Black seeds come from a Nigerian plant called Nigella Sativa. This is a small plant with flowers of blue, white, or pale purple colors. The plant has very small black seeds in its fruits, which people have been using for years for therapeutic purposes.

Black seed oil owes its healing effects to thymoquinone, a natural compound with tumor reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

Black seed oil and weight loss

According to research, black seed oil can potentially help people struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. However, more studies need to be conducted on the subject to know the working mechanism of black seed oil.

For example, individuals can reduce their body mass index (BMI) after taking the oil. Additionally, studies suggest that black seed oil may help at reducing waist circumference, losing weight, and improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

With more research, not only the efficacy of the oil will be more clear but also its long-term safety.

Other potential black seed oil benefits

Besides the promising results on the weight loss field, black seed oil can potentially help in other areas of your health including:

Controlling cancer. Thymoquinone, the natural compound in black seed oil, has shown in several studies that can be effective at controlling the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Fighting fungi. Black seed oil can protect individuals from fungus such as Candida albicans. Infections of Candida albicans appear for no apparent reason and can lead to candidiasis.

Infertility in men. Men with fertility issues may improve the quality of their fertility with the appropriate intake of black seed oil.

Reduce joint inflammation. Although there is still not enough research on the subject, black seed oil could aid reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The reason for this is the anti-inflammatory properties of thymoquinone.

Also, treating asthma and improving acne are touted as well as benefits.

Side effects of black seed oil

For cooking, black seed oil can be safe to consume. Here, people only need small amounts of oil. However, to enjoy its potential health benefits, larger doses are required.

Using black seed oil for no longer than 3 months causes no important symptoms, with some participants of one study reporting only nausea and bloating.

In the long-term, the biggest worry is kidney damage, even though other studies suggest that black seed oil actually protects kidneys.

Concern about kidneys comes after a report of a type 2 diabetes patient who was hospitalized with kidney failure. The person took about 10 grams of black seed capsules in a total period of 6 days. Therefore, individuals with kidney problems should ask the opinion of their medical provider before taking large doses of black seed oil.

Finally, doctors contraindicate the use in pregnant or breastfeeding women beyond tiny quantities for cooking.

Promising early research

Black seed oil can provide anybody who takes it with multiple health benefits as the promising early studies show. The optimal dosage has not been confirmed by experts. However, its moderate use can have positive effects on the human body in the medium to long-term.