Black cumin: benefits and harm to the body

Black cumin is a type of spice that is used in cooking, cosmetology, and traditional and alternative medicine. The composition contains more than 100 active ingredients, which provides a positive effect on the body and makes the seasoning especially useful. But the benefits and harms of black cumin depend on the quality of the product used, as well as the individual characteristics of the body, the state of the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous system. Particularly careful should be pregnant and lactating women, so as not to provoke the appearance of adverse reactions.

What is cumin and how does it look

Caraway is a representative of the family of biennial umbrella plants. The height is more than 100 centimeters, and the diameter of the inflorescences is from 5 to 8 cm, moreover, they can have different shapes and sizes. Spice blooms in early summer, but only in the second year after planting, you can count on obtaining fruits, since the plant needs more than a year to take root and “take root”, saturated with useful substances from the soil. Caraway belongs to unpretentious plants, so you can easily "make friends" with it.

Resistance to low temperatures allows you to do without additional shelter in the winter season. If you want to grow caraway seeds at home, then you need to choose the sunny side, and carefully fertilize the soil so that the plant receives a maximum of useful substances for the normal development of the root system and stem growth.

Properly grown cumin, which is full of useful substances, can be used for medicinal purposes or as a spice. Seeds and flour from grains are popular.

Kinds

There are several types of caraway seeds, each of which has its own positive and negative qualities that cannot be ignored. Scientists have more than 30 different varieties with their own specific taste and aromatic qualities. But among the varieties there are poisonous grains, so it is strictly forbidden to purchase tinctures and decoctions based on caraway seeds from unverified sellers. There is a high probability of receiving a dangerous product that can cause an allergic reaction and severe poisoning.

Only 2 species are most popular: black (grown in the Altai region, in Eastern Siberia) and ordinary (grown in Western and Eastern Siberia, Kamchatka and Primorye, Belarus, Ukraine, the Caucasus, Crimea). But do not confuse them, because, despite the visual similarity, they have different healing properties, and the methods of their use are different. Black cumin is a specific type that differs from the ordinary, therefore, it must be considered accordingly.

Cumin Buryat
Usually included in complex recipes that are used for diseases of the stomach, spinal cord, neurosis, diarrhea, arthritis, gout, atherosclerosis. Effective with eye ailments as an anthelmintic.

Important! Black cumin has a second name - the Kalingi plant, which is a sowing nigella.

The main benefit of black cumin is in a high concentration of essential oils, which have antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Cancer prevention is a great opportunity to strengthen the immune system, protecting the body from deadly health problems.

Caraway seeds
It is used to treat neurosis, tumors, eye diseases, metabolic disorders, and helps with intoxication of the body. Chinese doctors treat caraway with chronic cholecystitis. Common caraway seeds are used in the food industry, added when cooking herring (spicy and pickled), pickled cabbage, cucumbers, sprats, hamsa, tomatoes.

What is the difference between caraway and zira

Novice cooks or people who take the first steps in mastering the varieties of spices, wonder what the difference is between zira and caraway seeds, since at first glance the products are almost identical. In fact, these are different seeds with their useful and harmful properties, so only an individual examination of each will help to find out the difference.

Zira is a spice in the form of grains of an arched shape of brown color. The plant does not exceed 50 centimeters in height, so it can immediately be distinguished from caraway seeds. In addition to the parameters of the shrub, there are differences in aromatic and gustatory qualities, since zira is a soft and even sweet spice with hazelnut flavor that allows the dish to reveal its taste. Spice is mainly used only in cooking, which, naturally, is inferior to black caraway seeds.

Black caraway is a shrubby spice, the height of which reaches 100-110 centimeters. The sharpness and saturation of smell and taste in combination with burning notes are its main qualities.

In appearance, the grains also differ from each other, because, if you look closely, black cumin has a relief structure that zira does not have, since it has a smooth surface.

