KALONJI / NIGELLA SEEDS
Kalonji or nigella seed is known by different names all over the world. In English, it is called samal fennel. Kalonji has multiple names in various languages too. While it is called ell or karun jeeragam in Malayalam, it is known as kalonji in Urdu.
The botanical name for kalonji is Nigella sativa and it comes from an evergreen plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. One of the most valued medicinal seeds, kalonji acts a good flavouring agent in dishes as well. It is a very important component of curry masala and garam masala. The bitter note in the aroma of pickles is because of the presence of Nigella seeds in them. It is used as a flavoring agent in many popular Indian dishes like kadhi, samosa, kachori etc.
Kalonji can be used in different forms like kalonji oil, roasted seeds, raw seeds, etc. Although they taste bitter when eaten raw, when added to dishes, kalonji seeds tend to enhance their flavour. Kalonji has a sharp and slightly bitter flavour and a spicy-sweet aroma. It is available in three colours, that is, yellowishorange, white and black.
Native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia, Nigella is cultivated in many countries in the world like the Pakistan, Middle East, Mediterranean region, South Europe, India, Syria, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Kalonji seeds and kalonji oil have been widely used for centuries in the our traditional medical systems like Unani and is also recommended in the Tibb-e-Nabwi(Prophetic Medicine). Kalonji is known to be very helpful in reducing cholesterol and it helps in keeping the body fit. Additionally, it acts as a natural remedy for many health problems like reducing high blood pressure, curing heart problems and even skin problems and allergies.
KALONJI / NIGELLA SEEDS
Nutrition Table
Saturated Fatty Acid
Carbohydrate
Dietary Fiber
Energy
Fat
Protein
Sugar
Sodium
– 0%
– 52%
– 39.7g / 100g
– 345 kcal / 100g
– 24%
– 31%
–
– 0 mg / kg
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contribute to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
PACKAGING QUANTITIES
FAMILY
BOTANICAL NAME
COMMON NAME
–RANUNCULACEAE
–NIGELLA SATIVA
–KALONJI / NIGELLA SEEDS
Adult reference intake per each 1g of portion of kalonji seeds contains :
Energy
14.44 kj
3.45 kcal
<1%
Fat
0.15g
<1%
Saturates
0.0g
<1%
Sugar
0.00g
<1%
Salt
0.00g
<1%
Typical values per 100g:
Energy 345.00 kcal 1444.0 kj
HEALTH BENEFITS
For weight loss:
Kalonji seeds help to reduce body weight and waist circumferences by functioning as an antioxidant.
For the skin:
Since kalonji has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, its oil can be used against skin conditions like acne, blemishes and scars.
For cough and cold:
Kalonji seeds are effective against cough and cold when taken in the form of a decoction with warm water and honey. Smelling some seeds wrapped in a muslin cloth can help to relieve cold and mucus buildup in the nose.
For pain:
Kalonji seeds possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which allows it to function as a natural painkiller. It helps to relieve pain, swelling and headaches.
For the liver:
The antioxidant properties of kalonji help to reduce injury to the liver and also prevents infections.
For the heart:
The use of kalonji helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels and thus helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Against cancer:
Due to their antioxidant properties, kalonji seeds are useful in warding off cancerous growth by functioning against tumour initiation and growth. It even helps in reducing metastasis (the spread of cancerous growth to distant sites).
Kalonji for cough and cold
In case of a cold, kalonji seeds can be consumed by making a decoction with warm water and honey. Taking this decoction twice a day is said to help in killing the bacteria responsible for cough and cold. Kalonji is a bronchodilator and it possesses antimicrobial, anti-allergic and analgesic (pain relieving) properties as well. It has been reported to be resistant to harmful bacteria and viruses that attack the body. Kalonji seeds can be roasted and tied in a muslin bag and smelt repeatedly to relieve cold and catarrh of the nose (buildup of mucus in the nose).
kalonji as an antioxidant
One of the most important components in kalonji is thymoquinone, which has been found to possess some antioxidant properties. Animal studies demonstrate that the antioxidant components of kalonji make it very effective against tissue damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (return of blood in a tissue after a prolonged absence of oxygen.
