A Spoonful of Black Cumin Seed Powder Daily May Lower Cholesterol, Study Finds

Black

cumin, or kalonji, is one of those spices most of us grew up seeing in the kitchen without realising how powerful it actually is. It’s tossed into pickles, sprinkled over bread, and added to tadkas for flavour, but do you know this tiny seed has some seriously impressive metabolic benefits? A new study has now brought that to light, suggesting that kalonji may help improve cholesterol levels and even slow down the formation of fat cells.The findings were published in the Food Science & Nutrition Journal and included both laboratory research and an eight-week human trial.

What did the study find?

In the study, adults who consumed just one tablespoon, around 5 grams, of black cumin seed powder every day showed a noticeable improvement in their lipid profile. Their triglycerides came down, LDL and total cholesterol dropped, and HDL—the “good” cholesterol—went up. Alongside this, the lab work revealed something equally interesting: extracts of black cumin were able to stop new fat cells from forming.

So what gives kalonji this ability? Researchers highlight the seeds’ impressive mix of plant compounds. They’re packed with phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and thymoquinone, a natural substance famous for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. This combination seems to influence how the body handles fat and cholesterol, which is why both the lab tests and the human trial showed positive metabolic changes.

Can black cumin help you lose weight?

The study didn’t measure body weight directly, so no conclusions can be drawn yet. However, the fact that it reduced fat cell formation in the lab and improved cholesterol levels in people hints that it could play a supportive role in long-term weight management. The researchers were clear that more extensive trials are needed — especially to understand its impact on insulin resistance, inflammation and overall body weight.As for dosage, participants were simply given 5 grams of seed powder once a day. No side effects were noted. The study also didn’t specify how the powder should be taken, which means you can incorporate it in whichever way suits you. Some prefer chewing the raw seeds; others roast them lightly for flavour. You can mix the powder into warm water, yoghurt or smoothies, or sprinkle it on salads and cooked dishes. The key is consistency and sticking to the approximate 5-gram amount.

It’s worth noting that kalonji is not a substitute for prescribed cholesterol medication, but scientists do believe it could work as a natural add-on for people with borderline levels or those looking to support diet and lifestyle efforts.Black cumin has been part of Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking for centuries, and this research shows it may be doing far more than making your food taste good. From improving cholesterol to influencing fat metabolism, this little seed might just deserve a more regular place in your daily routine.