Health

Food for Immune System Booster: 5 Foods That Strengthen Your Immune System

  In this unprecedented global pandemic, you may be wondering what you can do to naturally strengthen your immune system.   Did you know that you can use food for an immune system booster? Several nutrition-packed foods may help bolster your natural immunity, making it easier for your body to ward off harmful bacteria or viruses.   Although eating these foods can’t prevent COVID-19 or any other disease, they are rich in compounds that can naturally give your immune system a boost.   Here are 5 foods you can eat as immune system boosters. 1. Mushrooms Mushrooms have earned their status as a superfood. They have adaptogenic and nootropic properties, meaning they may help boost your brain function and your overall wellness.   In addition, they have several potentially immune-boosting properties as well. Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants, which can help ward off unstable free radical compounds and reverse some of the cellular damage caused by these compounds. They are also rich in vitamin D, which plays a key role in immune health (1).   In fact, one high-quality 4-week study of 52 adults found that eating 5-10 grams of shiitake mushrooms daily resulted in increased immune cell production and decreased inflammation (2).   Mushrooms can be added to a variety of dishes, but they’re excellent in stir-fries, salads, and soups. They can also be used as a meat substitute if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet.   If you dislike the taste of mushrooms, you could try using a mushroom powder, like Nourishing Nutrients Superfood 10. It's made from 10 different types of organic mushrooms and can be added to coffee or other drinks, allowing you to get the benefits of mushrooms even if you dislike the taste. 2. Sea Moss Sea moss, or Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows on rocks on the coasts of Europe, North American, and the Caribbean Islands.   It’s rich in minerals that may help boost your immune health, like potassium and iodine.   Iodine is an essential mineral found in sea moss. It’s an essential component of your thyroid hormones and helps regulate thyroid health. It’s also a potent antioxidant, meaning it can help prevent and reverse some of the cellular damage caused by free radicals (5).   Potassium, another mineral, may help regulate the body’s resistance to tumor growth. However, more research is needed regarding this possibility (6).   Sea moss also contains a number of other compounds that may help your immune system, like antioxidants and vitamins.   Sea moss is used in some Irish and Jamaican recipes, but most people choose to supplement with it instead of eat it. It’s can be added to foods, drinks, or smoothies, or taken alone. To reap some of the benefits of sea moss, you can try a sea moss supplement. 3. Bone Broth Bone broth is a broth made from the bones of animals—usually chicken, pork, or beef bones. Unlike a regular soup stock, bone broth is cooked slowly—allowing all of the compounds found in the bone to infuse into the broth. The result is a rich, deep-flavored broth that is packed with nutrition.   Bone broth contains collagen, a type of protein found in your skin and connective tissues that can help promote healing (7).   It also contains three key amino acids—or building blocks of protein—that may boost immune health: arginine, glutamine, and cysteine. Glutamine in particular appears to increase the proliferation of immune cells, potentially promoting a stronger immune response to perceived threats (8, 9).   Finally, research may even support the idea that chicken soup can help when you’re sick. Homemade chicken soup is typically made from a broth using simmered chicken bones, so it provides some of the same benefits as bone broth. Homemade chicken soup may help you get over a cold faster and, according to a study from the 1970s, improve nasal congestion (10, 11).   You can buy bone broth at most stores or make it yourself using the leftover bones from meat you cook. 4. Black garlic Black garlic is a type of aged garlic that’s bursting with flavor. It’s also long been used in traditional medicine. The strictly-regulated aging process that it goes through over weeks or months caramelizes the natural sugars found in the garlic, turning it black and giving it a sticky texture and milder, sweeter flavor than raw garlic.   Black garlic contains a compound called allicin, which provides many of its potentially immune-boosting benefits. Allicin is antimicrobial—meaning it can kill certain disease-causing cells, at least in test-tube studies. It’s also anti-inflammatory, and may help improve heart health (3, 4).   Enjoy black garlic in any recipe you’d use raw garlic in. It’s got a great, rich flavor that meshes well with most types of food. 5. Strawberries Strawberries are a healthy and delicious fruit, low in sugar and high in fiber. They’re a great addition to any diet.    Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, an essential, anti-inflammatory nutrient that exerts many positive effects on the immune system. It can decrease inflammation and promote the neutralization of unstable free radical compounds, and promote the proliferation and effectiveness of your body’s immune cells (12).   Strawberries are great on their own, but also an excellent addition to smoothies and salads.   Conclusion  These foods—rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and other healthy compounds—may help equip your body to ward off infection and illness. They can serve as natural foods for an immune system booster.   If you’re strapped for time and unable to cook healthy meals regularly, you can also try the mushroom extract supplement by Nourishing Nutrients for all of the benefits of these foods in a super-convenient form.   References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29146352/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866155/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25153873/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30537531/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28103777/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30923211/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29601617/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17403271/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30360490/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/

