Unleashing the Surprising Benefits of Kalonji Seeds

Herbs and spices can be found in abundance in India. The kitchen cabinets are stocked with a wide variety of seasonings used to enrich the fragrance and appearance of the food. Kalonji!

There are countless spices to choose from, including asafoetida, cardamom, and black pepper.

The fact that these spices also have medicinal characteristics is something that makes them equally noteworthy. You must be aware of the advantages of employing cardamom for foul breath and ginger for discomfort.

One such spice that is less known yet contains a lot of hidden nutritional qualities is kalonji. A spice, kalonji, which comes from an annual blooming plant, is known for its ability to help people lose weight and a host of other health advantages.

About Kalonji Seeds

Black seeds or black cumin seeds are common names for the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant.

This perennial flowering herb is indigenous to Pakistan, India, and the Mediterranean Sea’s shorelines.

It is extensively used for food preservation, seasoning, and folk remedies. Other names for the seeds include black caraway seeds, kalonji, fennel flower, and habbat al baraka, which refers to the “blessed seed” that the Prophet Muhammad preached about.

Most people anticipate that kalonji seeds would taste similar to black sesame seeds because of their appearance.

They do indeed have a robust flavor and fragrance profile. It differs from the black sesame seed, though. Kalonji or nigella seeds, on the other hand, have a flavor similar to a combination of cooked onions, black pepper, and oregano.

However, people’s perceptions of these scents vary; some claim they have a faintly nutty flavor. It is fair to state that your taste buds significantly influence the flavor composition.

Nutritional Value of Kalonji Seeds

Due to its abundance of several micronutrients, kalonji is a vital spice used to create medications. The black seeds are well-liked outside Ayurveda in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K are among the nutrients found in kalonji seeds.

Also, they contain active substances known as phytochemicals, such as phytosterols, which are believed to aid in weight loss.

The serving size per 100 grams contains the following nutrients [1]:

Health Benefits of Kalonji

The kalonji, also known as nigella seeds, is an intriguing spice that, when used for blending, gives food a lovely aroma and a subtle flavor that is difficult to replicate.

The tiny black seed has several health advantages besides flavor and scent. That is certainly a lot for a tiny seed, isn’t it?

Indeed, if you store a jar of kalonji oil at home, you can utilize it for various purposes to improve your health and solve minor issues. Let’s discuss a few advantages.

#1 Kalonji Seeds Rejuvenate Skin

Due to its natural anti-bacterial properties, black seed, also known as kalonji, is good for the skin and may help to avoid acne.

Kalonji’s antioxidants fight off free radicals in the body, enhancing your skin’s condition. Black seed oil works well to reduce inflammation, maintaining your skin looking healthy and radiant.

You must incorporate black seeds, in any form, into your daily beauty and hair care regimen because they contain more than 100 therapeutic benefits and are a rich source of natural elements [2].

#2 Kalonji Seeds Lubricate Joints

The lubricating effect of kalonji seeds on the joints is yet another advantage. The active components in the seed make joint movement simple, which lowers inflammation.

In the winter, tightness in the joints is frequent. Using a kalonji oil and vinegar combination to the joints provides the most efficient, healthy way to relieve stiffness.

#3 Kalonji Seeds Manage Cholesterol Level

Bad dietary habits and poor lifestyle choices frequently raise the body’s level of harmful cholesterol.

According to a National Institutes of Health study, using oil regularly lowers harmful cholesterol levels in the body [3]. Moreover, kalonji seed powder successfully raises the body’s HDL, or good cholesterol, concentrations.

Without noting their significant function in the management of diabetes, the list of advantages of black cumin seeds is lacking.

#4 Kalonji Seeds Prevent Diabetes

Black seeds are a natural remedy that may help type 2 diabetes patients’ glucose levels.

These seeds, per Ayurveda, guard against a fast spike in blood sugar levels and other diabetes-related ailments like excessive urination and fatigue, to mention a few [4].

Frequent ingestion of kalonji seeds improves insulin activity and slows down sugar assimilation.

Adding a 1/4 tablespoon of seeds to a mug of black tea and drinking it on an empty belly first thing in the morning will help reduce blood sugar levels.

#5 Kalonji Seeds Clear-Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can occur for a variety of causes. These unsightly and uncomfortable sole cracks can be caused by obesity, improperly fitting shoes, and an absence of moisture.

Clear the cracks by applying black seed powder or oil to the afflicted region. Another option is to rub the sole with Kalonji oil and lemon juice.

This concoction not only removes microorganisms but also makes the skin softer.

#6 Kalonji Seeds Boost Energy

Use a tablespoon of these black caraway seeds daily to boost immunity and give you the energy to ward off different infections.

In addition to being used for deliciousness and speedy healing, is a powerful immunity booster and is a common ingredient in many cuisines.

According to studies, these tiny seeds increase metabolism and assist with overcoming lethargy.

