Black cumin has been widely used in cooking. But few know that it is also used in traditional medicine and cosmetology, because it has many beneficial effects on the body.

What is the appearance of black cumin?

Black caraway seeds can also be found under the name black sowing. This is an annual, classified as a family of buttercups. Its stem grows to 10–40 cm. During flowering, from May to July, it blooms with small flowers of white or bluish color. In August, box-shaped fruits containing seeds are formed.

They are small, black with a rough surface. Their length is 1.5–3 mm. They look almost the same with onion seeds. It is the seeds that are used as food for seasoning. They have a sharp aroma and pungent taste, reminiscent of a mixture of onions, black pepper and oregano.

Did you know? Since 1959, about 200 studies have been carried out with black caraway seeds, as a result of which it was proved that it stimulates the thymus gland, thereby increasing the body's defenses against diseases.

Chemical composition of the product

Caraway seeds have a rich chemical composition, which is represented by vitamins, macro- and microelements, organic acids.

Vitamins

An almost complete set of all known vitamins was found in caraway seeds: A, beta carotene, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, C, D, E.

Spice is enriched with such macro- and microelements:

Macronutrients:	Trace elements:
calcium; magnesium; potassium; phosphorus; sulfur.	iron; manganese; zinc; copper; selenium.

Calorie content and BJU

The nutritional value of 100 g of seeds can be found in the table:

calories	333 kcal
squirrels	19.8 g
fats	14.6 g
carbohydrates	11.9 g

Plant properties for the human body

Seeds and oil have both beneficial and harmful effects on the human body. In addition, there is a category of people to whom this spice is categorically contraindicated.

Benefit

• When used in moderation or in medicinal products, cumin is able to affect the body as follows:
• to strengthen the immune system;
• relieve pain;
• act soothingly on the nerves;
• beneficial effect on digestion;
• strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• normalize blood pressure;
• accelerate metabolism;
• normalize sleep;
• positively affect the condition of the skin, hair, nail plates;
• establish the circulatory system;
• get rid of bad breath;
• establish hormonal balance;
• remove parasites;
• have an antioxidant effect;
• increase the amount of breast milk;
• relieve swelling.

Did you know? When excavating the tomb of Tutankhamun, among the things buried with him, bottles of black cumin oil were discovered, which undoubtedly indicates the importance of this product in those days. The ancient Egyptians called it "shantit."

Harm

If caraway seeds are used improperly, in excessive quantities, then there is a risk of developing health problems such as upset stomach, dizziness, nausea, and allergies. In the presence of intolerance, edema of the respiratory tract may develop.

• It is strictly forbidden to use this product for people who fall into the following categories:
• Pregnant
• children under 6 years old;
• diagnosed with gastritis with high acidity, diabetes mellitus, gallstone disease, thrombophlebitis, coronary artery disease, diabetes;
• allergic to the product;
• who had a heart attack, organ transplantation.

Temporarily, until the cessation of treatment, cumin should be excluded from the diet for those who take antibiotics, vitamin supplements.

Important! A healthy adult is allowed to eat up to 25 g of caraway seeds per day (4–5 tsp). Children over the age of 6 can consume up to 10 g (2 tsp).

Fields of application

Since ancient times, caraway seeds have been used to improve the taste of culinary dishes, as well as for the preparation of medical and cosmetic products.

It is added to salads, liquid dishes, side dishes, baked goods, drinks, pickles and pickled foods. Cumin is one of the ingredients of such popular seasoning mixtures as Curry, Garam Masala.

In home cosmetology, seeds and oil from black caraway seeds are used to eliminate oily sheen, get rid of inflammation, and from the problem of enlarged pores and rashes. When applied to the scalp, decoctions of seeds can remove oily seborrhea, make them stronger.

Black cumin oil is widely used not only in home but also in professional cosmetology

Traditional healers prepare medicinal products from spices that help to eliminate worms, solve the problem of excess weight, improve digestion, get rid of flatulence, colic, cough, relieve menstrual pain, normalize hormones, relieve cystitis, jade and other kidney problems . Women are encouraged to use seeds and oil for infertility and diseases of the reproductive system.

Important! To release essential oils from the seeds and thereby reveal all the richness of the taste of the spice, it is necessary to add it to the dish before heating it in a dry pan.

So, black cumin is a useful spice widely used in cooking, which has a number of beneficial effects on the human body. In addition to recipes, it is also used to get rid of various cosmetic flaws and health problems.