The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet

Author- Barbie Ritzman The term "superfood," depending on where you live has been around for a while. I see it everywhere in California, but locally I only see it at some of the Mom & Pop health food stores. But the wonderful thing is you can go online for these Superfoods, to places like Nourishing Nutrient, which makes it convenient. For 2019, I decided to go back to a trainer friend of mine. While I can’t drive to workout with him any longer in person, he did put together an excellent plan for me, and one of them included adding some Superfoods to my daily diet. Now I know you are probably wondering what the Heck Is A Superfood? Well to put it simply, the term Superfood refers to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits with minimal calories, which is why they are great to add to other foods, especially a protein shake, smoothie, and soups. Not only do Superfoods have minimal calories, but the benefit is they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and boy do I love me some antioxidants! The Antioxidant Benefits Of Superfoods Being a woman in her forties, I need as many rich antioxidants that I can get as they are amazing at helping to neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals can wreak havoc on the body especially the skin as they cause damage to the cellular structure. This damage can speed up the skin's aging, by breaking down the skin’s collagen, which can lead to premature aging with sagging, wrinkled skin and who the heck wants that? Antioxidant molecules found in superfoods, can decrease and in some cases reverse the effects of free radicals, which is one reason I am all about them! But it doesn’t stop there. Superfoods are great at basically supercharging your health, immunity boosting, and more! The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet One Superfood that I am implementing into my diet is a product from Nourishing Nutrients, SUPERFOOD 10 Organic Mushroom Powder Extract. The benefits of mushrooms are huge. They have a great deal of nutritional value, are full of micronutrients, are low in carbohydrates and sodium and high in fiber and potassium (more than a banana), oh and they have no fat! Nourishing Nutrients Superfood 10 Mushroom Powder Extract Blend This Superfood blend has 10 different mushrooms. The extract powder is derived from Ancient Chinese Medicinal Techniques. Dating back to 400A.D. This powder is: Hot water extract (no alcohol used) USDA certified organic Made in an FDA registered facility Gluten Free 100% WHOLE FRUITING BODIES, NO mycelium (grain) Free from fillers, grains & mycelium Vegan-friendly Mostly Wild mountain harvested mushrooms NOT genetically engineered mushrooms 10 PURE MUSHROOM EXTRACTS to include: Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Lions Mane, TurkeyTail, Oyster, Phellinus linteus, and Wood Ear Mushroom. What Are The Benefits And Uses Of Mushroom Powder Extract If you’re interested in adding more mushrooms to your diet, this powder is a fantastic way to do it. It can be mixed into your food in a variety of ways very easily. Mushrooms add a nutty taste and can be added to some of the below. Ways To Add More Mushrooms To Your Diet Coffee Tea Hot Cocoa Smoothie Breaksfast Superfood Bowls Protein drinks Oatmeal Add to food & broth to enhance their flavors As a meat substitute In soups, sautés, salad dressings and so much more! Click Here For Hot Cocoa Recipe Benefits Of Adding Mushrooms To Your Diet A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help you live a longer, healthier life. The product from Nourishing nutrients has many benefits, helping with things such as… Obesity (Mushrooms are prebiotic, which means they nourish the healthy bacteria in your gut, which could also help treat obesity) Protects the cells from free radicals Improves mood- mental focus & lowers stress Immunity boosting & cell health supporting Detoxifying Energy & endurance Increase satiety and reduces appetite Packed with fiber Vitamin Rich: Vitamin C that can help to boost immunity and lower inflammation in the body. Vitamin A which can assist with detoxifying the body, improving skin and hair health. Excellent source of Potassium. Potassium works with sodium to help your body maintain a proper water and electrolyte balance. Hence helping with things like lowering your blood pressure, dehydration, muscle cramps, and much more! Overall consuming more superfood mushrooms may be one of the most important foods you can eat to improve your health and using a product like Nourishing Nutrients 10 Pure Mushroom Powder Extract makes it easier to consume! Author- Barbie Ritzman

