Nigella seed is used widely in the culinary world and is a spice (or a seasoning) that adds an oniony flavour to dishes.
You might recognize the nigella seed as kalonji, the name it has in Indian kitchens. These seeds are also famously known as black cumin.
Nigella seeds are a bundle of blessings for your health (I know you might already have some idea about their health benefits). But do you know how beneficial they are for your hair and skin?
Introducing these majestic seeds in your life (outside the kitchen) will make you fall in love with them.
In this article, we'll learn everything about nigella seeds, from their history to properties to their benefits for skin, hair and health.
Table of Contents:
History of Nigella Seeds:
Many people substitute cumin with nigella seeds because it gives a better texture and nutty flavour while retaining its peppery feel.
Besides their wide use in the culinary world, these seeds were known for their medical benefits for ages.
For more than 2,000 years, the seeds were used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine.
Properties of Nigella Seeds:
Nigella seeds have considerable amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid.
It is also rich in vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Thymoquinone, nigella seed's primary active ingredient, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic characteristics that shield the body against cellular damage and chronic diseases.
It is the primary cause of the nigella seed's medical effects.
Benefits Of Nigella Seeds For Skin:
These seeds are underrated when it comes to their use for skin problems. You will be surprised to see how beneficial nigella seeds are for the skin.
1]. Can Treat Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a common skin ailment that can be unpleasant and itchy.
It is an autoimmune skin disorder with hyperproliferative features.
Psoriasis symptoms are treatable using thymoquinone, a compound contained in nigella seeds.
2]. Can Help Fight Acne:
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of nigella seeds help keep free radicals away.
This way, nigella seeds are effective in fighting acne.
It helps lessen facial post-acne scarring and works best on oily skin.
3]. Improves Texture of the Skin:
Nigella seeds help eliminate acne and other impurities, which ultimately makes them effective in improving the texture of the skin and giving an even skin tone!
4]. May Help Slow Down Signs of Aging:
Along with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, nigella seeds also contain anti-ageing antioxidants.
These features prevent pigmentation and delay the signs of ageing.
5]. Help in Deep Cleansing:
You can grind nigella seeds into a powder and use them as a scrub to remove dirt and oil from the skin and open pores.
Benefits of Nigella Seeds For Hair
Many people add nigella seeds to their oil to enhance its power. Nigella seeds work wonders for the hair.
1]. Helps Control Hairfall:
Nigella seed oil is the best substance effective to cure hair loss since it includes over 100 different nutrients that are rich sources of food for your hair and follicles and help nurse them back to health, reducing hair loss.
Nigella seeds help moisturize the hair shaft because it contains a wealth of fatty amino acids.
2]. Encourages Hair Growth:
Nigella seeds' high concentration of thymoquinone, a potent antihistamine, naturally stimulates hair growth in regions where it has been thinning.
The mightiest technique to promote hair growth is with nigella seed oil.
3]. Softening and conditioning hair:
Nigella seed fatty acids aid in conditioning, softening, and thickening each strand.
The amount of sebum produced by each scalp varies, resulting in a spectrum of hair types from dry to oily.
It aids in restoring the natural level of oil production on the scalp, ensuring that your hair maintains its condition without getting greasy.
4]. Prevents Hair Greying:
These seeds can enhance the capacity of hair cells, which are in charge of maintaining the pigmentation of hair follicles, which significantly contributes to preventing hair from going grey.
5]. Soothes the Scalp:
Nigella seed has built-in antibacterial properties.
Their anti-inflammatory properties are excellent for calming scalp disorders brought on by inflammation, flakiness, and sensitivity when mixed with a carrier oil.
Those with lice can benefit from it because it destroys viruses and fungi.
Additionally, it moisturizes your scalp, controls oil production, and protects your skin from harmful bacteria that may be residing on the surface.
6]. Enhances Blood Circulation:
Nigella seed oil includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 macromolecules, which boost blood flow, particularly in the head, and support rapid hair growth within a week.
7]. Helps Fight Dandruff:
Most people with curly or coily hair experience dry scalps or hair that is dehydrated, which not only feels unpleasant but also looks dull and unappealing.
Regular application of oil that contains nigella seeds will make a significant difference, especially to your scalp, as it will seal any moisture and leave your hair looking thicker and healthier.
Benefits of Nigella Seeds For Health
1]. Can Help Fight Disease-Causing Bacteria
An extensive array of harmful illnesses, from pneumonia to ear infections, are brought on by disease-causing bacteria.
Nigella seeds have antibacterial properties, which can fight against various bacterial diseases.
2]. Can Help Control Cholesterol Levels:
Your body has a chemical called cholesterol that resembles fat.
While some cholesterol is necessary, excessive levels can accumulate in the blood and raise your risk of developing heart disease.
It has been demonstrated that nigella seed is particularly good at reducing cholesterol.
3]. Rich in Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are chemicals that combat dangerous free radicals and guard against oxidative cell damage.
Antioxidants can have a significant impact on health and disease.
Several chronic ailments, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, may be prevented by antioxidants.
4]. Ability to Reduce Inflammation:
Most of the time, inflammation is a typical immunological reaction that aids in defending the body against damage and infection.
On the other hand, persistent inflammation plays a role in several illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
According to several studies, nigella seed has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
5]. Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar:
Numerous harmful symptoms, such as increased thirst, accidental weight loss, weariness, and difficulties concentrating, can be brought on by high blood sugar.
Long-term uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can have even more detrimental effects, including nerve damage, visual problems, and slow wound healing.
According to some data, nigella seed may help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent these harmful unfavourable side effects.
6]. May Help with Weight Loss:
Nigella supplements could result in mild weight loss. Additionally, this culinary ingredient lowered waist circumference and improved BMI.
How Can You Add Nigella Seeds To Your Diet?
Adding nigella seeds to your diet is not difficult. Typically, it is lightly roasted, ground, or used whole to flavour bread or curries.
Some people may consume these uncooked or combine them with water or honey. Also, some people add these seeds to yoghurt, smoothies, or muesli.
Conclusion
I am sure that reading about these benefits of something you have been using in your kitchen years is mindblowing.
These were the known benefits of nigella seeds and many more studies are being conducted to know more about these tiny wonders.
If you know more benefits of nigella seeds, please share them with us.
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