Black seeds are a somewhat unusual food, but they are actually readily available in many grocery or health food stores.
Black seeds.
Several human studies have demonstrated that black seeds are antidiabetic, as evidenced by reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, and improved carbohydrate tolerance.25, 26
In one study, type 2 diabetics were randomly assigned to eat just 2 grams black seed daily, or placebo, for 12 months. By the end of the study, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c declined significantly in the black seed group, compared to placebo.25
The oil of black seeds also appears antidiabetic. In a study on patients with metabolic syndrome, eating one level teaspoon of black seed oil per day for 6 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and cholesterol, compared to an untreated control group.27
As mentioned above, two to three grams per day of black seeds was enough to get the beneficial effects.25, 26
Because black seed goes by many other names, it’s best to double check for the botanical name, Nigella sativa, when buying products.
- Kaatabi H, Bamosa AO, Badar A, et al. Nigella sativa improves glycemic control and ameliorates oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: placebo controlled participant blinded clinical trial. PLoS One.10(2):e0113486.
- Bamosa AO, Kaatabi H, Lebdaa FM, Elq AM, Al-Sultanb A. Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. Oct-Dec;54(4):344-354.
- Najmi A, Nasiruddin M, Khan RA, Haque SF. Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndrome. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries. Jan 2008;28(1):11-14.