The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For The Skin

Author- Barbie Ritzman While the weather outside may be frightful, this doesn’t mean your skin needs to be as well. During these chilly winter months, our delicate skin can sure be affected by these blistering cold winds. So, this month I wanted to share with you some less expensive ways to have radiant skin, with my “Pantry To Pretty Skincare Series.” A DIY approach to skincare. Dry, itchy skin affects a lot of us and can be most prevalent during this time of year when the humidity and temperature drop, making our skin particularly vulnerable to dryness, cracking and worse yet, aging us (yuk). That is why it is essential to take extra special care of the skin during the winter! Furthermore, skincare and makeup go hand in hand, and no one wants to apply makeup to their skin when it is dry and flaky, highlighting our imperfections. Today’s Pantry To Pretty product is with Organic Black Seed Oil or Nigella Sativa. This plant native to Asia has been around dating back to ancient Egypt times. The Queen of the Nile herself, Cleopatra, is said to have slathered it on herself! So, if you want to see the many Benefits of Black Seed Oil For The Skin, continue reading. The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For The Skin Best Black Seed Oil The oil of black seed has many benefits from antibacterial & antifungal properties to anti-inflammatory effects, balancing sebum production and is excellent at calming inflamed, itchy winter skin; even eczema and acne-prone complexions have benefited from this oil! It sounds like a wonderful oil doesn’t it? Well, beauties it is, and one place I found that offers this oil in its purest form is Nourishing Nutrients. Not compared to other Black Seed Oil, this brand oil is "VIRGIN, FIRST PRESSING" cold pressed oil. Which means that it is unrefined so that the oil will retain as many nutrients in its purest form, with no additives, solvents or alcohol added. It is 100% pure and natural that is extracted from black cumin seeds and can be used topically as well and ingested. Before I get into the many benefits that black seed oil has on the skin. Let’s take a gander at the nutrients found in black seed oil that contributes to beautiful skin. The Nutrients Found In Black Seed Cumin Oil That Are Great For The Skin Being a woman in her forties I am looking for products that have omega fatty acids, vitamin B & C, as well as some other antioxidants and black seed oil, has all of these! Yep, you read right. Until recently, I only looked used black seed oil for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It wasn’t until I discovered the many anti-aging benefits it had, thanks to an aesthetician friend of mine. She has great looking skin, and she shared with me that black seed oil has rich and powerful anti-oxidants like… Omega-3 fatty acids that help to improve the skins cellular structure. Vital Amino acids that are the building blocks of both peptides and proteins which have an essential role in skincare. Amino acids also maintain the skin's hydration and overall healthy appearance. Furthermore, it can help the skin to generate collagen and elastin! Skin Nourishing Vitamins: Black seed is an excellent source of vitamins B and C. As well as Zinc, Calcium, and Potassium who would have thought? All these combined are great at helping to promote the growth of healthy skin tissue, support the elasticity and tone of the skin, and can even help with minor acne flare-ups. Why Go DIY With Your Skincare Routine? The DIY approach to skincare has been something I have done forever! I got it from my mother and grandmother, who both have gorgeous skin. It's no secret that DIY can save you money, but when it comes to dry winter skin you want to stay away from products that have artificial fragrances and synthetics in them as these ingredients can cause your skin to become more irritated! While they may smell pretty, they are not pretty for the skin! Black Seed Oil Skincare Recipes Many have asked me how to take black seed oil? What is black seed oil good for? Well, black seed oil can be used in many ways, but today I am going to share with you my top 3 black seed oil skincare recipes. For A Glowing Complexion Mix 1 teaspoon of black seed oil with a carrier oil. My two favorites carrier oils are Coconut and Olive Oil. Rub the face with this mixture and leave on for one hour. Or I prefer to leave it on overnight. However, you want to be careful not to get it in your eyes. Also, leaving it on overnight may be too strong, so test it first before applying to your face. Wash off with gentle foaming facial cleanser. Never use a body soap to wash it off, it dries the skin! Zap A Zit This one is easy. All you need is a Q-tip Simply soak a clean Q-tip with black seed oil and dab it onto your pimples. For those extra troubled areas, I combine it with organic honey. A Facial Mask I love me a facial mask, and this one takes the cake as it is combined with Turmeric. Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. The plant’s intense healing power primarily comes from Curcumin, its main active ingredient. Curcumin is packed with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory firepower that promotes an incredible range of healing benefits. Combine that with the Black Seed oil, and you have the remedy for younger-looking radiant skin, so check out the video here. So, there you have it beauties, my first winter skincare Pantry to Pretty Bit. Make sure to stay tuned for my others that will talk about Organic Black Maca and Organic Mushroom powder. Until next time! Author- Barbie Ritzam