Kalonji benefits for brain
Recent studies have highlighted the role of flavonoids in improving one’s neurological health. Kalonji is a rich source of flavonoids. It is said to be helpful in boosting one’s memorizing ability. It is especially helpful for elderly people as memory power tends to weaken with age. It also improves concentration and acts as a cure for many brain-related problems. Several animal and human-based studies suggest that regular consumption of Nigella seeds can increase the retention power of the brain.
Kalonji reduces pain
Traditionally, kalonji is known to be a natural painkiller. It can relieve pain quickly without showing any side-effects. Extensive research has been conducted on Kalonji which shows that kalonji has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve pain and swelling in the body. To get rid of a headache, kalonji seed oil can be applied on the forehead. Kalonji oil can also be used to cure joint pains caused by arthritis.
Kalonji for weight loss
Studies suggest that ingestion of kalonji seeds can lead to a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, as well as waist and hip circumference. Additionally, kalonji contains an antioxidant enzyme, nigellone, which shows anti-obesity properties.
Kalonji benefits for liver
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are known to be the major causes of liver injury. Thymoquinone, the main component present in kalonji seed essential oil, protects the liver from injury. Kalonji also protects the liver from common microbial infections. Consuming kalonji with a spoon of honey helps strengthen vital organs and the bones.
Kalonji benefits for skin
Traditionally, kalonji is considered very useful for maintaining clear and glowing skin. Kalonji essential oil contains many useful chemical constituents such as thymoquinone, thymol, nigellicine, carvacrol, and alpha-hederin. These compounds impart antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties to Nigella seeds. Nigella seeds are thus beneficial against several skin problems like acne, scars, blemishes, pimples, etc. Adding kalonji oil to face packs or mixing it with lime juice makes the face feel fresh and relaxed.
Kalonji for cancer
Kalonji is considered to be a “miracle” herb due to its effective therapeutic potential to alleviate signs and symptoms of many diseases including cancer. Studies have shown protective effects of Nigella seeds against tumour initiation and progression. It has also been found to have potent anti-metastatic (stops spread of cancer cells), anti-mutagenic (reduces cancer risk) and antiproliferative (inhibit cancer growth) properties that help to fight cancer.
Kalonji benefits for heart
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle gets blocked. The main cause of this is the increased triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the body. These fatty particles travel through the blood and can stick to the arterial walls causing obstructions and resulting in various cardiovascular problems. Kalonji seeds are said to be very good for the heart as it helps in controlling cholesterol levels in the body. Thus protecting it from various kinds of problems like heart attacks and blocked arteries.To get best results, kalonji oil can be had with milk every day.
Other benefits of Kalonji seeds
Kalonji aids in improving overall health by regulating the functioning of the heart, liver, and lungs. It is also useful in treating asthma. Kalonji oil is effective against hay fever and other kinds of allergies. Honey and kalonji form a very good combination in treating several diseases like – gastric Helicobacter pylori infection, cough and cold, constipation, absent-mindedness and lung problems. It can also be mixed with goat’s milk to improve heart functioning.
Kalonji (Nigella seeds) side effects
Kalonji is an excellent flavouring agent in dishes, and it is safe for most people. When taken in small quantities, kalonji doesn’t pose any side effects. But, in certain cases, it does have some side effects.
When taken in large amounts, it can lead to low blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which pose a risk to lives.
Research says that intake of kalonji can stimulate uterine contractions. Ingesting large doses cause abortion. When eaten regularly or consumed in excess, it may affect the health of the foetus. So, pregnant women are suggested to avoid kalonji.
It is suggested that one should not take kalonji if they have undergone any surgeries or are planning to undergo any. As it can pose a risk of bleeding and might hinder the healing process.
If you are suffering from gastritis or have a sensitive stomach, it is best to stay away from Nigella seeds as it may increase the burning sensation in the stomach.
Nigella seeds have a warming effect on the body. People with Pitta body type, who cannot tolerate heat and spiciness may find it difficult to use this spice.