Nutritional Composition of Nigella Sativa
Written by Rakib Sarwar, Pharmacist
This article is copywritten for theperfecthealing.com only. All Rights Reserved.
This article is copywritten for theperfecthealing.com only. All Rights Reserved.
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Nigella sativa is a dicotyledon from the Ranunculaceae family. This culinary and medicinal herb has been used as a spice, food preservative, and herbal remedy for thousands of years.
It is widely grown throughout the Mediterranean region as well as North Africa, India, and the Middle East. Nigella sativa has been the subject of many studies regarding its therapeutic effectiveness. These studies reveal the anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antiepileptic properties found in the herb’s volatile oil. |
Traditionally, N. sativa, or black cumin, has been used to treat a myriad of ailments, such as asthma and other lung disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, hypertension, and diabetes. [1]
Over 100 currently known components and 47 volatile compounds make Nigella sativa a powerhouse of nutrition and healing elements. Its high antioxidant content helps to boost the immune system against many common ailments. One major component, Thymoquinone, has shown powerful results against cancer cells and tumor growth.
Tests to uncover the chemical and nutritive composition of N. sativa continue to uncover new compounds which help explain the herb’s almost universal effectiveness. Its general composition consists of 21% protein, 35.5% fat, 5.5% moisture, and 3.7% ash. The remaining 34.3% consists of carbohydrates. This rich source of protein and a variety of minerals and vitamins is beneficial as a spice or condiment for any meal. [2]
Some of the nutrients found in Nigella sativa are:
Over 100 currently known components and 47 volatile compounds make Nigella sativa a powerhouse of nutrition and healing elements. Its high antioxidant content helps to boost the immune system against many common ailments. One major component, Thymoquinone, has shown powerful results against cancer cells and tumor growth.
Tests to uncover the chemical and nutritive composition of N. sativa continue to uncover new compounds which help explain the herb’s almost universal effectiveness. Its general composition consists of 21% protein, 35.5% fat, 5.5% moisture, and 3.7% ash. The remaining 34.3% consists of carbohydrates. This rich source of protein and a variety of minerals and vitamins is beneficial as a spice or condiment for any meal. [2]
Some of the nutrients found in Nigella sativa are:
Vitamins
Minerals
- Vitamin C. The ascorbic acid found in N. sativa is highly antioxidant, helping the body to fight against infectious diseases and viruses. It also helps to alleviate the negative effects of toxins such as lead or arsenic.
- Vitamin E. The antioxidant effects of vitamin E help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Thiamin (B1). Maintains energy levels, brain, and nervous system functions.
- Pyridoxine (B6). Helps lower stress levels.
- Niacin. Helps lower cholesterol and relieve arthritis symptoms. Boosts brain function.
- Riboflavin (B2). Maintains energy levels.
- Folic Acid. Fights against anemia and promotes healthy cell generation.
Minerals
- Calcium. Helps fight colon cancer, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.
- Magnesium. Supports respiratory and vascular health.
- Copper. Helps alleviate rheumatoid arthritis.
- Zinc. Supports healthy bones.
- Phosphorus. Needed for healthy bones, teeth, cells, and tissues.
- Potassium. An electrolyte important to nerve and other important body functions.
- Sodium. Important for maintaining body fluid levels.
- Manganese. Helps maintain bone and joint health.
- Iron. Supports healthy blood. [3]
Fatty acids
Nigella sativa is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are used to help lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. N. sativa is especially high in Oleic and Linolenic acids, both of which are important fatty acids. This oil contains less than 10% saturated oil, but an abundance of unsaturated Omega 6 and Omega 9.
In spite of black cumin's use over the centuries, it is considered one of the newer sources of cooking oils. It is high in essential nutrients needed to generate energy in the body, as well as to maintain strong organs and tissues. [4]
Sterols
Plant sterols are becoming an area of focus for their ability to lower bad cholesterol and aid in the prevention of heart disease. Sterols are also important to the building and maintenance of many cell functions and membranes and the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients.
N. sativa contains several key phytosterols, including β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Campesterol. The cholesterol-lowering properties of these sterols are well known and accepted by scientists and nutritionists. When these naturally occurring plant phytosterols enter the bloodstream they compete with the body’s existing cholesterol, blocking absorption and thereby lowering cholesterol levels. [5]
Polynutrients
Black cumin contains phytonutrients [6] such as tannin, carotenoids, saponin, and alkaloid. These components make it anti-bacterial, analgesic, antiviral, and antipyretic. Its unique combination of compounds also makes it effective against parasites and worms. In the digestive tract, it inhibits the growth of E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. The herb’s compounds are also effective for fighting against the bacteria streptococcus feacalis.
