Black Cumin: Benefits, Effects, Consumption

Black cumin is a seed that has had various uses such as food and medicine since ancient times.

Black cumin is a seed that has had various uses such as food and medicine since ancient times. Black cumin, used in various foods in Turkish cuisine, often decorates pastries such as bread and pita. This seed, from which oil is also obtained, has many health benefits.

Black cumin is the seed of a flower belonging to the buttercup family that grows mostly in the Middle East. This seed, believed to be medicinal, has been used in the treatment of many diseases for many years. Black cumin has a variety of carbohydrates and protein content, as well as nearly half the fat content. It also contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and B6, folic acid, niacin and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, copper and phosphorus. Additionally, phytosterols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antifungal, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties.

How Should Black Cumin Be Consumed?

Black cumin, which is generally found in seed form, is often used to decorate various patisserie products such as bread and pita. It can be used at home directly as seeds or by grinding it in sauces, salads, meals and various foods.

On the other hand, black cumin oil can also be extracted and used. Black cumin oil is a vegetable oil obtained from black cumin. This process can be done by cold pressing or by refining. Cold-pressed black cumin oil can be preferred to benefit from the beneficial compounds it contains at the maximum level. Black cumin oil has different uses such as food and cosmetics. Black seed oil is in the healthy oil category and can be used in areas where vegetable oil is generally used. As a consumption ingredient, black cumin oil can be used in salads, sauces and meals, just like black cumin. On the other hand, black cumin oil can be applied directly to the skin and hair as a cosmetic product. At the same time, black cumin oil may be found in various cosmetic products such as creams and shampoos.

What are the Benefits of Black Cumin?

Black cumin has been used for healing purposes in many diseases for a long time. Black cumin may protect against some diseases and may minimize the symptoms of some health problems. In this respect, research on black cumin shows that consuming black cumin has many benefits. These benefits can be listed as follows:

• Black cumin has immune system supporting properties thanks to its rich antioxidant content. In this way, it is effective in reducing the risks of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, as well as diseases that affect the immune system, such as cancer.

• This seed, which has antihypertensive properties, is effective against increased high pressure in the blood. It helps reduce or balance high blood pressure. With this feature, it is beneficial for hypertension patients.

• The use of black cumin against the complaint of vascular occlusion, which is the basis of cardiovascular diseases due to the increase in blood fats, can reduce the high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, thanks to its effects in regulating blood fats. In this way, it has protective properties against cardiovascular diseases.

• There are many infectious diseases caused by bacteria in the human body. The use of black cumin can be as effective as an antibiotic against bacteria that cause some bacterial infections. Therefore, consumption of black cumin is generally recommended in cases of bacterial infection.

• Black cumin has various benefits in detoxifying the liver, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body. Black cumin helps the liver in removing general toxins from the body, especially some medications and various chemicals.

• Antihistamine effects of black cumin can also be counted among its benefits. Thanks to this effect, it has effects in reducing the symptoms of diseases such as pollen allergy, various allergic rhinitis, and asthma during seasonal transitions.

• Some studies show the blood sugar regulating effects of black cumin. In this way, consuming black cumin can be listed among the recommendations for blood sugar imbalances such as insulin resistance and diabetes.

• Black cumin also has benefits on the digestive system. It generally helps reduce stomach-related complaints by supporting the gastric mucosa in case of stomach disorders. Black cumin is effective against the increase of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, which is one of the stomach problems. On the other hand, it can also play an active role in eliminating problems such as bloating and gas in the intestines. It is generally effective in reducing digestive system complaints.

• Black cumin helps control appetite by providing satiety for a long time with its healthy fat content. People who want to lose weight can make it easier to lose weight in a healthy way when they include black cumin in their daily diet, thanks to this content.

• It may support reproductive hormones in men and women. In this respect, it contributes to the menstrual cycle when consumed by women, and may help increase sperm count and quality when consumed by men. In this way, it can support treatment for both men and women against infertility, popularly known as infertility.

• Black cumin seed also has various benefits on skin diseases, thanks to its rich vitamins and minerals. When consumed or used as oil, it can heal wounds, blemishes and acne on the skin thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial content. It is also effective in reducing complaints of diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo. In addition, eczema, which is a dry, itchy skin disease, may be beneficial for healing when black cumin is consumed or black cumin oil is applied directly to the skin. Thanks to its antifungal properties, black cumin oil can also play a role in healing fungal diseases on the skin.

• Thanks to its nutritious content, black cumin may have effects on nourishing the hair and reducing hair-related diseases. In this respect, it can reduce the frequently complained hair loss by strengthening the hair. At the same time, it can make the hair thicker and thinner hair strands come to normal size. In addition, it can reduce dandruff formation by nourishing the scalp with its healthy oil, rich vitamin and mineral content.

With these benefits, black cumin can be consumed in daily diet in the amounts recommended by the nutritionist. The amount determined for the individual should not be exceeded.

Does Black Cumin Have Any Side Effects?

Black cumin has many benefits for a healthy person. However, it may pose a risk for people with liver and kidney disease. That’s why people with this type of disease should avoid consuming black cumin. On the other hand, it is generally not recommended in pregnant women against the risk of miscarriage because it may increase uterine contraction. People who use blood thinners should also consult a doctor before consuming black cumin. At the same time, due to its blood sugar and blood pressure lowering effects, attention should be paid to the use of black cumin if you are taking medication for these diseases. In addition, excessive use and long-term use may cause allergic reactions; It can also cause nausea and vomiting in the digestive system. Things to consider when using black cumin are also important when using black cumin oil.

Black cumin is a seed that has been used as both medicine and food since ancient times. This seed has many benefits. However, in some cases, it should be consumed with caution or should not be consumed without the advice of a nutritionist. Anadolu Health Center has a nutritionist who serves in the nutrition and dietetics department regarding the effects of black cumin on nutrition and health.

How Much Black Cumin Should Be Consumed?

The consumption amount of black cumin may vary from person to person. In order to benefit from its benefits at the maximum level, care should be taken to consume it in the form and amounts recommended by a nutritionist. In general, consuming 1 teaspoon a day can be considered ideal for a healthy person. Consuming more may be harmful. The recommended ideal portion should not be exceeded.