The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet

Author- Barbie Ritzman The term "superfood," depending on where you live has been around for a while. I see it everywhere in California, but locally I only see it at some of the Mom & Pop health food stores. But the wonderful thing is you can go online for these Superfoods, to places like Nourishing Nutrients, which makes it convenient. For 2019, I decided to go back to a trainer friend of mine. While I can’t drive to workout with him any longer in person, he did put together an excellent plan for me, and one of them included adding some Superfoods to my daily diet. Now I know you are probably wondering what the Heck Is A Superfood? Well to put it simply, the term Superfood refers to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits with minimal calories, which is why they are great to add to other foods, especially a protein shake, smoothie, and soups. Not only do Superfoods have minimal calories, but the benefit is they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and boy do I love me some antioxidants! The Antioxidant Benefits Of Superfoods Being a woman in her forties, I need as many rich antioxidants that I can get as they are amazing at helping to neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals can wreak havoc on the body especially the skin as they cause damage to the cellular structure. This damage can speed up the skin's aging, by breaking down the skin’s collagen, which can lead to premature aging with sagging, wrinkled skin and who the heck wants that? Antioxidant molecules found in superfoods, can decrease and in some cases reverse the effects of free radicals, which is one reason I am all about them! But it doesn’t stop there. Superfoods are great at basically supercharging your health, immunity boosting, and more! The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet One Superfood that I am implementing into my diet is a product from Nourishing Nutrients, SUPERFOOD 10 Organic Mushroom Powder Extract. The benefits of mushrooms are huge. They have a great deal of nutritional value, are full of micronutrients, are low in carbohydrates and sodium and high in fiber and potassium (more than a banana), oh and they have no fat! Nourishing Nutrients Superfood 10 Mushroom Powder Extract Blend This Superfood blend has 10 different mushrooms. The extract powder is derived from Ancient Chinese Medicinal Techniques. Dating back to 400A.D. This powder is: Hot water extract (no alcohol used) USDA certified organic Made in an FDA registered facility Gluten Free 100% WHOLE FRUITING BODIES, NO mycelium (grain) Free from fillers, grains & mycelium Vegan-friendly Mostly Wild mountain harvested mushrooms NOT genetically engineered mushrooms 10 PURE MUSHROOM EXTRACTS to include: Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Lions Mane, TurkeyTail, Oyster, Phellinus linteus, and Wood Ear Mushroom. What Are The Benefits And Uses Of Mushroom Powder Extract If you’re interested in adding more mushrooms to your diet, this powder is a fantastic way to do it. It can be mixed into your food in a variety of ways very easily. Mushrooms add a nutty taste and can be added to some of the below. Ways To Add More Mushrooms To Your Diet Coffee Tea Hot Cocoa Smoothie Breaksfast Superfood Bowls Protein drinks Oatmeal Add to food & broth to enhance their flavors As a meat substitute In soups, sautés, salad dressings and so much more! Click Here For Hot Cocoa Recipe Benefits Of Adding Mushrooms To Your Diet A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help you live a longer, healthier life. The product from Nourishing nutrients has many benefits, helping with things such as… Obesity (Mushrooms are prebiotic, which means they nourish the healthy bacteria in your gut, which could also help treat obesity) Protects the cells from free radicals Improves mood- mental focus & lowers stress Immunity boosting & cell health supporting Detoxifying Energy & endurance Increase satiety and reduces appetite Packed with fiber Vitamin Rich: Vitamin C that can help to boost immunity and lower inflammation in the body. Vitamin A which can assist with detoxifying the body, improving skin and hair health. Excellent source of Potassium. Potassium works with sodium to help your body maintain a proper water and electrolyte balance. Hence helping with things like lowering your blood pressure, dehydration, muscle cramps, and much more! Overall consuming more superfood mushrooms may be one of the most important foods you can eat to improve your health and using a product like Nourishing Nutrients 10 Pure Mushroom Powder Extract makes it easier to consume! Author- Barbie Ritzman

What the Hec is Black Maca?