Nigella sativa is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are used to help lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. N. sativa is especially high in Oleic and Linolenic acids, both of which are important fatty acids. This oil contains less than 10% saturated oil, but an abundance of unsaturated Omega 6 and Omega 9.
In spite of black cumin's use over the centuries, it is considered one of the newer sources of cooking oils. It is high in essential nutrients needed to generate energy in the body, as well as to maintain strong organs and tissues. [4]
Sterols
Plant sterols are becoming an area of focus for their ability to lower bad cholesterol and aid in the prevention of heart disease. Sterols are also important to the building and maintenance of many cell functions and membranes and the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients.
N. sativa contains several key phytosterols, including β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Campesterol. The cholesterol-lowering properties of these sterols are well known and accepted by scientists and nutritionists. When these naturally occurring plant phytosterols enter the bloodstream they compete with the body’s existing cholesterol, blocking absorption and thereby lowering cholesterol levels. [5]
Polynutrients
Black cumin contains phytonutrients [6] such as tannin, carotenoids, saponin, and alkaloid. These components make it anti-bacterial, analgesic, antiviral, and antipyretic. Its unique combination of compounds also makes it effective against parasites and worms. In the digestive tract, it inhibits the growth of E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. The herb’s compounds are also effective for fighting against the bacteria streptococcus feacalis.
Final Words
In recent studies, many new components of Nigella sativa have been identified. Ongoing research is required to fully identify the beneficial nutrients found in this herb. When absorbed as nanoparticles, N. sativa has been shown to suppress the growth of colon, prostate, and breast cancer, along with the growth of multiple myeloma cells.
Scientists are continuing to study and add to the list of healthful components of this common herb. As more and more information comes to light, the future remains bright for the many uses of this beloved traditional healing remedy.
In recent studies, many new components of Nigella sativa have been identified. Ongoing research is required to fully identify the beneficial nutrients found in this herb. When absorbed as nanoparticles, N. sativa has been shown to suppress the growth of colon, prostate, and breast cancer, along with the growth of multiple myeloma cells.
Scientists are continuing to study and add to the list of healthful components of this common herb. As more and more information comes to light, the future remains bright for the many uses of this beloved traditional healing remedy.
Sources:
- Suresh Kumar Tiruppur Venkatachallam, Hajimalang Pattekhan, Soundar Divakar, and Udaya Sankar Kakimi, Chemical composition of Nigella sativa L. seed extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide, J Food Sci Technol. 2010 Dec; 47(6): 598–605, found online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551137/
- Cevdet Nergiz and Semih Otles, Chemical Composition of Nigella Sativa L. Seeds, 26 January 1993, found online at https://www.thevespiary.org/rhodium/Rhodium/Vespiary/talk/files/5201-Chemical-composition-of-Nigella-sativa-L.-seeds8647.pdf
- M. Kamal e. Yousse f, Nare man S. Es hak, Randa S. Hana, Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutrient Content and Fatty Acid Compositions of Nigella Sativa Oil and Sesame Oil, DOI: 10.5923/j.fp h.20130306.07, 2013, found online at http://article.sapub.org/pdf/10.5923.j.fph.20130306.07.pdf
- SaidGhargby, HichamHarhar, DominiqueGuillaume, AzizaRoudani, SamiraBoulbaroud, MohamedIbrahimi, MushtaqAhmad, ShaziaSultana, Taibi BenHadda, ImaneChafchaouni-Moussaoui, ZoubidaCharrouf, Chemical investigation of Nigella sativa L. seed oil produced in Morocco, Journal of Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2015, pg. 172-177, found online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658077X13000507
- Phytosterols, Sterols & Stanols, Cleveland Clinic, found online at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17368-phytosterols-sterols--stanols
- Deepti Giri, Sunanda Sharan, Suvarna V. Chavannaava, and Ambreen Fatima, Nutritional, Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Market and NRCSS Negella Sativa (Seed and Oil) Samples for Healthier Being, Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2018)Special Issue-7:1371-1378, found online at https://www.ijcmas.com/special/7/Deepti%20Giri,%20et%20al.pdf