Black seed oil reaches a long way back into the past. Black seed is a plant that people have been using for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits for over 2000 years, mainly in South West Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is made of black cumin seeds from the Nigella sativa plant, which grows in Eastern Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East. The superfood has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years, and also serves as a flavourful ingredient for savoury dishes and bread, in a similar way to cumin and oregano.
Previously black seed oil was ingested to cure headaches, toothaches and nasal congestion. However, today the superfood’s powerful properties have proven to benefit your health and body in many more ways.
Why Use Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil contains thymoquinone, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that is proven to have several health benefits, including alleviating joint pain and even potentially fighting off cancer. The superfood also contains high levels of protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous, making it a nutrient-rich supplement.
Several studies and research have found the positive effects of black seed oil, giving you all the more reason to include the superfood in your lifestyle.
Weight Loss
You will definitely be pleased to know that black seed oil can help support weight loss. In fact, research has proven that it can help reduce your body mass index. Moreover, the Nigella sativa plant seeds aid digestion and therefore can have to ability to reduce gas and bloating, helping your body to burn stubborn fat cells faster.
Healthy Hair and Skin
Did you know that black seed oil can also help you achieve those skin and hair goals you’ve been striving for?
According to a 2013 study, black seed oil can help reduce the risk of eczema, which causes your skin to be very dry and flaky. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of the superfood can improve acne, research suggests, while a study on mice found that the supplement may also have the ability to cure psoriasis.
As black seed oil contains nigellone, it may help prevent hair loss too. Furthermore, its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help maintain the overall health of your scalp, reducing dandruff and dryness.
Black seed oil acts as an effective moisturiser, by naturally softening the skin and keeping your hair healthy and hydrated!
Overall Good Health
As if it doesn’t offer enough fantastic benefits, black seed oil is also known to help improve your overall health.
The thymoquinone found in black seed oil can potentially influence the so-called “programmed cell death” in many types of cancer cells, including brain cancer, leukemia and breast cancer cells.
Another 2013 study found that the supplement can also help reduce liver and kidney disease disorders, improving the organ structures. Moreover, according to an article in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, black seed oil is proven to contain antidiabetic properties, allowing it to help improve blood sugar levels.
How Can I Use Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is mostly ingested in the form of capsules, as the slightly bitter taste is not for everyone. So, you may want to mix it with raw honey, if you’d like to eat it in its purest form.
For best results, the supplement should be consumed raw, in one tablespoon, as heating it could increase the risk of losing the nutrients. Nonetheless, high-quality black seed oil is also a great ingredient for cooking savoury dishes, baking your favourite treats, and even spicing up a beverage.
To benefit your hair and skin, it is best to apply black seed oil directly to the surface. You can also add it to massage oils, shampoos and home-made skin-care products to make the most of its beneficial nutrients.
So, what are you waiting for?