Composition and calorie content

Black cumin has become a useful product in the human diet due to the high concentration of amino acids, minerals and vitamins, which comprehensively affect the body, strengthening it. Among the main elements that are in the chemical composition of black cumin, it can be noted:

1. Vitamin B1. Provides good carbohydrate and energy metabolism in the body, establishes metabolism.
2. Vitamin B2. It affects the skin at the cellular level, improves the functioning of the organs of vision and hearing, mucous membranes, as it neutralizes possible inflammation.
3. Vitamin B6. It strengthens the immune system, accelerates the metabolism, due to which toxins and toxins are removed from the digestive system and intestines, the blood composition improves, it is saturated with oxygen and useful substances.
4. Vitamin C. Supports immunity, has a cold and anti-inflammatory effect. The substance takes part in the absorption of iron, therefore, a decrease in immunity is excluded, which is important for normal health.
5. Vitamin E. Regulates the work of the unproductive system, adjusting its functions. Strengthens the heart muscle, and due to the powerful antioxidant effect, cleanses the liver and kidneys. Free radicals are removed from the body, which significantly improves the state of health.
6. Vitamin PP It positively affects the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, relieves inflammation and has a general healing effect. Improves the energy balance in the body, which creates a feeling of stamina and physical stamina.
7. Copper. The chemical element is extremely important for the normal functioning of the circulatory system, as it is saturated with oxygen, which improves the functioning of all organs.
8. Manganese. The substance takes part in the synthesis of enzymes and amino acids, therefore, the carbohydrate balance of the body is maintained.
9. Selenium. The main advantages of this enzyme is the immunomodulating property, which is extremely important for the normal functioning of the body.

Properly selected black caraway seeds can enhance overall health, which is considered an important medical advantage.

Useful properties of black cumin

General benefit

Black cumin is a spice that has a lot of useful properties, but in order to avoid a side reaction, you need to individually consider how it affects the male, female and children's body. But we can say with full confidence that black cumin helps for preventive and therapeutic purposes in such cases:

1. The digestive system is normalized due to the active secretion of gastric enzymes.
2. Colds are prevented, as the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help strengthen the immune system.
3. Reproductive system problems are eliminated, because blood circulation in the pelvic organs is normalized, which has an anti-inflammatory effect for female and male genital organs. For girls, the product is also useful due to the removal of menstrual pain.
4. Ophthalmic diseases are prevented, which is proved by the addition of black cumin extract to the eye preparations.
5. Cosmetic problems are eliminated, because there is a direct effect on the state of the nail plate and skin. Eliminates bad breath due to antibacterial effects.
6. The appearance of edema is prevented, as the water balance in the body is normalized.

Black cumin has such a wide range of useful qualities due to the fact that it has a complex effect on the functioning of the immune system, increasing its durability and performance.

For women

1. The main benefit of black cumin for women is its universality in the cosmetological plan, as it has a general strengthening and analgesic effect, and a natural composition in which a high concentration of essential oils makes it possible to improve the appearance.
2. Menstrual pain is relieved, because the production of sex hormones is stabilized, the work of the reproductive system, which is responsible for the subsequent opportunity to become pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby, is regulated.
3. Regular use of black cumin in food helps prevent hair loss, making it softer, shinier and “fresher”.

For men

Spice has a positive effect on the reproductive and genitourinary system of the stronger sex, so often black cumin is used to treat infertility, disorders in the functioning of the genitals. It has been laboratory-proven that the stable use of black cumin in the diet has a positive effect on sperm quality, as testosterone production is normalized.

During pregnancy

Black cumin during pregnancy can be used to prevent stretch marks, since the oil extract from the spice has anti-inflammatory qualities. This is extremely useful for normalizing blood circulation, so the skin does not stretch, but always remains in good shape.

As for the use of seeds in the diet, this is a useful antioxidant and restorative remedy, so the future mother's body is strengthened, which is important for the prevention of various diseases. But it is important to remember that the seeds are difficult to absorb by the body, so in order to avoid upset the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to drink them with plenty of water, low-fat kefir or yogurt. But it is important to consult a doctor, as individual intolerance is possible, which can lead to uterine contraction followed by bleeding and a high probability of miscarriage.

