In the past decades, the number of people getting diagnosed with diabetes across the globe has proliferated significantly. Consequently, it has become one of the foremost causes of deaths around the world.
Obesity, which is commonly caused by lack of exercise and an increase in the consumption of junk and processed foods, is the leading cause of diabetes, especially in developing countries.
Therefore, diet and exercise are the primary areas of focus when it comes to treating diabetes. For diabetics, there are several foods that should be completely avoided whereas, there are some others that can prove to be a natural remedy for treating diabetes when included in the diet religiously.
One such effective remedy is the black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa. The findings of a study published in the Indian J Physiol Pharmacol(1) in 2010 indicated that a dose of 2 gm/ day of Nigella sativa might be a beneficial adjuvant to oral hypoglycemic agents in type 2 diabetic patients
[Also Read: Treat Diabetes Naturally]
Did you know?
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Why Black Seed Oil for Diabetes?
Black seed oil, scientifically called as Nigella sativa, cumin seed oil, or kalonji oil, is the oil extracted from the Nigella sativa plant(2). The small black seeds of the plant provide an amber-hued oil and that is how the black seed oil gets its name.
Interestingly, the Nigella sativa plant finds its origin in Southwest Asia and its extract has been used all over Africa, middle east, and Eastern Europe.
The black seed oil contains some of the highly beneficial compounds such as omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and phytosterols. It is this phytosterol compound that helps the black seed oil bring down the cholesterol levels in the body.
However, what makes black seed oil for diabetes a recommended remedy is a compound called thymoquinone. The compound has a long list of health benefits which includes anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties, which play an important role in treating diabetes.
[Read: Tips to Reverse Diabetes]
Regulating Blood Sugar Levels with Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil for diabetes is one of the most advocated remedies as it helps in regulating the blood sugar levels in diabetics. There have been studies to support and show that when black seed oil is included in the diet of a diabetes patient, an improvement in the average blood sugar levels can be seen.
Fighting Inflammation with Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil for diabetes has gained popularity because of its effectiveness against hyperglycemia—increase in the blood sugar levels. But, what may not be known to many is that black seed oil fights inflammation in the body, which is one of the main causes of hyperglycemia.
Findings of several studies have shown black seed oil to minimize inflammation in the body. Moreover, adding black seed oil in the diet has also been an effective way of reducing oxidative stress in the body and thus, lowering the risks of any further complications caused by diabetes.
[Read: Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil]
Minerals and Vitamins in Black Seed Oil
Potassium—found in abundance in black seeds—is important to regulate blood pressure in diabetics. However, patients suffering from diabetes are commonly found to be suffering from a deficiency of potassium(hypokalemia).
Therefore, using black seed oil for diabetes can prove to be an effective way to counter the deficiency. Besides this, the black seed oil is loaded with iron and vitamin C, which are important nutrients in promoting overall health in diabetics.
[Read: Wondrous Foods for Diabetics]
FAQs
1. What is the Right Dosage of Black Seed Oil for Diabetes?
Ans. Since there is no official dosage prescribed for treating diabetes or any other ailment, following the recommended dosage on the label is the right way to find out the right amount. The black seed oil dosage for diabetes usually varies between 1 and 3 teaspoons in a day.
2. Does the Use of Black Seed Oil Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease in Diabetics?
Ans: It is common to find a reduced level of High-Density Lipoprotein, commonly known as good cholesterol, and an increased level of bad cholesterol in diabetes patients. This puts them at a higher risk of heart diseases. The black seed oil is known to be a rich source of poly- and mono-saturated fatty acids and contains no cholesterol.
Therefore, with regular consumption of black seed oil, the good cholesterol levels can be boosted in the body, and thus the risks of a heart problem can be reduced significantly.
3. Should I Consult My Doctor Before Using Black Seed Oil Diabetes?
Ans: Yes, it is always beneficial to consult your doctor before using black seed oil to manage your diabetes. They will help you understand the pros and cons of its use and how it will affect your current condition.
For diabetics, their diet plays a vital role in determining their overall health. Therefore, managing diabetes with a balanced diet should be on the top of your priority list.
The balanced diet can help you improve the symptoms of diabetes significantly. Therefore, including the right food items, such as the black seed oil, in your diet can prove to be a boon for any diabetic patient.
