Kalonji - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

In India, spices are an important part of every dish. "Kalonji," which is also called "black cumin," is a popular spice that can be found in every kitchen. It is known as fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower, and Roman coriander in English. It is a tasty spice that has a sweet and nutty taste all its own. Kalonji is a plant that has been used as medicine for over a thousand years. It is used in many different ways, such as Kalonji oil, roasted seeds, raw seeds, etc.

What is kalonji?

Kalonji is made up of small, black seeds that look like cumin. So, they are also known as "black cumin." Kalonji has so many possible uses that it could be called "the herb from heaven" or Haba-al-Barakh, which means "blessed seeds" or "miracle seeds."

Kalonji is grown and used in different parts of the world. It is a popular ingredient in both cooking and traditional medicine. Kalonji is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and diseases in the Arab world, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Also, kalonji is a cure-all and can be used in many ways. Avicenna, the "Father of Early Modern Medicine," wrote in his book "The Canon of Medicine" that it could be used to help people who are tired feel better and get their energy back. It is also used in traditional medical systems like Unani, Ayurveda, Tibb, and Siddha.

Common names of kalonji:

Hindi – Kalajira, Mangraila

English –Nigella Seeds, Black Cumin, Black Seed, Seed of blessing, Fennel Seed

Malayalam – Karinchirakam

Guajarati – Kadujeeroo, Kalaunji Jirum

Bengali – Kala Zeera, Mangrela

Tamil – Karunjiragam, Karunjarakam

Telugu – Nallajilakara, Peeajila Kara

Nutritional value of kalonji:

Kalonji seeds are a great source of protein, iron, sodium, calcium, and potassium. Kalonji is also full of vitamins, like Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin B12, Niacin, and Vitamin C. Kalonji oil is much better than other oils because it has important vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It had about 17% protein, 26% carbohydrates, and 57% fats and oils from plants.

Health benefits of kalonji: 

1: Boosts memory

When you mix honey with kalonji seeds, it can help improve your intelligence. If you want your brain to work better, eat it every day on an empty stomach. It is a great way for people over 65 to improve their weak memories. Ayurveda says that eating Kalonji seeds with mint leaves can help improve memory and protect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

2: Keeps diabetes in check

Kalonji helps people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check. What is diabetes type 2? It's a long-term disease that changes how your body uses and controls blood sugar. People with diabetes can get good results from taking Kalonji oil with black tea on an empty stomach. You can look at the Diabetes Food Chart to see what other foods can help you control your diabetes.

3: Keeps heart healthy

Kalonji is good for the heart in a lot of ways. It keeps your heart healthy by keeping the amount of bad cholesterol in your body in check. If you want to get good results, you should regularly drink milk with Kalonji oil in it.

4: Treats chronic inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of kalonji seeds can help treat many types of chronic inflammation. It is known for getting rid of joint pain by lubricating the joints. Ayurveda says that you should take Kalonji oil every day to reduce inflammation.

5: Keeps blood pressure in check

A teaspoon of Kalonji oil can make miracles happen. Yes, it can bring down your blood pressure and stop it from happening again. People with high blood pressure can mix a teaspoon of Kalonji oil with a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.

6: Strengthens teeth

Kalonji is good for more than just your teeth. It helps with things like bleeding gums and weak teeth. Kalonji is a great way to get rid of toothache. Just mix a half teaspoon of Kalonji oil with a cup of curd and rub it on your gums and teeth twice a day. This will help your oral health.

7: Helps with asthma

Pollution has made asthma a very common illness. People with asthma can use Kalonji as a powerful medicine. Just put some honey and Kalonji oil in warm water and drink it every day.

8: Help people lose weight

Kalonji can help you speed up your metabolism, which will make you look slimmer. Studies show that if you mix Kalonji seeds with warm water, you will lose weight.

9: Great for hair and skin

Who doesn't want to look good? Kalonji can help you with that, though. It helps keep skin and hair in good shape. Its oil mixed with lime juice can make your skin shine. Kalonji is full of nutrients that make hair stronger and stop hair loss.

10: Keeps kidney healthy

Diabetic nephropathy is a problem with the kidneys that can be helped by kalonji by lowering blood sugar, serum creatinine, and blood urea levels. It's also used to treat infections and kidney stones.

Ways to use kalonji in daily diet:

1. Dry-roast kalonji, Cardamom, fennel seeds and powder them. Put in a container that won't let air in. Mix half to one teaspoon of this spice mix into a cup of milk and enjoy.
2. To balance the taste and help your stomach digest, add toasted kalonji to pickles with lemon or lime.
3. Rice goes well with a kalonji and jeera tempering.