Also known as Nigella, black cumin has a long history in food and medicinal applications and has a number of beneficial properties for consumers, as well as having no record of adverse effects.
In the following article, we will delve into black cumin, its benefits and properties, allowing its recognition and use for health.
What is black cumin?
Black cumin is a seed that comes from a plant called Nigella Sativa through cold extraction. It is native to the Mediterranean region in countries like Italy and Turkey, with important use in India and used in ancient times in Egypt for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. (1)
To highlight: These seeds known as black cumin are small, triangular in shape and have a rather pungent and characteristic odor. It contains proteins, fibers and carbohydrates, as well as fatty acids. All these components are responsible for their uses and benefits.
What are the health benefits of black cumin?
As we previously mentioned, black cumin is characterized by its wide use in food and medicine, below we will address the main benefits of black cumin for health and the reason for them.
1. Strengthens the immune system
Due to its high content of amino acids, the use and consumption of black cumin oil strengthens the immune system, in addition to the discovery of the presence of an active component called Thymoquinone that has antioxidant capacity and helps prevent cell degeneration. (two)
Important: Research carried out at the Kyushu University in Japan, demonstrated that black cumin has antiviral effects since it increases the number of CD4 lymphocytes and the production of IFN-gamma interferon. (3)
2. Reduces the action of free radicals
The University of Tanta in Egypt, published in the Journal of Japan Oil Chemists Society the antioxidant activity that prevents even the oxidation of food products such as vegetable oils, resembling the ability to reduce the activity of free radicals as in black cumin extract. .
In this sense, black cumin also counteracts the antioxidant effect on red blood cells and limits the oxidative stress caused by monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the brain hippocampus, avoiding the triggering of neurodegenerative disorders. (4)
3. Fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
Due to its high content of amino acids, previously mentioned, and its strengthening of the immune system, black cumin is credited with great capacity as a natural drug, since it reinforces the defenses against pathogens and the activity of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Note: Black cumin includes even significant antimicrobial activity against genera such as Salmonella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also facing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria comparable to ampicillin. (5)
4. Reduces pain and inflammation
The presence of thymoquinone demonstrates the capacity of black cumin with high protective and anti-inflammatory activity because it inhibits the migration of leukocytes and pathogens .
To highlight: Black cumin has been recognized over time as useful for pathological inflammatory states such as tumors and respiratory conditions, precisely associated with the activity of this active component and its response to inflammatory prostaglandin D2. (6)
5. Controls allergic reactions
Research and scientific studies have shown the hypoallergenic capacity of black cumin oil, adding to that the ability to lower cholesterol and create new neurons.
Important: A team led by the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz, in 2011 verified the effect of black cumin on allergic rhytitis, allowing the application of treatments without side effects, with bronchodilator and antihistamine effects. (7)
6. Improves healing and hydration of the skin
The essential and natural oils of black cumin favor the healing and hydration process of the skin . This capacity is due to its antiseptic property, as well as helping to maintain stable collagen levels in the consumer’s body, being essential for healthy looking skin.
7. Helps control weight
The antioxidant capacity of black cumin allows there to be less chance of producing fat deposits in the body, in addition to the fact that the active substance previously mentioned on several occasions, thymoquinone , has the property of accelerating metabolism .
Black cumin properties
Due to the nature of these seeds, they confer nutritional properties to the organism thanks to their biological molecules. These properties will be mentioned and described below:
1. Vitamins
Black cumin seeds are rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, carotenes and flavonoids , as well as thymoquinone and retinol, so much of their benefits are influenced by these active molecules.
To highlight: Its nutritional content also influences topical applications and therefore benefits the health of hair and skin.
2. Minerals
Its mineral content is headed by its contribution of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. All of these are important and essential for the proper development and functioning of the body, in a healthy and efficient way.
3. Other compounds
Along with vitamins and minerals, black cumin provides fatty acids, enzymes, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, and fibers , which is why it helps to complement the diet of consumers and allows them to take advantage of all the benefits that we mentioned previously.
How is black cumin consumed and used?
Black cumin can be used as a spice in recipes and meals , being very popular for the flavor it gives, especially in areas like India, adding it to the preparation of salads, breads and meats .
Note: On the other hand, there is also a more direct use form, which is black cumin oil. In this way, its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits are obtained efficiently and in the correct proportions.
Key Findings
- Black cumin is the seed of a plant called Nigella Sativa . It is consumed as a spice in recipes, being added to our diet or as an essential oil for a more direct and effective use.
- Among its nutritional properties, its content of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can be highlighted , as well as providing small amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fibers.
- Its antioxidant power helps reduce cell degradation , lower cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, and fight pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- It also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties , which is why it is a food recognized since ancient times for its medicinal application.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.