In recent years, the popularity of black seed oil emerged as people continue to look for “superfoods” to treat different health conditions. Reports claimed that people had been using the liquid derived from Nigella sativa seeds since 2000 years ago. Archeologists even found it in different excavation sites in Egypt, including the tomb of Tutankhamon. It is also one of the traditional medicines used in India and the Middle East for decades. Due to the claims regarding its uses, health-conscious individuals started to buy black seed oil for consumption. They use it to cure certain ailments and medical conditions naturally.
While research about the health benefits of the black seed oil is currently limited, several science-backed pieces of evidence could prove its efficiency in treating various diseases. Take a look at these studies to help you determine if you need to buy black seed oil immediately.
- For Allergies And Nasal Inflammation
A previous study published by the American Journal of Otolaryngology in 2011 showed the promising benefits of the usage of black seed oil to treat allergies. The substance can reduce nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, and runny nose after two weeks of use, based on the study.
Another study released in 2018 found out that black seed oil has the potential to treat sinusitis due to its analgesic, antihistamine, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulator effects. It means that it can reduce the symptoms of sinusitis, including nasal congestion, neck pain, headache, toothache, and pain in the ear.
- For Asthma
One of the most prevalent reasons why more people are starting to buy black seed oil is its alleged ability to treat asthma. Based on several preliminary research, the claims regarding this potential health benefit may be valid.
Previous studies like the one published in Phytotherapy Research journal in 2017 discovered that asthma patients who consumed black seed oil capsules encountered significant improvements. It was effective when compared to those who took placebo pills.
- For Obesity
Another study claimed that black seed oil consumption could help reduce the risk factors in obese women.
The researchers asked the respondents to take black seed oil or a placebo while on a strict low-calorie diet for two months. At the end of the study, the research team measured the respondents’ weight, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels. They found out that those who took the black seed oil showed a more significant decrease in their measurements.
Another study combined black seed oil consumption with aerobic exercise in overweight women with a sedentary lifestyle. The researchers discovered that this combination could help lower cholesterol levels.
- For Diabetes
Several studies tried to find out how black seeds can help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. One showed that using two grams of crushed whole black seeds per day resulted in rapidly reducing blood sugar levels and hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels after two to three months of continuous usage.
However, another study shows that diabetic adults who took 1.5ml and 3ml of black seed oil per day for 20 days saw a significant decrease in their HbA1c levels than those who took a placebo.
These given examples are just a few of the health benefits of using black seed oil proven by science. More research could be required to ensure that this ancient superfood can really do wonders to a person’s health.