Black cumin initially occurred in what is now Iraq and Turkey. Over time, the plant spread, and today it can be found even in Poland. We can recognize it by its small, light blue flowers. It is appreciated not for its appearance, but for its seeds, which contain many valuable properties.
Black cumin is a spice that you can plant in your garden. It is quite small, reaching a height of approximately 10-40 cm. It delights with small, single flowers, that grow at the top of the shoots. It is appreciated not only for ornamental but also medicinal reasons. Black cumin seeds are worth including in your diet.
The dark seeds of this plant have a strong, characteristic smell that is difficult to compare to anything else. They taste slightly spicy and slightly bitter. Some people find notes of cumin, oregano and pepper in them. You can use them in the form of seeds or , which also has an extremely intense taste and smell.
Black cumin seeds are tiny, but they contain a wealth of nutrients. Their aroma results from the content of essential oils. One of the most valuable is thymoquinone, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties. Regular consumption of seeds helps relieve inflammation in the body, which may reduce joint pain and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Black cumin seeds contain minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, iron and sodium. Additionally, it contains vitamin A, B1, B3, B6, E, F and biotin. It has a positive effect on the skin, hair and nailsboth from the inside and outside – black cumin oil is often used in cosmetics.
Seleniumwhich is an antioxidant, enhances the anti-inflammatory effect. It protects cells from destruction and supports the thyroid gland. Black cumin seeds also have strong anti-cancer properties. They inhibit the growth of cancer cells and support the body in the fight against cancer.
The antioxidant properties are also valuable for heart health. Thanks to them we can lower blood cholesterol levels and ensure proper blood pressure. The seeds thus support the functioning of the heart and circulatory system.
Black cumin has a positive effect on digestive system. It helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Supports the digestion process and proper metabolism. Supports liver health. It also has analgesic and antispasmodic propertieswhich can help relieve menstrual pain, headaches and muscle pain.
Black cumin has a wide range of uses in cooking. It is most often used as a spice to finish many dishes. Just sprinkle the final dish with a teaspoon of seeds and it will gain additional flavor. It can be used for salads, sandwiches, pasta, groats and sauces.
Black cumin seeds are a great addition to . If you make homemade bread or rolls, it is worth adding a spoonful of seeds to the dough to enjoy their properties and taste.
If we don’t like black cumin, we can try using the spice in liquid form. Black cumin oil also has many valuable health properties, making it a worthy replacement. You can use it to prepare dressings or sauces. It will work well as an addition to yogurts, smoothies and even oatmeal. It has an intense flavor that will go perfectly with dried fruits and nuts. Please remember not to heat it – only when cold it will contain a full set of nutrients.
People who cannot enjoy the intense flavor of spices in their dishes can try yet another way to include seeds in their diet. You can prepare a healthy infusion from black cumin that will strengthen your immunity and aid digestion. Just pour boiling water over a teaspoon of seeds and steep for 10-15 minutes. You can sweeten the tea with honey or add lemon to soften its taste.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl, olini.pl