#7 Kalonji Seeds Make Teeth Stronger

In addition to helping your teeth, kalonji also improves other oral health issues like weak teeth and bleeding gums.

Dental discomfort can be effectively treated with kalonji. Simply combine a half teaspoon of kalonji oil with a cup of curd and massage it to your teeth and gums daily to improve dental health.

#8 Kaloni Seeds Support Weight Loss

You can seem thin and trim by increasing your body’s metabolism with the aid of kalonji. Studies show that consuming Kalonji seeds with warm water helps people lose weight.

Kalonji contains a lot of fibre.

By including in your meals, you can sate your taste senses for longer. Kalonji boosts the nutritional content of any food when it is added.

#9 Kalonji Seeds Prevent Greying of Hair

Because of lifestyle alterations, early hair greying is now a widespread issue.

Start putting kalonji oil on your hair to stop future premature greying and stop hair aging in the present.

The black pigment cells in your hair are prevented from contracting by black seed oil’s high fatty acid content [5].

Black seed oil has numerous advantages for hair, including preventing premature greying, nourishing dry hair, repairing hair damage, enhancing scalp health, and reducing hair loss.

Ways to Consume Kalonji for Weight Loss

Approach 1: Combined with honey and lemon:

Take 10–15 kalonji seeds and grind them into a powder. In a glass of warm water, stir in the kalonji powder. Squeeze the juice of a half-lemon over this, and then add a spoon of honey. Enjoy it empty-handed and after thoroughly mixing everything.

Approach 2: With lemon juice:

Add half a lemon’s quantity of juice to a bowl containing eight to ten kalonji seeds. Now leave this kalonji in the sunlight for a few hours or an entire day. For weight loss, consume 2-4 kalonji twice a day.

Method 3: Take straight with water:

Take a few kalonji seeds in a glass with some warm water, or put 8–10 seeds in a glass and let them sit overnight. In the morning, drink kalonji water after removing the seeds.

What Can I Do With Kalonji Seeds?

If you have never cooked with these seeds, you might be unsure how to do it. In India, nigella seeds are typically roasted to season dal, soups, and simmered vegetables. In addition, some people add it to savory foods like papdis, kachori, and samosas. Here are a few simple dishes that employ kalonji seeds to enhance their flavor.

Kalonji Pulao

Everyone in the family enjoys the traditional Indian meal of pulao.

The icing on the cake is when it is made nutritious. Use this recipe to enjoy the taste while maintaining good health.

Heat ghee in a kadhai to prepare the pulao. Cumin, cardamom, peppers, ginger, and garlic paste should also be added. Good frying.

Add the garlic cloves that have been thinly sliced, and cook until brown. Boil the water after adding it. Put salt in.

Rice should be added to the water and cooked until tender. Spread jeera and kalonji seeds before covering them. Give it five minutes to simmer. Serve hot alongside raita or vegetable curry.

Kalonji Paratha

Combine the curd, salt, mint leaves, nigella seeds, wheat flour, and oats flour in a bowl. In tiny portions, knead the dough while adding water.

Let the dough time to sit for 30 minutes. Form little balls out of the dough. Add some flour, then shape it into an oval or round paratha. Sauté on the tawa until both sides are evenly done.

You can use AASHIRVAAD Atta With Multigrains to create kalonji paratha to simplify the process. The Aashirvaad Atta’s fiber content will aid in digestion problems. If you have diabetes, AASHIRVAAD Sugar Release Control atta is a smart choice because it contains components like oats and methi to make it high in protein and fiber and has a low glycemic index. Gradually releasing its sugar into the bloodstream helps reduce spikes in blood sugar levels. The parathas will become tastier and healthier as a result.

Kalonji Aloo

To make cooking easier, peel and cut the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Oil is heated in a saucepan.

For one minute, fry the nigella seeds. After adding it to the pan with some water, give everything a nice toss.

To thoroughly cook the potatoes, cover the pan and simmer it over low heat while sometimes stirring. Add some water if it sticks to the pan’s bottom. Warm up and serve with parathas or pooris.

Beware: Who Should Not Consume Kalonji Seeds?

If you consume it in big doses, kalonji can drop your blood pressure, which is bad for your health.

The health of a pregnant woman’s unborn child may be at risk if she consumes kalonji in large quantities.

Also, avoid consuming it when lactating. Please don’t overdo it, then. Just eat it in the quantity that your professional has advised [6].

Takeaway

Using kalonji for various health concerns is crucial if you want to feel healthy and beautiful. The Kalonji seed, often known as the “seed of blessing,” is widely utilized in traditional medicine and a variety of cuisines for both its therapeutic properties and distinctive flavor.

The kalonji seed is rich in lipids, dietary fibre, protein, and carbohydrate sources.

The seeds are also rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K and essential minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, and potassium. So start brewing some wonderful kalonji.

After all, if you want to be in shape and look gorgeous, black cumin or kalonji oil is the nuskha of the decade.

Frequently Asked Questions