Kalonji Seeds
Kalonji seeds are safe to be consumed as spice or herb in cuisine but it may cause some health problems when consumed in the form of supplement of kalonji seeds oil. Below are some cautions based on cases reported regarding the use of kalonji seeds in the form of supplement and kalonji seeds oil.
- If it is your first time using kalonji seeds oil to treat some skin problems is better to ensure yourself that you are not allergic to it. Just use it in some area of your skin before starting using it.
- Kalonji seeds may be beneficial for mothers during pregnancy if only they consume it in moderate amount. That is why consuming seeds as additional spice or herb in cuisine is safe during pregnancy but you need further observation from your doctor if you want to add kalonji seeds supplement to your diet during pregnancy.
- Some studies also stated that there is possibility of negative interaction if you are taking kalonji seeds supplement along with medication for blood clotting.
However, generally consuming kalonji seeds as part of spice or herb are safe the problem may occur when you consume it in the form of supplement or essential oil. Some studies have conducted to proven that the benefits of kalonji seeds in Islam are not only myth but also already proven scientifically.