Kalonji or Nigela Seeds are tiny edible black seeds with powerful flavor mostly used in Indian, Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. In Central Asia and Middle East these seeds are normally added while baking breads and biscuits to give them a savoury touch.

Indian cuisine is mostly incomplete without spices. Nigella seeds, also known as Kalonji in local language is a very popular ingredient in every Indian kitchen. There it is used in different dishes as well as local sauces, pickles and condiments. Most famous dishes there with nigella seeds are kalonji aaloo (potatoes), kalonji daal and kalonji chana (lentils), kalonji pulao (rice dish), kalonji paneer bhujia (nigella seeds with cheese & vegitables) kalonji naan (flat bread), kalonji matka gosht (nigella seeds with meat in a clay pot) etc. A famous Arabic dish known as Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Nigella seeds is quite popular in arabian countries.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

These seeds are packed with amino acids, potassium, iron, crude fibers, calcium and sodium. They are also rich in various vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, B12, C and Niacin. Kalonji oil is also extremely beneficial as it contains different minerals, fatty acids and vitamins. Due to all these super nutritional values, kalonji seeds and oils contain several health benefits and best for:
1. HEART: They keep the hearth healthy by controlling bad cholesterol levels. Its oil should be consumed with milk on regular basis.
2. INFLAMATIONS: Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, kalonji seeds are very good for treating chronic inflamations in joints and muscles.
2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Consuming a teaspoon of kalonji oil with luke warm water can do magic for high blood pressure patients. It regulates the blood pressure and also stops recurrence.
4. CONTROLLING DIABETES TYPE 2: People with Diabetes type 2 can get benefits by consuming kalonji oil with black tea on an empty stomach.
5. ASTHMA: kalonji oil is also very good for asthma patients. They should mix kalonji oil and honey in warm water and drink it everyday
6. PREVENTING CANCER: Because they are full of anti oxidants, they neutralize the free radicals that may cause cancer. Consuming kalonji seeds regularly can prevent one from developing various types of cancers such as breast, cervical, lung and pancreatic cancer.
7. KIDNEYS: They protect kidneys by reducing blood urea, blood sugar and serum creatinine levels. They are also good for kidney stones and helpful in curing kidney infections.
8. WEIGHT LOSS: Along with several other benefits, consuming kalonji seeds with warm water helps increasing body metabolism and makes a person slim and healthy naturally.
9. STOMACH AND DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Kalonji oil and seeds are good for healing stomach ulcers and helpful in curing constipation problems as well.
10. SEX HEALTH: Nigella seed oil consumption on daily basis makes improvement in fertility and sexual wellness. It improves sperm quality and increases semen volume.
11. TEETH AND GUMS: Kalonji seeds and oil are also beneficial for overall oral health. From dental pain to bleading gums it cures all. By mixing a cup of curd and a half teaspoon of kalonji oil and applyinguit on teeth and gums twice a day make them go stronger & healthy.
12. CURING HEADACHES & BOOSTING MEMORY: Adding kalonji seeds with honey and consuming them empty stomach makes the brain function better. It is very useful for elderly people. Consuming these seeds with mint leaves boost memory and prevent neurological disorders.
So, as these seeds are full of nutritional values and have been used for thousands of years in cuisines as well as medicinal purposes, it may be included in our day to day eateries to get benefits from nature's miracles.