When breastfeeding

Seeds of black caraway seeds can increase the level of lactation, only it is not recommended to consume whole grains, they can provoke an adverse reaction in the form of the appearance of bitterness in breast milk.

It is recommended to brew decoctions, which will be light in taste and very useful for the body. But it is important to constantly monitor the condition of the child, since each organism individually reacts even to the most familiar products, so you should not neglect the first “bells”, if any.

For kids

There is not a single laboratory and scientific evidence of exactly how black cumin affects a child’s body, therefore it is recommended to use it only as a decoction to avoid direct exposure.

1. A decoction favorably affects the work of the respiratory tract (eliminates bronchitis and asthma), the digestive system (strengthens the stomach) and the brain.
2. Baths based on such a decoction will be useful for treating scabies and rashes of an allergic nature, because the anti-inflammatory properties are extremely beneficial for the baby's skin.

How to take black cumin seeds when losing weight

Black cumin is a popular product for weight loss, its saturation with useful vitamins and minerals helps to strengthen the body, preventing weight gain. An important quality is the fact that cumin cleanses the body, so you can count on the removal of toxins and toxins.

Among the positive qualities of spices during weight loss can be identified:

1. Diuretic properties allow you to remove fluid from the body, which prevents the appearance of edema.
2. Metabolism is activated, which is extremely important when losing weight (following a diet).
3. Slags are removed, which improves the condition of the skin and the general condition of the body.
4. Regenerating properties allow you to renew the skin, have a complex effect on cellulite, smoothing it and preventing re-appearance.

As for the rules for taking black cumin when losing weight, here it is worth considering the following rules:

1. 2 teaspoons of seeds pour 0.5 liters of water and leave on a steam bath for 10-12 minutes. The broth is decanted and used at 100 mg 40-60 minutes before a meal. So the body prepares for food and stimulates the production of gastric juice for normal subsequent excretion of waste products.
2. Flour from black cumin seeds starts the digestive tract and stimulates metabolism, which will allow you to control weight. It is enough to take 1 teaspoon of flour once a day.
3. Black cumin oil is suitable for rubbing the skin, since an excellent moisturizing effect improves the condition of tissues. This way it is easier to deal with problem areas.

Black cumin in medicine

Black cumin is actively used in medicine as a natural therapeutic agent, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the effect of the product on a particular problem from the beginning to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions. An important quality is the fact that black cumin is a universal product that is used not only in nutrition, but also as tinctures, decoctions for rubbing and lotions, which expands the range of possibilities.

With diabetes

It is scientifically proven that black cumin helps to normalize blood sugar levels, so with regular use of seeds in an amount of not more than 2 grams per day, you can lower the glucose level. But it is important to initially consult with your doctor, since each type of diabetes has its own flow characteristics, so a particularly careful approach to the preparation of the diet is important.

Important: the glycemic index of black caraway seeds is 5 units.

With pancreatitis

On the positive side, black cumin oil has proven itself in the treatment of pancreatitis, since a mild effect on the pancreas provides relief from inflammation, thereby improving the general condition of the body. Among the important positive qualities include:

1. Removal of the inflammatory syndrome.
2. Improving appetite.
3. Providing a light diuretic and choleretic effect for cleaning the pancreas and gall bladder.

But it is important to consider that during an exacerbation of the disease, nutrition should be as sparing as possible, therefore medications of traditional and alternative medicine should be carefully selected.

With gastritis

Black cumin in the form of grains and oil perfectly relieves inflammation and provides an antioxidant effect, therefore, in the treatment of gastritis, the drug has proven itself on the positive side. In some cases, the oil will be more sparing for the stomach than the seeds. But it is important to consider that there is a likelihood of irritation, therefore, an initial consultation with the doctor is required.

For the intestines

Seeds of black cumin in the composition have amino acids and chemical elements that contribute to the production of gastric enzymes, which strengthens the general condition of the body, prevents the appearance of inflammation. The intestines are cleansed of toxins and toxins, so lightness and comfort are felt. Not only seeds are suitable, but also flour or butter.

