Black seed - inconspicuous seeds with great power

What is black seed?

Black seed, also known as black cumin or gold of the pharaohs, is a spice known and used since ancient times. In ancient medicine it was used by Hippocrates, while oil pressed from it was already used by Cleopatra and Tutankhamun, in whose tomb (3300 years ago!) this product was also found.

Black seed is a seed plant in the buttercup family. It is distinguished by characteristic blue flowers that decorate gardens and bouquets. However, the heart of the plant is its seeds, hidden in the bellows, or fruit. They are the ones that exhibit a number of health-promoting properties that can help the human body work.

Black seed has a distinctive flavor, in which you can sense some bitterness, but also a spicy aroma and a hint of peppery notes.

Black seed occurs naturally in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. It is also cultivated in Poland, but not on such a large scale.

What does black seed contain, or the treasures of black cumin

Rarely any spice hides so many beneficial substances for the human body inside. In black seed you can find, among other things:

thymoquinone - a component of the essential oil of black seed,
fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and eicosadienoic acid,
vitamins such as >B vitamins and vitamin E,
minerals including zinc, calcium, copper or potassium,
flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids.

Health-promoting properties of black seed

Black seed can strengthen the body's natural defenses, as the compounds in its seeds can increase the levels of macrophages and lymphocytes in the body, which translates into enhanced immunity.

In addition, the plant, thanks to the presence of compounds such as nigellone and carvacrol, can also exhibit antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. It is considered by some to be a natural antibiotic, as it inhibits the growth of pathogens. It can also be helpful in the fight against pinworms among children.

Antioxidants present in the seeds of the plant can help fight free radicals and neutralize oxidative stress. At the same time, black seed can improve the condition of the skin, delay the aging process and accelerate the healing of inflammation, which makes it used as an ingredient in cosmetics.

Due to its content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it can improve the structure of skin cell membranes and exhibit protective effect. What's more, black seed can be found in sunscreens, as the plant can exhibit protective effects against UV radiation.

As if that wasn't enough, black beans can help regulate blood sugar levels and support the work of the pancreas. The substances contained in black seed, among others, thymoquinone, can affect the lowering of glucose and insulin secretion levels.

In addition, black seed can support thought processes and facilitate memory, and its long-term use can have a positive effect on the nervous system.

Black seed may also show beneficial effects on allergy sufferers. The seeds of the "gold of the pharaohs" can have an effect on reducing the secretion of histamines, which are responsible for allergic reactions. At the same time, the active ingredients contained in the plant can relieve allergy symptoms, and protect the skin from damage.

Black seed can also help fight anemia. Regular use of black seed can increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels. At the same time, the plant itself contains iron, an adequate supply of which reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Black seed can also have a positive effect on the digestive system. The plant can relieve digestive discomforts such as bloating and constipation. It can also have a diastolic effect on the body, and thus prevent abdominal pains. The relaxing effect of nigella can also be used among women struggling with painful menstruation.

Black seed exhibits a number of health-promoting properties, and it is really impossible to list all the possible benefits of using it. The best solution is simply to include it in your diet!

Proper use of black seed, i.e. what, how and with what?

Black seed is most often used as a spice or as an oil.

To obtain the health-promoting properties, it is recommended to take 2-3 teaspoons of nigella seed oil each day among adults. In the case of seeds, the recommended portion is one teaspoon of the product.

Due to its intense taste, black seed is not always a popular choice with consumers. However, a number of health-promoting properties resulting from the use of the plant make it worth gradually introducing its seeds into the daily menu.

Black seed can be used in the kitchen in many ways, including:

as an addition to baked goods (whole grain bun with black seed is the perfect choice for a nutritious breakfast),
as an addition to salads - in seed form along with sesame or chia seeds, or in oil form as part of a dressing accompanied by honey, lemon juice and a little garlic,
element of marinades for meats,
complement to cottage cheese or hummus,
spice, for example, instead of pepper or as an additional ingredient. Black seed goes well with thyme, coriander or sweet pepper.

Due to its intense aroma, it can replace pepper. It is especially beneficial among people who suffer from stomach ailments on a daily basis and should limit pepper in their diet.

Research suggests that regular intake of black seed and products made from it may bring a number of benefits.

The first effects of its use, which include strengthening immunity, can be observed after about a month of use of the substance.

An idea for... a recipe for a dish with black seed

You already know the properties of black seed, it's time for you to include them in your menu. A good dish to start a love affair with black seed is a salad with its participation.

Black seed is great for enhancing the flavor of many dishes and dishes, but together with other ingredients its intense aroma does not dominate, but nicely complements the flavors of the other elements of the dish.

It's time for a salad with black seed!

To prepare it (for about 2 servings) you need:

two handfuls of arugula,
a handful of cherry tomatoes,
half a bag of millet groats,
2 slices of feta cheese,
1 avocado,
favorite herbs,
black seed.

To conjure up a delicious salad, all you need to do is wash the arugula, tomatoes and avocado. Then put the arugula on a platter, cut the tomatoes in halves and also put them on the dish. Next, peel the avocado, remove the seed and cut into cubes. Add to the remaining ingredients.

Cut the feta into cubes and prepare the millet groats according to the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Add the products to the dish with the remaining ingredients. Season the whole thing with your favorite herbs and sprinkle with black seed. Mix.

It is also a good idea to prepare a dressing for the dish, here a sauce of honey and mustard will be perfect.

All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of mustard with a tablespoon of honey, add salt and pepper and a small amount of oil (can also be black seed oil). Pour the finished dressing over the salad and enjoy the taste of a nutritious and wholesome dish.

Are there any contraindications to the use of black seed?

Black seed is a natural substance, so both black cumin seeds and black seed oil can be used by almost everyone.

There were no contraindications to taking the seeds of the plant. However, it is worth remembering about its possible diastolic effect.

Bibliography:

Natalia Goździak

Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.

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