NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BLACK SEED

Black Cumin seeds are very rich and nutritious; they contain 35% oil, most of which are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) and 21% protein. The EFA’s like Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) acid help strengthen and maintain cell integrity, heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, reduce wrinkles, and heal wounds.

Black Seed contains good fats: oleic acid (olive oil’s health-giving component); poly and monounsaturated unsaturated fatty acids including omega 3 (linolenic acid), omega 6 (linoleic acid), and omega 7 (palmitoleic acid, and arachidonic acid). Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body alone, and therefore we acquire these from food.

Black seed contains protein: fifteen (15) amino acids make up the protein content of the black seed, including 8 of the 9 essential amino acids that are combined to make “whole” protein. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.

Black Seed contains over 100 active chemical compounds that may increase health. The three (3) ingredients most studied for their effects are:

• Crystalline nigellone - well researched for helping the body increase immune function, especially respiratory health.
• Thymoquinone - researched as a cancer fighter, a compound not yet detected in any other plant.
• Beta sitosterol - highly researched for gallstones, urinary/prostate health, and to help the body fight cancer and reduce cholesterol.

In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, Crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.

• Black Seed also has vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.
• Chemical analysis has further revealed that the black seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A, the vitamin known for its anti-cancer activity.
• Black seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.
• Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.