Kalonji (black seed): nutrition and immunity benefits

Remember the little black seeds popping in oil when we start curry preparation? Also called Black cumin (Nigella sativa). A bioactive in it called thymoquinone can boost your immunity and help with allergies.The term "Immunity" means the ability of the body to ward off infections. Strong immunity results in less sickness. This is usually measured by the body's count or activity of immune cells.A type of white blood cell, Macrophages surround, kill, and remove dead microorganisms and stimulate the action of other immune system cells.Black seed has been shown to improve the working ability of macrophages. [1]Oral intake of crushed seeds powder ranging from 0.5-4g has shown medicinal properties. [2]It has been considered a 'remedy for all diseases except death.' 50-60% of the seed comprises linoleic acid, i.e., 0.4-2.5% of total seed weight. [3]

• It has vitamin B1 at 831 mcg/100g dry weight.
• Vitamin B2 at 63 mcg/100g dry weight.
• Vitamin B6 at 789 mcg/100g dry weight.
• Niacin at 6,311 mcg/100g dry weight.
• Vitamin E at 340-361 mcg/100g dry weight. [4].

It's also effective in allergic rhinitis and has an anti-asthmatic effect [5] due to its bronchodilatory properties. [6]Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis [7] and hepatitis C. [8]Black seeds can fight bacterial infections like helicobacter pylori. [9]This can easily be an addition to your everyday meal!

References

1. 1. Işik H, Cevikbaş A, Gürer US, Kiran B, Uresin Y, Rayaman P, Rayaman E, Gürbüz B, Büyüköztürk S. Potential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients. Med Princ Pract. 2010;19(3):206-11. doi: 10.1159/000285289. Epub 2010 Mar 29. PMID: 20357504.
2. 2. Qidwai W, Hamza HB, Qureshi R, Gilani A. Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Jun;15(6):639-44. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0367. PMID: 19500003.
3. 3. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan SA, Najmi AK, Siddique NA, Damanhouri ZA, Anwar F. A review on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 May;3(5):337-52. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1. PMID: 23646296; PMCID: PMC3642442.
4. 4. Nergiz, C., & Ötleş, S. (1993). Chemical composition of Nigella sativa L. seeds. Food chemistry, 48(3), 259-261.
5. 5. Boskabady MH, Javan H, Sajady M, Rakhshandeh H. The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patients. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Oct;21(5):559-66. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2007.00509.x. Erratum in: Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Feb;22(1):105. PMID: 17868210.
6. 6. Keyhanmanesh R, Bagban H, Nazemieh H, Mirzaei Bavil F, Alipour MR. The main relaxant constituents of Nigella sativa methanolic fraction on Guinea pig tracheal chains. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013 May 15;12(2):136-43. PMID: 23754352.
7. 7. Gheita TA, Kenawy SA. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo controlled study. Phytother Res. 2012 Aug;26(8):1246-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3679. Epub 2011 Dec 12. PMID: 22162258.
8. 8. Barakat EM, El Wakeel LM, Hagag RS. Effects of Nigella sativa on outcome of hepatitis C in Egypt. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Apr 28;19(16):2529-36. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i16.2529. PMID: 23674855; PMCID: PMC3646144.
9. 9. O'Mahony R, Al-Khtheeri H, Weerasekera D, Fernando N, Vaira D, Holton J, Basset C. Bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of culinary and medicinal plants against Helicobacter pylori. World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Dec 21;11(47):7499-507. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i47.7499. PMID: 16437723; PMCID: PMC4725184.