CategoriesPlants and Active Ingredients Guide

Nigella : Benefits, origin, use as a food supplement

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Nigelle : Bienfaits, origine, utilisation en complément alimentaire

Benefits of black cumin

Nigella, also known as black cumin or habba sawda in Arabic, is a plant native to south-west Asia that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its many therapeutic properties. Its small black seeds contain a large number of elements that are beneficial to health, making it a very popular food supplement in many cultures around the world.

Origin of Nigella

Nigella comes from the Nigella sativa plant, an annual of the buttercup family. It is widely cultivated in the hot, arid regions of the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. This plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and produces small white or blue flowers followed by capsules containing the Nigella seeds.

The plant was first used by the ancient Egyptians, who considered it a sacred plant. It was also highly prized in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for its curative properties. Today, Nigella is widely used in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine for its powerful, spicy flavour.

Use as a food supplement

Nigella seeds are rich in essential nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. They also contain beneficial phytochemicals such as thymoquinone, nigellone and carvacrol.

Because of its unique nutritional composition, Nigella has become an ingredient of choice in many dietary supplements and wellness products. It is generally consumed in the form of Nigella seed oil capsules or Nigella seed powder, taken as a dietary supplement to support health and prevent disease.

Main benefits of Nigella

Nigella has a multitude of health benefits, including the following:

1. Immune system support

Nigella is renowned for its ability to boost the immune system due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The thymoquinone present in Nigella seeds has been shown to have beneficial effects on moderating the body's inflammatory response, helping to fight infection and disease.

2. Anti-allergic properties

Nigella seeds are also effective against seasonal and food allergies because of their ability to inhibit the production of histamine, an agent responsible for allergic symptoms. In addition, the antioxidants present in Nigella help to reduce inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract, which can relieve the symptoms of asthma and sinusitis.

3. Improving digestive health

Nigella is beneficial for digestive problems such as bloating, cramps and stomach upsets due to its anti-parasitic and antibacterial properties. It can also help regulate intestinal transit and relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Prevention of heart disease

Nigella is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. It can also help maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

5. Anti-ageing effects

The antioxidants present in Nigella help to combat the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin ageing. They also help preserve the health of cells and tissues, which can slow down the ageing process.

How to use Nigella as a dietary supplement?

Nigella can be consumed in various forms as a dietary supplement:

  • Nigella seed oil: can be used in food as a seasoning or taken orally.
  • Nigella seeds: they can be ground and added to food or eaten directly by swallowing them with water.
  • Capsules of Nigella seed powder: these are commercially available and can easily be taken as a daily food supplement.

It is advisable to follow the instructions on the packaging or to consult a health professional before starting a treatment based on Nigella as a dietary supplement.

Warnings and precautions

Although Nigella is considered safe for consumption, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended dose. Pregnant and breast-feeding women, as well as people undergoing medical treatment, should consult their doctor before taking Nigella as a dietary supplement.

In conclusion

Nigella is a natural food supplement with health benefits that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures. Its therapeutic benefits make it a popular ingredient in food supplements and wellness products. However, it is important to consult a health professional before starting any treatment based on Nigella to avoid any health risks.

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