Why You Should Be Eating Black Seed Oil

If you haven't heard of black seed oil, you could be missing out. This healthy oil is starting to become more popular, and is rising in ranks to reach the likes of olive oil and avocado oil. However, it's usually eaten in capsule or seed form, per WebMD. The oil has several uses, including potentially lowering cholesterol and protecting the brain from aging.

Black seed oil is also known as black cumin. According to Today, it's harvested by extracting the oil from the seeds of the Nigella sativa (N. sativa). Still, while some swear by its health benefits, it's still hard to prove the oil's potential since most studies have been relatively small. And because it is technically an herbal supplement, it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, according to Verywell Health. But many suggest its benefits outweigh the risks. Here's why you should be eating black seed oil.

It turns out black seed oil might play a role in improving health and preventing ailments. According to Today, the oil is loaded with antioxidants, which can help with a wide range of health issues. Antioxidants, which are commonly consumed through superfoods, work hard to rid the body of free radicals, which can damage the body's good cells. In a sense, they serve as protectors to our body's cells. As a result, they have plenty of positive impacts on the body, including lowering the risk of chronic diseases and helping prevent the negative effects of aging.

Today reports that in a small study of around 300 people, black seed oil proved to have positive effects on the body due to its antioxidant properties. It has been suggested that black seed oil can also help reduce inflammation and prevent cancer, though it is important to note that there have not been enough studies conducted to confirm these potential benefits.

Regularly consuming black seed capsules or the seeds themselves has the potential to improve your heart health, too. According to Healthline, one study showed that consistently ingesting black seed oil for at least two months can lower blood pressure. However, the study was done on patients whose blood pressure was only mildly elevated, so it's unclear if those benefits would carry over to those with severely high blood pressure.

Healthline also reports that black seed oil can have the same effect on cholesterol. Due to its high fatty acid content, including both linoleic and oleic acids, those who consume either the oil or crushed seeds may see improvement in their cholesterol levels over time. Another potential benefit of consuming this oil is a decrease in asthma symptoms. WebMD reports that taking black seed oil in tandem with asthma medications can help improve overall lung function, specifically reducing coughing and wheezing.

Those looking to improve their brain health might also find black seed oil to be worth a try. Today reports that the oil has been shown to reduce dementia risk and prevent neurological diseases such as Parkinson's.

Since the oil is full of antioxidants, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. With that, the oil's potential to reduce inflammation around the brain means that it could prevent the brain from deteriorating as we age. ScienceDirect reports that a study conducted on rats showed that black seed oil helped improve the animals' memory function. The study was quite small, though, having included only 18 rats.

Ultimately, black seed oil has not been studied enough for scientists to provide extensive evidence regarding its benefits. However, the studies that have been done have proven promising, so those looking for one product that could improve their overall health might want to give this oil a try.