A new clinical trial at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan suggests the black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) is effective at lowering cholesterol levels.
This ancient spice, traditionally used in western Asia and eastern Europe, has long been valued in folk medicine. While initial cell and animal studies hinted at its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, this human trial provides concrete evidence.
This ancient spice, traditionally used in western Asia and eastern Europe, has long been valued in folk medicine. While initial cell and animal studies hinted at its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, this human trial provides concrete evidence.
In the recent study:
- Intervention: 22 participants consumed just 5 grams of black cumin seed powder daily.
- Outcome: After only eight weeks, this group showed a significant drop in "bad" LDL cholesterol and an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol, changes not seen in the control group.
Food scientist Akiko Kojima-Yuasa called the results "gratifying," noting that black cumin "comprehensively demonstrate[d] actual, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in a human trial."
- Intervention: 22 participants consumed just 5 grams of black cumin seed powder daily.
- Outcome: After only eight weeks, this group showed a significant drop in "bad" LDL cholesterol and an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol, changes not seen in the control group.
Food scientist Akiko Kojima-Yuasa called the results "gratifying," noting that black cumin "comprehensively demonstrate[d] actual, demonstrable blood lipid-lowering effects in a human trial."
Implications for Health
The researchers suggest that consuming roughly a spoonful of the powder daily could boost cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart problems. Kojima-Yuasa also believes the results "strongly suggest that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases."
Furthermore, laboratory studies indicate black cumin may inhibit fat cell formation by influencing genetic regulators in the metabolic process.
While some earlier evidence was mixed or controversial, this study aligns with several recent trials confirming its cholesterol-lowering benefits. Researchers now plan to conduct longer and larger trials to investigate its effects on insulin resistance in diabetes and inflammatory markers.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
The researchers suggest that consuming roughly a spoonful of the powder daily could boost cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart problems. Kojima-Yuasa also believes the results "strongly suggest that black cumin seeds are useful as a functional food for preventing obesity and lifestyle-related diseases."
Furthermore, laboratory studies indicate black cumin may inhibit fat cell formation by influencing genetic regulators in the metabolic process.
While some earlier evidence was mixed or controversial, this study aligns with several recent trials confirming its cholesterol-lowering benefits. Researchers now plan to conduct longer and larger trials to investigate its effects on insulin resistance in diabetes and inflammatory markers.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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