New Research Reveals That This Popular Spice Has Powerful Anti-Obesity Effects
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University studied the health effects of black cumin. The team included Associate Professor Akiko Kojima-Yuasa. They focused on how this common spice might change fat metabolism in the body.
Black cumin, also called Nigella sativa, is widely used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. It has a long record in traditional medicine for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory use. Scientists wanted to test whether its active compounds could change fat production and storage.
The researchers combined human studies with cell tests. Adults in the clinical study took 5 g of black cumin seed powder each day for eight weeks. Their cholesterol profiles improved in measurable ways. Triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol dropped. HDL cholesterol rose. These changes match lower heart risk and better metabolic health.
Cell experiments helped explain these changes. Extract from black cumin slowed the formation of fat cells. It also reduced fat droplet accumulation in developing cells. Thymoquinone is one of the key compounds linked to these effects.
The team concluded that black cumin can serve as a useful functional food for people aiming to prevent obesity and metabolic illness. They plan larger and longer trials. Their goal is to study the possible effects on insulin resistance in diabetes and inflammation.
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