Hey beauties, today I want to share with you another great superfood which is BLACK MACA. Now, some of you may have heard of this root as it has been heavily marketed as being effective to support fertility and increase libido! While this claim is backed by research, that is not all it is suitable for.For this post, I have partnered up with Nourishing Nutrients. They are one of my favorite companies for great Superfoods and adaptogens (which are herbs and plants that are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds), like their Black Maca.Now before I get into the many benefits of Maca, I like to share with you “What the heck is maca”What The Heck Is Maca?This plant is native to Peru (sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng) and the root portion is what is editable and is generally dried and consumed in a powder form, liquid or pill.A cool thing about this superfood that you may not know is it is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables which includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips. However, it does not taste like any of the other family of vegetables. Instead, it is more earthy with a nutty taste, which is why it is excellent to add to oatmeal, cookies or smoothies. If a powder isn’t your thing, then the Nourishing Nutrient capsule is perfect for you as the Maca powder is in a safe vegetarian capsule for ease of taking, unlike maca powder or liquid which, can have a robust taste, when consumed by itself. So now that you know what the heck MACA is and where it comes from, I like to tell you why I love this superfood and why you should try it out yourself as it does have many more benefits than just helping with your sex drive! The Many Benefits Of Nourishing Nutrients Black Maca Maca is packed with nutrients, surprisingly I read that this root contains around 31 different minerals, including calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, potassium, and vitamin B, just to name a few. It also contains... High levels of protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. A ton of different phytonutrients, a substance found in certain plants which are believed to be a beneficial natural remedy to human health and prevention of various diseases. Boosts over 20 amino acids and potassium. Nourishing Nutrient Premium Organic Gelatinized Black Maca Root Vegan Capsules Are USDA Organic Black Maca No Fillers or Binders Vegan Capsules Gluten free Vegan & Paleo friendly Manufactured in an FDA facility NON-GMO Sugar-Free Gelatinized Maca is said to be the most potent as it removes useless starch for ease of digestion and leaves only the potent components of maca Overall, the Maca roots and its properties have been very well researched for centuries and have been adopted to help aid with many different ailments in the human body. See some of these below. Helps To Support The Endocrine System Maca root powder is beneficial for the endocrine system. For those of you who may not know our endocrine system consists of the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. These glands produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, and more! And studies have shown that Maca can aid these glands, all in which are involved in hormonal balance. Reduce Your Cortisol Levels Caused By Stress One thing I know that we may not always be great at managing is the stress in our lives from our work, children, on the go diets, and more. These stress factors can cause women’s hormones to go into a frenzy, and when our hormones are out of whack, it can cause all kinds of issues. Now I am not going to get too technical here, but for this post, I reached out to a friend of mine that works at a dermatologist office. And she explained that when women experience hormonal fluctuations due to stress, there is an increase in our cortisol levels, AKA stress hormone. This stress hormone gets broken down by our body into testosterone, and causes our skins oil production to skyrocket, causing a breakout! And if that wasn’t bad enough it can also break down collagen and elastin, ultimately leading to wrinkles! Oh, and I forgot that his evil hormone could also lead to weight gain! WT? Enough to cause you to stress even more, which is why I was happy to find out that we can use Maca to help also to lower cortisol, balancing moods and helping with anxiety and stress! Increased Libido Us women over forty could all use this, right? Well all kidding aside, Maca can improve the libido and perk up a lowered sex drive for men and women! Think about it, a low libido can be caused by stress or even some anti-depressants and Maca can be the boost you need! Peri-menopause I am reaching the end of my forties, so when I hear peri-menopause, I realize how old I am getting. I remember my mom telling me about those horrible night sweats, hot flashes, sleepless nights, weight gain, and loss of libido, it can be depressing and even stressful (see how this all cycles together). And the thought of having to take hormone pills is scary, as I try to stay away from pharmaceutical drugs as much as I can. So, if you are like me, and want a non-hormonal boost, Maca root can be a significant boost of youth. Other Benefits And Uses Of Maca Root An increase in antioxidant levels Helps with memory and focus Improves your energy levels Supports Fertility Helps to promote rapid muscle growth & endurance Boosts immunity Somethings To Be Cautious Of When Using Maca As I state many times, I am not a medical professional. The information I share on my blog is from my personal experiences and or research provided by the brands I work with. With that, there are some precautions you need to take when using MACA, see them below. Should not be used by those who are allergic to iodine If you have high blood pressure, please consult with a physician before use You should also be cautious with maca if you are androgen sensitive, in the case of some expressions of PCOS. Want to try some of this yourself? Well, now you can! You can purchase this product on Amazon or right from Nourishing Nutrient website. Until next time! Author Barbie Ritzman Want to see some reviews on Nourishing Nutrient products? Check them out below. The Superfood Qualities Of Mushrooms And Why You Should Add Them To Your Diet The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For The Skin

