Black seed is known as black cumin, Nigella sativa, or the blessed seed with the earliest record of it being used therapeutically some 3,300 years ago. It is even reported that black seed oil was found in the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen's tomb. It is a cold-pressed vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the bushy, flowering plant Nigella sativa. The plant is known by a wide range of pseudonyms including fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, onion seed, and in the USA it is known as charnushka, which is derived from Russian.
And just to keep you on your toes, both the seeds of the plant and the derived oil are sometimes referred to as black cumin or black caraway! This illustrates the problems you can encounter when using the common names of plants or oils instead of the correct botanical or scientific name.
Black seed is an annual plant with stiff, thin branching stems, lacy grey-green leaves and attractive terminal whitish or blue flowers. The flowers are followed by a fruit capsule, which when mature opens to reveal small, triangular seeds that turn black upon exposure to the air.
These seeds have very little odour, but when ground or chewed they produce a spicy aromatic, oregano-like fragrance or flavour, hence its popular use as a spice throughout history. The plant may have either an upright or sprawling habit that can reach a height of 30-60 centimetres (12-24 inches).
Originally native to Syria, Nigella sativa is cultivated today in many Mediterranean countries as well as in North Africa, Asia Minor, India and the Near East for its tasty seeds which are commonly used in cooking. The beautiful, rich golden coloured oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds.
The link between Diabetes and Black Seed Oil
A study carried out by the Department of Physiology in the College of Medicine at King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia found that just two grams of black seed a day resulted in the human test subjects having a considerable reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels. This also resulted in increased beta-cell function and decreased insulin resistance, as well as reducing their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c).
Today hardly anyone knows about the powerful black seed or where to buy black seed oil, but this won't be for long I expect, as not only is it linked to helping people with Type 2 diabetes, but also well over 40 more health problems including:
- asthma,
- parasites,
- colon cancer,
- high blood pressure,
- the MRSA virus, and
- epilepsy.
Structurally, the black seed contains 58% essential fatty acids with most of these being essential omega-6 and some essential omega-3, as well as vital trace elements, vitamins and enzymes.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 are considered essential because our body needs them to live but cannot manufacture them. One of the main job’s omega-3 and omega-6 have is to form the positive prostaglandins, which help to reduce inflammation which is behind most modern-day diseases.
The test subjects in the Department of Physiology's study took the black seed in capsule form. For best results, go for a brand that is organically certified, cold-pressed and stored correctly when purchasing. It's also important to purchase a stock that has not been on the shelf too long and for people who sell them, it is advised to buy black seed oil capsules wholesale.
Just like all omega containing capsules and oils, black seed can be quite sensitive to oxygen, light and heat. Coming into contact with too much of all three, before, during or after processing, can significantly reduce the nutritional content of both.
I am not surprised another simple and the humble plant has shown to have such a positive effect on Type 2 diabetes and various other diseases, because there are so many out there that are currently being taken daily by people who prefer to get results from natural options rather than the conventional drug approach. But before u decide to take the black seed oil capsules, be sure to consult your GP for the correct black seed oil dosage.
With the evidence above, black seed oil capsules may just be worth adding to your Type 2 diabetes reversal program. But as with all changes you wish to make to your lifestyle plan, it is always a great idea to mention it to your nutritionist and doctor first.
Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making simple changes to your daily routine, it’s possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.