Benefits & Uses of Kalonji Seeds for Weight Loss
Kalonji, also known as ‘black cumin' or ‘black caraway,' is an annual flowering plant native to South and Southwest Asia that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.
It produces fruits in the form of huge, inflated capsules with 3-7 united follicles and numerous small, black seeds within each one.
Black cumin's medicinal properties are also well-known. Did you know, however, that these tiny black seeds can also help you lose weight?
Several studies have concluded that kalonji has many health and medicinal benefits and that it can also be used as a natural weight loss supplement.
Health benefiting properties of Kalonji Seeds:
Nigellane, thymoquinone, protein, essential fatty acids (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and stearic acid), and amino acids are all abundant in kalonji seeds. Vaporous oils, saponins, and alkaloids are also present.
Nutritional values Of Kalonji seeds per 100 gms is, calories 375kcal, protein 17.81 g, total fat 22.27g, saturated fat 1.5g, monounsaturated fat 14.04g, polyunsaturated fat 3.27g, carbohydrate 44.24g, fibre 10.5g, sugars 2.25g, sodium 168mg, calcium 931mg, phosphorus 499mg, iron 66.36mg, potassium 1788mg, vitamin A 64IU, vitamin C 7.7 mg, vitamin E 3.33mg, vitamin K 5.4mcg. (USDA)
Health Benefits & Uses of Kalonji Seeds for Weight Loss:
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Improves Memory
When combined with honey, kalonji seeds are said to improve intelligence. Consume it on an empty stomach on a normal basis to improve brain function.
It is very beneficial for the elderly to boost their poor memory. As a result, it keeps your brain safe while still keeping you fit.
It is advised to consume Kalonji seeds with mint leaves to improve memory and avoid neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Reduces Sugar Levels
Increased appetite, fatigue, and trouble focusing are only a few of the detrimental effects of high blood sugar.
According to some evidence, kalonji can help keep blood sugar levels stable, preventing these dangerous side effects.
Supplementing with kalonji increased fasting and average blood sugar levels, according to a study of seven studies.
Another study of 94 people showed that taking kalonji twice a day for three months decreased fasting blood sugar, average blood sugar, and insulin levels, resulting in weight loss.
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Controls Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like material that can be found all over the body. Although some cholesterol is necessary, excessive levels can build up in the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease.
Kalonji has been shown to be particularly helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol also helps you stay fit and stable.
Supplementing with kalonji was linked to substantial reductions in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides, according to a study of 17 studies.
It was also discovered that kalonji seed powder had a greater effect than kalonji oil.
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Easy to Add to Daily Routine
You can incorporate kalonji into your diet in a number of ways. It is commonly found in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines and has a bitter taste that is defined as a cross between oregano and onions.
It is normally lightly toasted before being ground or used whole in bread or curry dishes to add flavour.
The seeds may also be eaten raw or mixed with honey or water. They are also good in oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt.
These meals are nutritious and fill you up for a long time, allowing you to maintain a healthy weight.
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Good Heart Health
Kalonji contains plant compounds that can help heart health in addition to its promising weight loss benefits.
In people with obesity based on body mass index, kalonji powder and oil supplements significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation and heart disease risk, according to a study of five RCTs (BMI).
The herb's beneficial effects on blood pressure and blood fat levels can also minimize the risk of heart disease.
These results indicate that kalonji can be beneficial to heart health in a number of ways.
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Antioxidants Packed
Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Antioxidants have been shown in studies to have a significant impact on health and disease.
Antioxidants can, in fact, protect against a variety of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, according to some studies.
Kalonji's potent antioxidant properties are attributed to many compounds present in the plant, including thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole, and 4-terpineol.
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Bacteria Free
Bacteria that cause disease are responsible for a wide range of infections, from ear infections to pneumonia.
According to some test-tube tests, kalonji can have antibacterial properties and be effective against certain bacteria strains. In over half of the samples, Kalonji killed the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner.
Kalonji has been shown in a number of other test-tube experiments to help inhibit the growth of MRSA and a variety of other bacteria strains.
However, human studies are small, and further research is required to see how kalonji affects various bacteria strains in the body.
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Prevents Liver Damage
The liver is an extremely vital organ. Toxins are removed, drugs are metabolized, nutrients are processed, and proteins and chemicals necessary for health are generated.
Kalonji lowers the chemical's toxicity and protects the liver and kidneys from damage. This points to a fit and stable lifestyle.
Kalonji's protective effects were due to its antioxidant content and ability to minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, according to a study. However, more research is required to see how kalonji affects liver health.
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Assists in Weight Loss
It is thought that the active ingredients in kalonji seeds help people lose weight by influencing the expression of genes involved in appetite regulation and fat loss.
While kalonji is unlikely to help you lose weight on its own, it can help you lose weight when combined with a low-calorie diet.
It is thought to assist in successful weight loss. To lose weight, mix powdered kalonji seeds with warm water, honey, and lemon and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Side-Effects of Kalonji Seeds for Weight Loss:
There are many benefits of kalonji seeds, but simultaneously there are some side effects too.
Some words of caution have been informed by the researchers. They are as follows:
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Too many kalonji seeds in one sitting can cause digestive problems.
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They have a tendency to increase the Pitta factor in the body.
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It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating mothers.
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It may produce excessive heat in your body.
Conclusion:
It is, without a doubt, one of nature's most potent medicinal ingredients. It can not only assist you in losing those extra pounds, but it can also encourage a healthy lifestyle in general.
It is by far the cheapest and most reliable method of getting in shape. So get ready to add some spice to your weight-loss and healthy-living journey.
Hope you liked the benefits and uses of Kalonji Seeds for weight loss. 🙏