A new study revealed the ability of black seed to reduce blood fats.
The study was conducted under the leadership of researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan, and the results were published in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition last September, and the EurekAlert website wrote about it.
Nigella sativa grows in the Mediterranean region and belongs to the anise family. The fruit of this plant contains a capsule, inside which are white seeds that turn black after being exposed to air. It is also called black seed or black cumin.
Nigella sativa has long been used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A research team, led by Assistant Professor Akiko Kojima Yuasa from the Graduate School of Human Life and Environment, used cell experiments and clinical trials in humans to uncover the benefits of eating Nigella sativa.
Food that protects against diseases
Participants who consumed 5 grams of black seed powder daily – equivalent to approximately one tablespoon – for 8 weeks showed a significant decrease in blood levels of triglycerides, harmful cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), and total cholesterol. In addition, levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) increased.
These improvements in blood fat levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and premature death.
The team also conducted cellular experiments to understand the processes that lead to these results in humans, and found that Nigella sativa seed extract inhibits the process of fat cell formation and maturation, by preventing the accumulation of fat droplets and the differentiation process.
“This study strongly indicates the usefulness of black seed seeds as a functional food for the prevention of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases,” Dr. Akiko stated.
She added: “We were pleased to see black seed comprehensively demonstrate real and tangible effects in lowering the level of blood fats in a human trial.”
Dr. Akiko hopes to conduct large-scale, long-term clinical trials to study the effects of black seed on metabolism.
She explained that they are particularly interested in studying its effects on insulin resistance in diabetics and inflammatory markers.