BLACK CUMIN: WHAT IT IS AND ITS BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES

Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa): What It Is and Its Beneficial Properties

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) has become known as a "miracle" plant, widely used around the world. Both its seeds and oil have numerous pharmacological and therapeutic properties and have been used for the treatment of various diseases and conditions.

Black cumin oil is obtained through the cold pressing method (which means no heating at high temperatures), ensuring that it retains its valuable nutrients and biological properties.

Black cumin oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats (about 60% of total fatty acids) and monounsaturated fats (about 24% of total fats). The main fatty acids found in black cumin oil are linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid.

In addition to fatty acids, black cumin oil contains compounds such as sterols, phenolics, and carotenoids, which have numerous beneficial effects on our health.

It also contains significant amounts of iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid.

Among its active ingredients, thymoquinone is the primary bioactive compound in the oil and is responsible for most of the therapeutic properties of black cumin.

It exhibits strong antioxidant activity, increases the action of glutathione, and protects tissues from aging.

It is highly effective in the treatment of many chronic diseases, such as:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Black cumin may improve lipid profiles, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and protect against atherosclerosis, both in healthy individuals and in hyperlipidemic patients.

• Various forms of cancer: Including pancreatic, liver, prostate, and kidney cancers. Thymoquinone exhibits anticancer and antineoplastic effects, and in combination with therapeutic agents, it can reduce the side effects of treatments.

• Diabetes: The intake of black cumin oil in combination with antidiabetic medications may help in better management of dyslipidemia and blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Reduced postprandial glucose, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and improved glycosylated hemoglobin levels have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes who combined their treatment with black cumin oil.

• Inflammations: Black cumin oil has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, improve inflammation, and reduce pain and morning stiffness frequency in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Allergies: Black cumin may contribute to the treatment of allergy-related diseases, such as asthma, atopic eczema, and allergic rhinitis.

• Infectious diseases: Due to its strong antimicrobial action, black cumin is effective against bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections.

• Neurological & mental conditions: Black cumin oil has shown potential in treating neurological and psychological diseases.

Possible side effects:

Caution is required when consuming much larger quantities of black cumin oil, as adequate studies on high doses have not been conducted. In some cases, increased doses may cause nausea and bloating.

Drug interactions: There may be concerns about interactions with medications like warfarin and beta-blockers.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to limited research, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using black cumin oil.

Kidney and cancer patients: If you have kidney problems or are undergoing cancer treatment, consult with your doctor before starting black cumin oil.

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