Black Seeds: Kalonji Nutrition Facts, Medicinal Use, Health Benefits

Black seeds are a popular herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In recent years, modern science has started to uncover the amazing potential of this ancient remedy. In this post, we’ll explore some of the potential benefits of black seeds and how you can incorporate them into your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of black seeds. Studies have suggested that black seeds may have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties. They may also help to improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they may help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Next, let’s discuss how to incorporate black seeds into your diet. You can use black seeds in a variety of recipes, from salads to smoothies to baked goods. You can also add them to your favorite dishes for a unique flavor. If you don’t want to use them in cooking, you can also take them in supplement form. 

Black Seeds Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart

The black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, is a highly nutritious and healing seed. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It contains a wide range of beneficial compounds, including thymoquinone, thymol, and various antioxidants. In terms of nutrients, black seeds contain high amounts of magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and selenium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and essential amino acids. In addition, black seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy cell membranes. The health benefits of black seed are numerous. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, diabetes, inflammation, and allergies. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Additionally, black seed has been used to help improve skin health, reduce cholesterol, and improve digestive health. Nutritional value per 100 g black seeds:

  • Biotin: 0.45 µg
  • Calcium: 209 mg
  • Carbohydrates (Carbs): 18.73 g
  • Chloride: 44 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Choline: 6.2 mg
  • Chromium: 0.5 µg
  • Copper: 0.9 mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 8.5 g
  • Energy (Calories): 534 kcal
  • Fat: 42.2 g
  • Iodine: 3.2 µg
  • Iron: 6.7 mg
  • Magnesium: 300 mg
  • Manganese: 3.3 mg
  • Molybdenum: 10 µg
  • Pantothenic Acid: 1.4 mg
  • Phosphorus: 528 mg
  • Potassium: 962 mg
  • Protein: 21.4 g
  • Saturated fat: 4.2 g
  • Selenium: 6.8 µg
  • Sodium: 19 mg
  • Sugars: 0 g
  • Vitamin A: 2.5 µg
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.7 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.3 mg
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 5.8 mg
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 1.4 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.6 mg
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 208 µg
  • Vitamin B12: 0 µg
  • Vitamin C: 0 mg
  • Vitamin D: 0 µg
  • Vitamin E: 3.4 mg
  • Vitamin K: 8.3 µg
  • Water: 5.3 g
  • Zinc: 3.7 mg

Black Seeds in India

It is native to the Mediterranean region through West Asia to northern India and has long been domesticated. It can be frequently found growing wild as a weed in cultivated crops. Black cumin is often confused with black caraway and caraway (Carum carvi). But all 3 varieties of cumin are different. All the 3 varieties of cumin seeds are digestive, stomachic, carminative, astringent, uterine disinfectant; useful in diarrhea, dyspepsia, fevers, inflammations, cough and catarrh.

  • Scientific Binomial: Nigella sativa
  • Common English: Onion seed / Black cumin / Kalonji
  • Ayurvedic: Kaalaajaaji / Kalikaa / Prthvikaa / Sthulajiraka / Sushavi / Upkunchikaa
  • Unani: Kalonji / Kamaazaruus
  • Sanskrit: Krishnajira
  • Hindi / Urdu: Kalaunji
  • Bengali: Kalo Jira
  • Marathi: Kale Jire
  • Telugu: Nallajilakarra
  • Tamil: Karunjiragam
  • Gujarati
  • Kannada: Kari Jirige
  • Malayalam: Karinjirakam
  • Oriya
  • Punjabi / Sindhi
  • Assamese
  • Kashmiri
  • Konkani
  • Manipuri
  • Dogri
  • Bhojpuri

Home Remedies

The Nigella seed yields a volatile oil containing melanthin, nigelline, damascene and tannin. The aroma of Nigella oil is warm, spicy and fatty and its flavor is strawberry-like with a burning sensation. The volatile oil of Nigella is yellowish-brown with an unpleasant flavor. Seeds can be used to treat headaches, nasal catarrh, toothache and intestinal worms, as a diuretic and to increase breast milk.

  • Piles: Black cumin seeds are valuable in piles. About 30 gm. each of the roasted and unroasted seeds, should be ground together. 3 gm of this mixture should be taken with water in treating piles.
  • Fever: The seeds were prescribed with jaggery for irregular fevers. In intermittent fever Nigella seeds slightly roasted are recommended to be given in two doses with the addition of an equal quantity of treacle.
  • Loss of Appetite: In loss of appetite and distaste for food, a confection made of Nigella seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, raisins, tamarind pulp, pomegranate juice and sochal salt with treacle and honey is said to be very useful.
  • Skin Care: Crushed seeds in vinegar are applied to skin disorders such as ringworm, eczema and baldness.
  • In intrinsic haemorrhage 2.5g seeds, mixed with double the quantity of sugar, can be given.
  • Renal Colic: Black cumin seeds are beneficial in the treatment of renal colic. To treat renal colic, these seeds should be mixed with caraway seeds and black salt. This mixture should contain about 20 gm of cumin seeds, 12 gm of caraway seeds and 6 gm of black salt, should be ground together and mixed with little vinegar. This mixture should be taken in 3 gm dose every hour till relief is obtained.
  • Boils: For boils, black cumin seeds should be ground in water and applied as a paste over affected parts.
  • Pancha Jiraka Paka: In puerperal diseases such as fever, loss of appetite and disordered secretions after delivery, the following preparation called pancha jiraka paka is used. It consists of seeds of Nigella, cumin, anise, ajwain, carom seeds, Anethum sowa, fenugreek, coriander, ginger, long pepper, long pepper root, plumbago root, habusha (an aromatic substance), dried pulp of Ziziphus jujuba, root of Aplotaxis auriculate and Kamala powder. To each 10 g, add treacle 1000 g, milk one seer (about 1 liters), butter 40 g. Boil them together and prepare a confection. Dose is about a drachm every morning.
  • Diabetes: In Egypt, a tea made from powdered Nigella seeds fenugreek, garden cress, Commiphora spp. and dried leaves of Cleome spp., Abrosia maritina L. and Centaurium pulchellum Druce is used to treat diabetes.

Side Effects

Finally, let’s talk about some of the potential side effects of using black seeds. While most people can safely use them, there are some potential risks. For example, they can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking them. Additionally, they may cause stomach upset in some people, so it’s best to start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Black seeds have been used for centuries to promote health and wellness, and modern science is starting to uncover their amazing potential. We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the potential benefits of black seeds and how to incorporate them into your diet.

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