Daily Black Cumin Intake Enhances Blood Lipid Profiles, Lowers Obesity Risk: Study Shows - Video

A centuries-old spice, Nigella sativa or black cumin, known for enhancing the taste of curries, also holds remarkable health benefits. A recent study led by Osaka Metropolitan University, and published in Food Science and Nutrition, found that daily intake of 5 grams of black cumin seed powder for eight weeks significantly improved blood lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. These changes are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and early death.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is packed with potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that underpin its broad health benefits. Key bioactives like thymoquinone, flavonoids, and phenolic acids help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress linked to chronic disease. They modulate immune responses by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play roles in inflammation and tissue damage. These properties support cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles and reducing vascular inflammation, while also aiding metabolic balance.

The research combined human clinical trials with cellular experiments. In the trial, participants consumed 5 grams (about one tablespoon) of black cumin seed powder daily for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to measure triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Parallel laboratory studies investigated how black cumin seed extract affects fat cell development in cultured cells, focusing on fat droplet accumulation and differentiation processes.

The clinical trial demonstrated significant reductions in blood triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, alongside increases in protective HDL cholesterol. These improvements are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Cellular experiments revealed that black cumin inhibits adipogenesis by blocking fat droplet formation and fat cell maturation. This suggests black cumin’s seeds can regulate fat metabolism and may prevent obesity-related health issues.

Professor Akiko Kojima-Yuasa, the study’s lead, emphasized black cumin’s role as a functional food with tangible lipid-lowering effects demonstrated in humans. The team aims to conduct longer, larger trials to explore its impact on insulin resistance and inflammation, particularly relevant for diabetes.

This research positions black cumin as a flavorful, natural supplement with promising metabolic benefits, bridging traditional use and modern science for tackling obesity and related diseases.

REFERENCE: Shamima Ahmed, Mohammad Shaokat Ali, Yuki Nishigaki, Ranita Das, Sumsuddin Ahmed Shiblu, Sharmin Akter, Isao Matsui-Yuasa, Akiko Kojima-Yuasa; Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa) Confers Anti-Adipogenic Effects in 3T3-L1 Cellular Model and Lipid-Lowering Properties in Human Subjects; Food Science and Nutrition; https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70888