Also known as black caraway, black cumin has been known for various nutrition and health benefits since centuries. Explore this article to know the nutritional value of black cumin seeds.

Benefits Of Black Cumin

Black cumin seeds have been in existence since centuries, in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and India. They were used by the ancient Egyptians as a panacea for treating almost everything, right from colds to toothaches to headaches. Grown on a plant named Nigella Sativa, black cumin is a part of the buttercup family. The seeds are dark, thin, and crescent-shaped when whole. They are used for cooking purposes in various cuisines across the world, as they add a nutty flavor to food and have numerous health benefits to their credit as well. They are also used for treating a variety of ailments. Read through the following lines to learn more about the health and nutrition benefits of black caraway seeds and also explore their nutritional value.
 
Nutritional Value Of Black Cumin Seeds
 
Amount of Black Cumin Seeds: 1 tbsp
Total Weight of Black Cumin Seeds: 6.7 g
 
Nutrients
Amount
Basic Components
 
Calories
22
Fat
1 g
Sodium
1 mg
Potassium
91 mg
Total Carbohydrates
3 g
Dietary Fiber
3 g
Protein
1 g
 
 
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Black Caraway Seeds
 
  • Black cumin extract is anti-hypertensive, carminative and anti-parasitic.
  • Black cumin is used to treat diseases related to the respiratory system, circulatory and immune system, stomach and intestines, kidneys and even the liver.
  • The seeds have been known to prove effective in fighting parasitic infections, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism and cold symptoms.
  • They also provide health benefits like increasing body tone, stimulating menstrual period, increasing milk production in nursing mothers and increasing the flow of breast milk.
  • Black cumin seed oil calms the nervous system, quells colic pain, stimulates excretion of urine, helps petrussis and improves digestion.
  • Black caraway stimulates body’s energy and helps in recovering from fatigue and dispiritedness.
  • It provides an effective cure for skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, acne, psoriasis and boils.
  • Black cumin oil encourages the production of bone marrow and cells of the immune system, increases the production of interferon, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral diseases, destroys tumor cells and increases the number of antibody producing B cells.
  • Black cumin contains potent sexual hormones, stimulants, digestive enzymes, antacids, and sedatives; all of which help boost the immune system and preempt diseases.
  • The seeds contain beta-sitosterol - an anti-tumor sterol. They are very effective in curing abscesses and tumors of the eye, abdomen and liver.
  • Black caraway seeds are also used to treat flatulence, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation and dysentery.
  • A teaspoon of black cumin seed oil, when mixed with honey and consumed regularly during breakfast, lunch and dinner, results in good health and strong immunity to diseases.
  • The seeds, when taken in capsulated form, help in strengthening hair as well as nails.
 
Cooking Tips
 
  • Place a tablespoon of black cumin seeds in a cup and pour hot water over them. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Enjoy your black cumin tea. You can also add a few seeds in your morning cup of coffee.
  • Grind black cumin seeds and use them to give a flavor to salads, casseroles, bread and stir-fry dishes. They especially work well when mixed with lemon, cilantro and tahini.
 
Caution
 
  • Black cumin seeds lower blood sugar levels and thus, should be consumed only after consulting a medical practitioner.
  • Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming black cumin on a regular basis.
 
Note
 
  • You can mix black cumin oil with your moisturizing cream to get a healthier skin.

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