For constipation

A mild laxative effect eliminates constipation, as waste products more easily pass through the intestines, eliminating the appearance of irritations and concomitant inflammations. This can be considered an important advantage. An additional quality of the product is considered to be the ability to strengthen the intestinal wall, so in the future the problem of constipation will practically disappear.

For the liver

The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body, therefore, large loads are placed on it. This is a kind of filter that allows you to improve the composition of the blood, having an overall positive effect on the body. An important property is also the fact that for normal functioning requires constant cleaning of the body of bile to prevent the occurrence of complications and concomitant diseases. Oil from black caraway seeds allows you to relieve inflammation and establish the flow of bile, removing it from the body without harm to humans.

With hemorrhoids

For the treatment of hemorrhoids based on black caraway seeds, you can create a special cream, for the preparation of which you will need 30 grams of seeds, which are pre-fried and ground. The workpiece is mixed with 15 grams of black cumin oil. The resulting mixture ideally relieves inflammation and has an antibacterial effect, so with regular use you can not only relieve pain, but also completely get rid of the problem.

Important! The tool should be used for 3-4 weeks to avoid relapse.

Recipes of traditional medicine based on black cumin

Traditional medicine is rich in recipes for the use of natural black cumin for the prevention and treatment of diseases of a different nature. You can highlight these most popular and effective means for the body:

Restorative

To do this, you need to drink an infusion of 4-5 grains of black cumin daily, as this normalizes the circulatory system, strengthens the immune system and improves the general condition of the body.

Rheumatism treatment

To do this, heat the seeds of black caraway seeds in a pan and spread them evenly on a gauze dressing, which is folded in the form of a compress and used to warm the affected area. Sometimes you can use flour, preheated and slightly dried in a pan or in the oven.

With a cold

To prepare the tincture, you need 2 teaspoons of seeds, which are poured with 1 cup of boiled water for 2 hours, after which they drink the drug in 1/4 part for half an hour before eating. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property helps to strengthen the immune system, so the body is easier to cope with colds and infectious diseases.

Black cumin in cosmetology

Cosmetology is another industry where black cumin is used in different variations: in grains, in the form of flour or oil. Oil is considered to be the most popular, as it has a soft enveloping effect, so working with it is much easier. On its basis, masks are created for the face and hair.

For face

To care for problem and inflamed skin, you need to use the following ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon black cumin oil.
• Almond or olive oil - a couple of drops.

Mix well and apply on face skin for an hour, then rinse with warm water. If desired, you can apply a nourishing cream to moisturize the skin.

For hair

Masks based on black cumin oil are ideal for eliminating dryness and brittleness, so their regular use can emphasize the attractiveness of curls.

To prepare the product, you need 1 tablespoon of black cumin oil and exactly the same amount of olive. After mixing, rub the oily mixture into the hair roots and leave for literally 15 minutes to absorb into the skin. Wash off with shampoo and warm water. In order to avoid excessive oily hair, you can use such a mask no more than twice a week.

The use of black cumin in cosmetology is high, as evidenced by the mass of recipes and positive feedback from girls. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully choose the recipe in order to get the desired effect of restoring the skin and hair.

The use of black cumin seeds in cooking

Black cumin is a natural spice that is actively used in cooking due to its excellent taste, aroma and positive effect on the human body. Such seasoning can be used for the following dishes, saturating their taste:

• Bakery products and various salty baked goods.
• Canned blanks for the winter.
• Soups and broths.
• Homemade cheeses for spice and aroma.
• As a complement to meat dishes and fish and create a sophisticated aroma.

An important advantage of this spice is that it reacts steadily to high temperatures, so its benefits and nutritional value are preserved even during heat treatment.

Black cumin flour: benefits and applications

Black cumin flour is obtained by grinding seeds to obtain a uniform structure. Saturation with amino acids and beneficial substances provides such benefits when consumed:

1. Lowers blood sugar.
2. Blood circulation is normalized.
3. Anemia improves.
4. Helminths are expelled from the body.
5. Dermatological problems (acne and acne) pass.
6. The work of the heart, circulatory and genitourinary system improves, the appearance of stones in the kidneys and ureter is prevented.
7. The hemoglobin level in the blood rises, which prevents the occurrence of anemia.
8. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, so it is easier for a person to cope with stressful situations.
9. The skin color and its structure improves, so that you can become more attractive.
10. Immunity increases, so the body is much easier to cope with colds and viral diseases.

