Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Black Seed Oil

This ingredient has been around for more than just a couple years.

In the midst of bone broth, “raw” water, and collagen chatter, you may have heard talks of another alleged superfood currently trending in the health food sphere: black seed oil.

The substance was identified as a top 10 natural foods trend in 2018 by Natural Grocers, which touted its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. But what exactly is black seed oil, is it really that good for you, how are you supposed to consume this dark, mysterious liquid?

Eating healthy should still be delicious.

Here, three nutrition experts help us dissect the trend.

What exactly black seed oil is

Black seed—also called black caraway, black cumin, black onion seed and kalonji—comes from Nigella sativa, a flowering shrub that grows in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It contains chemical compounds called thymoquinone and caryophyllene that have been linked to certain health benefits, explains Stephanie Ferrari, a Massachusetts-based registered dietitian.

The substance has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In fact, historians believe that King Tut, Cleopatra, and Hippocrates ingested black seed for an array of conditions, including malaise, weakness, coughing and skin care.

In recent years, black seed oil (a liquid version of black seed) has gained popularity in the health food sphere as awareness of its purported health benefits spreads.  Here’s what you need to know:

Studies have found potential health benefits

Black seed oil has been used to treat an array of medical conditions, including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, cough, headache, eczema, fever, dizziness and the flu.

In recent decades, scientific studies, primarily in animals, have preliminarily confirmed its potential for treat or mitigating various diseases.

Black seed oil has been linked to improved liver function and prevention of liver damage, liver disease, and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, explains Cate Ritter, a certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner. Plus, its chemical compounds have been shown to provide strong anti-pathogenic and anti-fungal properties.

It may also help improve blood pressure, blood lipids and even fight cancer, says Ferrari.

“There is also evidence that the seed oil is an antioxidant, and may have antibacterial properties when tested under laboratory conditions,” explains Susan Bowerman, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian. As mentioned, though, there are limited human studies to back up the purported benefits of black seed oil, so it’s difficult to draw any hard conclusions on its healing properties (at least, for now.)

It has a strong taste—that isn’t for everyone

Most people find it to be slightly bitter and a bit hot, says Bowerman. Others liken it to the flavor of cumin or oregano.

There are some health caveats

Some people have reported experiencing health-related issues after consuming or using black seed oil, including: dermatitis, rash, itching, blistering, pain, tenderness, low blood pressure and medication interactions, warns Ferrari. “It also has potential for allergic reactions, most commonly hives or gastrointestinal symptoms,” she adds.

What’s more, black seed oil may interfere with the action of certain medications, and it may slow blood clotting, says Bowerman, so you should check with your doctor before trying it out, and add it to your list of home medications.

It should be eaten raw

Black seed oil can be consumed raw, one teaspoon at a time, says Ferrari.

“Avoid heating it to preserve the nutrients,” adds Ritter.

Because of its strong taste, you may want to mix it with honey or lemon juice, Ferrari advises. Just be sure to check and follow the recommended daily dose on the package—most doses will be between 1 and 2 teaspoons.

The oil can also be drizzled on salads like dressings, or mixed into teas, smoothies and coffee (although keep in mind the caveats about its pungent taste).

How to Make Baby Kale Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

This salad is the antidote to an indulgent, holiday food hangover. Crisp greens and bright parsley add much-needed freshness to leftover roasted vegetables, and quinoa as a grain base makes this a filling, protein-packed meal that can stand alone.

For that reason, “it is probably best used in the same way you would use other strongly-flavored oils such as sesame or walnut—which is sparingly, for flavor, rather than as a main cooking oil,” says Bowerman.

A tip on storage: For optimal freshness, keep it in a dark, cool place away from heat and direct sunlight, says Ritter.

Where to find it

You can find black seed oil online, and in health stores and natural food grocers. Certain brands will contain higher levels of the good-for-you chemical compounds (thymoquinone and caryophyllene), so check labels carefully before purchasing. Try Byherbs Black Seed Oil and feel the change in your body today!

 

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