Kalonji seeds – An Introduction

Kalonji is one of the popular medicinal plants all over the world which provides the little black seeds that are similar to sesame seeds in size. It is a fantastic world’s oldest spice which is also considered as a remarkable medicine. In order to add flavor, you can add kalonji seeds in avariety of traditional recipes. Almost everybody can benefit from black seeds as kalonji is a safe and effective plant and aids in many health conditions. When the right dose of kalonji is taken then no irritations or adverse effects occur in your body. If you consume it in high amounts then it may cause low blood sugar and low blood pressure.

Kalonji Seeds: Common Names

  • Tamil – Karunjarakam, Karunjiragam
  • Telugu – Peeajila Kara, Nallajilakara
  • Hindi – Kalajira, Mangraila
  • Malayalam – Karinchirakam
  • Bengali – Kala Zeera, Mangrela
  • Guajarati – KalaunjiJirum, Kadujeeroo
  • English – Black Cumin, Nigella Seeds, Black Seed, Fennel Seed, Seed of blessing

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Nutritional value of Kalonji –

Black seeds comprise roughly of:

  • 21% – protein
  • 38% – carbohydrate
  • 35% – plant fats and oils

Vitamins and minerals:

  • 102% – Iron
  • 96% – Magnesium
  • 35% – Vitamin C
  • 25% – Vitamin B6
  • 2% – Vitamin A

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Ways to include Kalonji into your daily diet –

Nigella Sativa (Kalonji seeds) can be used as a regular spice in recipes like dals, soups, veggies, salads and others.

METHOD 1:

Ingredients:

  • Kalonji seeds – 2 tbsp
  • Coriander seeds – 6 tbsp
  • Cumin seeds – 2 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp
  • Fennel seeds – 6 tbsp

Steps to make a perfect Kalonji mix spice:

  • Dry roast all the seeds of the ingredients.
  • Grind them into a fine powder.
  • Mix turmeric powder in the spice and store it in an air-tight container.
  • You can use this spice mix in veg and non-veg curries or sabji preparations.

METHOD 2:

  • Dry roast Nigella sativa, fennel seeds and cardamom.
  • Grind them into a fine powder.
  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Add one teaspoon of this spice mix into milk and enjoy.

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Health Benefits of Nigella/Kalonji Seeds –

  • Aids constipation – Nigella sativaand its main constituent – thymoquinone has both preventive and therapeutic effectson various gastrointestinal disorders. Suffering from constipation can make you restless and may also impact your appetite. This common gastrointestinal disorder causes problems with the digestive system. If you take kalonji oil with warm water or black tea then it can help you overcome constipation effectively within a few days only.
  • Improves oral health – Kalonji is an excellent tooth pain reliever and is highly beneficial to your general oral health. Whether it is bleeding gums or weak teeth, simply apply a few drops of Kalonji oil on the affected area and leave the rest. Kalonji oil works wonders and results in better healing.
  • Improves memory power–In order to reduce the memory loss or for optimum brain function, kalonji seeds play a very important role for our memory power. As recommended by Ayurveda, you can consume kalonji seeds regularly on an empty stomach for memory improvement.
  • Reduces headaches –Instead of consuming unnecessary contemporary medicinal pills, it is important to understand that natural remedies are always effective and should be used frequently. In case of a headache, apply a few drops of Kalonji oil to your scalp as it will help you relax and give you ease.
  • Helps to lose weight – Kalonji seeds aid in weight loss if taken with warm water.  Always prefer taking kalonji seeds to reduce your weight and shed extra kilos from your body.
  • Maintains heart health–Being a critical organ of our body, it is very crucial to keep our heart health. Kalonji is an excellent heart tonic and consuming it in any form can maintain your heart healthy by lowering your cholesterol levels.
  • Treats diabetes – Kalonji seeds are a powerful natural diabetes treatment which aids in blood sugar regulation. Combine kalonji oil with warm water or black tea and consume on an empty stomach. It will result in controlling your diabetes in a short span of time. Kalonji is very effective in improving blood sugar by increasing the action of insulin and delaying the absorption of sugar into the blood.
  • Keeps blood pressure in check–In order to control blood pressure, people usually take a lot of medicines which can harm their kidneys. Avoid the medicines and take the help of Kalonji seeds for effective results. For assisting the control of bad cholesterol levels, kalonji seeds oil can be used that will regulate blood pressure in a short time.
  • Relieves muscle soreness – Kalonji seeds have pro effects to help with a variety of ailments and to relieve joint discomfort by lubricating the joints.
  • Packed With Antioxidants – Kalonji seed is well-known to neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells. As found in research, the antioxidant property of kalonji has a powerful effect on health and diseases such as chronic conditions, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
  • Has Cancer-Fighting Properties – Kalonji and its active compound, thymoquinone have the potential for anti-cancer effects on the body. Consuming kalonji in any form may lead tocell death in blood cancer cells.
  • Boosts your hair health – Kalonji is known to protect hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Applying kanji oil daily on your scalp may help to regrow hair,which is claimed to be a safe and natural method. In order to treat dandruff, grey hair and scalp inflammation, kalonji oil is the best thing to enhance scalp health. Just warm-up some black seed oil and massage your scalp and hair with it and get super soft and shiny hair.

Read: Sugarcane Juice: Is It Beneficial For Your Health And Skin?

Side effects of Kalonji oil –

People may be allergic to use black seed oil. It is suggested to do a patch test in a small area of skin. Make sure it does not cause any allergic reaction. Go ahead and always use high-quality and pure oil for maximum benefits. While consuming black seed oil orally, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner first.

What are the best ways to preserve Nigella/Kalonji seeds?

  • Try to keep kalonji seeds dry and sealed.
  • Always purchase a limited quantity of kalonji to keep the aroma and flavor at its best.

Read: Jeera Water: Benefits and Side Effects

What Are The Effects Of Drinking Kalonji Water For Weight Loss?

Simply mix kalonji seeds powder with lemon juice and honey in warm water. Consume this drink regularly on empty stomach to lose weight and belly fat. It is an effective remedy for weight loss and the results will appear within a week.

Are Kalonji Seeds Good For Hair?

The extracts of kalonji seeds are used in hair oils due to the reason of nourishing hair follicles and making them strong. Also, kalonji helps in griping the hair better which results in less hair fall.

Who should not consume kalonji?

Patients of diabetes or thyroid and people who wish to try kalonji should try to avoid consuming kalonji seeds and water on a regular basis. It is suggested that they should speak with their medical provider for medications.

What Are The Side Effects Of Kalonji Seeds?

Kalonji can cause allergic rashes, stomach upset, constipation or vomiting in some people. Try avoid black seeds if you are allergic to it.

What Happens If We Regularly Consume Kalonji Seeds?

Kalonji seeds are best for boosting memory. You can consume on an empty stomach for better brain function. If you are the one who want to improve the weak memory then as per Ayurveda, you should intake Kalonji seeds with mint leaves. Prevent neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and boost your memory with these magical seeds.  

Is kalonji hot or cold in nature?

Kalonji seeds stimulate heat within the body, helping in burning excess fat of the body. Avoid taking it in excess to avoid digestive issues.

CONCLUSION –

Kalonji seeds or oil have been traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes, digestion, painas well as other diseases and conditions. With a low calorie diet, kalonji has proved to be very effective for weight loss. Also, it promotes heart health and regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Already researched, kalonji proved to be an effective spice to promise a lot of health benefits.