Are you struggling to lose weight despite all your efforts? Black seed oil weight loss is your one-stop solution.
Scenario: You are following a healthy diet, hydrating yourself, and exercising regularly. However, you also find yourself constantly craving snacks. You turn to Google for solutions. It leads you to a trendy term- Nigella Sativa, promising a low-calorie snack option.
Naturally, you are curious!
What is Nigella Sativa Oil?
Black seed oil (BSO), also known as Nigella Sativa oil, is made from black cumin seeds or black caraway. A flowering plant native to the Middle East and Southwest Asia, it has been used for thousands of years in natural medicine. Along with aiding weight loss benefits, the oil may also treat ailments, ranging from allergies to cancer!
How Weight loss happens
Move over, apple cider vinegar and green tea. Thymoquinone, one of the bioactive elements present in black seed oil, aids its anti-obesity effects. It impacts two key factors in weight loss- boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. Here is how that works:
Metabolism Boost:
Studies have shown that black seed oil may increase metabolism, leading to greater fat-burning and weight loss. In clinical trials of 90 obese women, those who took black seed oil supplements for eight weeks saw a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference compared to those in a placebo group.
Appetite Suppression:
The oil also has appetite-suppressing properties, which can help reduce cravings and prevent overeating. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found that participants who took its extracts for 12 weeks had a significant decrease in appetite compared to those who took a placebo.
10 Other Surprising Health Benefits
In addition to aiding weight loss, black seed oil has many other benefits. Here are a few of those:
1. Boost Immune System:
The antimicrobial and antiviral properties of black seed oil make it a useful supplement for supporting the immune system. Thymoquinone, its superhero ingredient, stops harmful free radicals from damaging the cells in our bodies.
2. Support Heart Health:
Black seed oil has a positive effect on patients with heart disease, reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It also keeps triglyceride levels of blood in check, the increase of which contributes to higher risks of heart attacks.
3. Promote Digestive Health:
Black seed oil claims to soothe digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea by improving overall gut health, dating back centuries. A study found that it causes gradual partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells that helps to control insulin production of blood.
4. Control Blood Sugar:
The promotion of lowered serum insulin concentrations in the blood aids black seed oil in controlling the blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. Studies have recorded significant changes in hemoglobin levels of type 2 diabetes patients after 1-3 months of usage.
5. Anti-Inflammatory:
Taking black seed oil, consisting of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, also helps relax body muscles, and prevent the growth of tumors. This further promotes keeping various ailments- like, respiratory, digestive, etc.-in check.
6. Lower Blood Pressure:
A 2013 NIH study found that the consumption of half a teaspoon of black seed oil daily for two months controlled high blood pressure in adults. This is also credited to the antioxidant thymoquinone, present in it that helps detect, reduce, and manage inflammations.
7. Benefit Skin Issues:
Black seed gel, when used topically, helps soothe skin irritation by moisturizing it and healing conditions like eczema. If you are just like us, you might occasionally suffer from acne. Now, you can replace benzoyl peroxide with BSO supplements.
8. Stimulate Hair Growth:
Black seed oil is a promising natural remedy when it comes to the prevention of hair loss by promoting naturally thick and healthy hair growth. This is attributed to the significant amounts of proteins and fatty acids present in it, which can boost blood circulation.
9. Help Asthma Patients:
Its ability to reduce inflammation aids in the relaxation of breathing muscles, thereby providing relief to asthma patients. Again, thymoquinone’s antioxidizing abilities help keep infections at bay while providing relief to the respiratory muscles in our body.
10. Increase Sperm Count
A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in 2014 found that infertile men who took 2.5 ml of BSO daily for two months saw a significant improvement in sperm count and sperm mobility.
How to use this magic ingredient?
Research on the nutritional value of black seed oil reveals that it is a source of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your diet:
1. Black Seed Liquid Supplement:
Available in most health food stores, black seed liquid supplements can be paired with honey to ward off its strong flavor.
2. Oil Capsules:
Medical research shows that it is safe to consume black seed capsules of up to two grams a day, without experiencing any side effects.
3. Soft Gel Supplement:
Using a gel form of black seed oil for consumption is not prohibited, even though there isn’t much research available on the same.
4. Powder:
Powdered black seeds may be introduced in beverages like coffee, teas, smoothies, and shakes for weight loss benefits.
5. Whole Seeds:
Whole black seeds are perfect to be used in salad dressings, owing to their crunchy texture and spicy flavor.
Side Effects and Precautions
While genuine black seed oil is generally considered safe, there are some precautions you should take before using it for weight loss.
Some studies underline its ability to interfere with prescription medications. Some people may experience side effects when taking black seeds, such as upset stomach, dizziness, or skin irritation.
Additionally, pregnant, and breastfeeding women should avoid using black seeds, as their effects on fetal development and lactation are not yet fully understood.
Concluding Thoughts
Thanks to its potent properties, black seed oil is a natural and effective way to promote weight loss and improve overall health. As always, if you have a medical condition or are taking medication, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