But to get maximum efficiency, you need to use black cumin flour correctly, adhering to the following recommendations:

1. 100 ml of warm boiled water are taken per 1 teaspoon of black cumin flour.
2. 1 tablespoon of honey is added to the tincture, the whole mixture is thoroughly mixed to obtain a homogeneous product.
3. You need to take the mixture 2 times a day (ideally in the morning and evening) half an hour before a meal.

But it is important to remember that the product has its contraindications, so it is best to consult a doctor first in order to avoid an adverse reaction of the body.

What is useful black cumin oil

Black cumin oil is a vitamin remedy that is actively used in traditional medicine, since it is almost impossible to overestimate its benefits. There are different ways to use the product, but you can comprehensively count on such useful qualities:

1. It turns out a light diuretic effect, therefore, the appearance of edema and malfunction of the urinary system is prevented.
2. The inflammation in the stomach and digestive system is eliminated.
3. A good muscular system is formed, as lactic acid liquefies, which leads to "clogging" of the muscles.
4. The condition of the skin and hair is improving.
5. Metabolism is accelerated, toxins are eliminated, fermentation in the intestinal cavity is prevented.

Harm and contraindications

The main harm of the presented spice is the high likelihood of a rash and swelling of the nasopharynx, allergic reactions are also often manifested. As a rule, a similar reaction is present when neglecting such contraindications:

1. Earlier organ transplant operations, because black cumin essential oils can provoke rejection.
2. Diabetes in an advanced stage.
3. Digestive system diseases in the acute stage.
4. Coronary heart disease in the form of a heart attack and stroke.
5. Difficult pregnancy.

It is also recommended to use the product with extreme care with hypotension, since spice can lower blood pressure, thereby worsening well-being.

How to choose and store black cumin

Black cumin is a year-round spice that has a long shelf life, so you can always get it depending on your preferences and needs. But when choosing, you need to consider some rules in order not to encounter a low-quality product.

1. The first is the aroma, which should be bright pepper or tart, as this is an ideal sign of a quality product.
2. It is best to give preference to seeds, because they retain all the useful micro and macro elements, and if necessary, they can be ground into powder. Also, when buying grains, it is easier to avoid fakes, because you can visually assess the quality of the spice.

Seeds can be stored for no more than a year, and flour or powder for six months.

How to brew black cumin

A popular way to use black cumin is considered to be brewing tea based on it. But to get the taste and rich benefits you need to properly brew the seeds, and for this it is worth considering some recommendations.

First you need to grind the seeds into flour for convenient brewing. After which, pour a lot of water in a small amount of water and leave alone for 8-12 minutes for insisting. Then pour the drink through a sieve into another bowl and cool. Use such tea leaves can be no more than 24 hours. You can drink alternative tea only after eating 2 times a day, adding a spoonful of honey if you wish, to sweeten the taste and make the tea party more enjoyable, because not everyone likes such a concentrated drink due to the sharp aroma.

Interesting facts about caraway seeds

Black cumin is a spice that is popular literally around the world, so it has a rich history and interesting facts:

1. Cumin is used in canning not only for flavor, but also to extend the shelf life of preservation, since the spice slows down the fermentation process and reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew.
2. Ancestors used caraway seeds to fumigate the territory to protect their homes from the evil eye and damage.
3. The plant was one of William Shakespeare's favorites, so he described it in the play A Midsummer Night's Dream.
4. Cumin better reveals its taste during heat treatment, so before serving with meat or fish, it is better to warm the grains in a pan.

Black cumin is a unique product belonging to the group of spices, as it can be used in cooking, cosmetology, and even medicine. But talking about the benefits is possible only with the right choice and use, because there are a lot of nuances that can not be ignored. The final product quality and safety depend on them, and unscrupulous manufacturers often violate the storage conditions of the product.

Photo of black caraway seeds