health
Kalonji, or Nigella seeds, is an interesting spice which adds a beautiful aroma to dishes. In our part of the world dry roasted kalonji is used to flavour curries, stir-fried vegetables, naans, and even savouries such as samosa, paapris and kachori among others. Flavour and aroma aside, the tiny black seed comes with a whole lot of health benefits. The black seeds or kalonji, possess more than 100 medicinal properties and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiseptic properties. Touted as a ‘seed of blessing’, it is loaded with trace elements, vitamins, crystalline nigellone, amino acids, saponin, crude fiber, proteins and fatty acids like linolenic and oleic acids, volatile oils, alkaloids, iron, sodium, potassium and calcium. Kalonji is also rich in vitamins that include - Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin B2, Niacin and Vitamin C. It is an excellent natural remedy to cure many diseases like diabetes, heart problems, constipation, skin problems, blood pressure, and pain. Kalonji oil is the most potent oil as compared with other oils as it contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It comprised approximately 17% protein, 26% carbohydrates, and 57% plant fats and oils. In fact, if you keep a bottle of kalonji oil at home, you can use them for plenty of things to boost your health. Adding a small amount of Nigella Seeds in your diet can prove beneficial in treating numerous health problems. Here are 11 reasons why these tiny black seeds are good for health.
Good for Diabetes: The primary function of kalonji seeds is the prevention of diabetes. Kalonji is very helpful to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Add a quarter spoon of kalonji oil to a cup of black tea and drink it on empty stomach to bring down the levels of blood sugar. Regular intake of kalonji can also decrease your cholesterol level.
Strengthen immunity: Kalonji oil, honey and warm water can strengthen your immunity if consumed daily. If you add kalonji oil in boiling water and inhale the fumes, it can also reduce nasal congestion, and help those who suffer from sinusitis problems.
Boost memory: Ground kalonji seeds with a little bit of honey is known to boost memory. It is very helpful for elderly people. It also improves your concentration power and treats brain-related diseases. Boil a fistful of fresh mint leaves in water and add half spoon of kalonji oil or seed powder. Consume it daily on empty stomach for better brain function.
Keep the heart healthy: Kalonji is very effective for the heart. It keeps your heart healthy by controlling bad cholesterol levels in your body. You should consume kalonji oil with milk regularly to achieve good results.
Protects kidneys and liver: Kalonji is effective in reducing diabetic nephropathy (kidney complication in diabetes) by dropping levels of blood sugar, serum creatinine levels, and blood urea levels. The essential components in kalonji also protect the liver from toxicity by improving functions like metabolism, processing nutrients and minerals that are essential for health. Intake of kalonji seeds or oil can reduce the toxicity of chemicals and protect both liver and kidneys.
Kalonji acts as natural painkiller: Kalonji is a natural painkiller that can relieve your pain quickly without any side-effects. It is best used for getting rid of headaches. You can apply kalonji oil over your forehead and quickly purge off your ache. Its oil is also used to cure joint pain.
Keep blood pressure in control: A teaspoon of kalonji oil can do magic. Yes, it can control your blood pressure and also break the recurrence tendency. For those who suffer from high blood pressure can drink a teaspoon of kalonji oil with lukewarm water. It is of course advised to follow a proper diet along with it.
Strong teeth: Not just your teeth, kalonji benefits your overall oral health such as bleeding gums, and weak teeth. Kalonji is a great remedy to cure dental pain. To improve oral health, just mix half teaspoon of kalonji oil with a cup of curd and apply it on your gums and teeth twice a day. Alternatively, you can mix ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil or powder in curd and apply it on the gums, to reduce toothache. You can also massage your teeth with curd and some kalonji oil twice a day to strengthen your gums.
Helps in weight loss: Studies prove that kalonji seeds, when consumed with warm water, help in promoting weight loss. The warm water, honey, and lemon combination is often recommended for those who are on a diet. Now add a pinch of powdered kalonji seeds to this mix and see how it works.
Clear cracked heels: Cracked heels look very awkward and embarrassing. You can heal your cracked heels by soaking your feet in warm water containing one teaspoon kalonji seed oil and lemon juice. You can also mix kalonji oil with lemon juice and massage on the sole. This mixture not only clears bacteria but also softens the skin.
For healthy skin and hair: Kalonji can be used both for skin and hair related problems. It is loaded with organic acids and is a must-have ingredient in your daily skin and hair care. It fights against several skin problems like acne, scars, dry skin, skin whitening, pigmentation, wrinkles, blemishes, pimples, etc.