10 Tips for sleep

Having lack of sleep? Can't sleep or restless? Check out these 10 tips from Naturopath Jasmin Townsend. Our guest blog post.  Contributed by Naturopath Jasmin Townsend www.natwellhealth.com.au

All natural Mask for Glowing & Brighter Skin

Can 1/2 tsp of this oil help Diabetics naturally lower blood sugar levels?

  In this new age we are all looking more and more to natural approaches to illness and diseases. The days of taking a doctor's word, without researching yourself is definitely behind us and it is no different for people suffering with diabetes. Can a simple oil really help? With 29 million people in the United states of America alone suffer with Diabetes and struggle with blood sugar levels daily. But what if there was a natural, non-toxic way to help stabilize their blood sugar levels? There might well be and it’s not a new drug or an untested plant. It’s a 3,000yr old remedy that even the likes of Tutankhamun used in ancient times. It was reverted even then, as the “Treatment for all illness but death”. Nigella Sativa or most commonly known as Black Cumin or Black Seed oil has gotten its place among top ranked evidence based herbal medicines (1) for its profound natural health benefits. With hundreds of articles and studies done about this miracle seed, its positive effects on blood glucose levels stands out. What is Black Cumin? Black cumin are seeds from the small shrub, Nigella Sativa. Natively from Western Asia (India & Sri Lanka), Eastern Europe, The Middle East and the Mediterranean. These small black seeds can be taking simply in seed form or oil can be extracted to produce a more potent product with high thymoquinone content. Thymoquinone being a major bioactive component of this oil has been shown to have a wide range of medical applications, including stabilizing blood sugar levels. (2) Scientific studies on Black Cumin In recent years the articles and scientific studies are starting to pile up. Below are several studies that pertain to blood sugar level and their findings- One study published on pubmed.gov showed that over 3 months, Black seed oil at a dose of 2 gm/day caused significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, reduced by an average of 45, 62 and 56 mg/dl at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. (3) Another study was conducted to test intestinal absorption of glucose when Black seed oil was taken. An oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in rats after the initial dose and after a 6-week treatment of Nigella sativa (black cumin seed) (2 g day), and compared to metformin (300 mg day). Nigella sativa treatment improved glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin which is a medication that helps control high blood sugar. Nigella sativa and metformin also reduced body weight without any toxic effect. (4) In 2017 British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research wrote “We may conclude that Nigella Sativa (Black seed) not only treat the diabetes as a single disease but as a terrific syndrome. Beside of it, Nigella sativa (Black cumin) is among the safest drugs”. (5) How to take Black Cumin for Diabetes It was shown that yes, a mere 1/2tsp (2gr) of this Black Cumin Seed can really lower blood sugar naturally. It effectively improved glucose tolerance in diabetics. The fastest absorption method is to take Black cumin is in its oil form, where the active component thymoquinone levels are more concentrated and bio-available. Some people do not like the taste of Black Seed Oil, so it is recommended to take with ½ tsp of sugar free peanut butter or nut butter of your choosing. Possible Side Effects Black seed oil is a nutritionally potent Superfood that should be taken in moderation. Just as you wouldn’t take 10 multi vitamins a day, nor should you over take Black cumin oil. Though many studies have concluded the positive effects of Black seed oil (Nigella Sativa), some people can experience upset stomachs, reflux and nausea. In these cases, it is recommended to reduce your dose and have with food. As it’s a natural supplement, anyone with a medical condition or who is pregnant/nursing should check with a doctor before using this or any substance. Summary Black Cumin Seeds has been shown in studies to help stabilize blood sugar levels when taking 2 grams per day Black Seed Oil is quicker to absorb than seeds It improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin (4) Taking black seed oil over time can also help reduce body weight Lowering blood sugar without medication is possible, however it is always recommended to speak to a doctor first Always use pure organic Black Seed Oil   References: (1) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/ (2) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/) (3) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21675032 (4) sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874108005941 (5)journalrepository.org/media/journals/BJPR_14/2017/Jan/Saleem1432016BJPR30684_1.pdf   Author: Amanda Patel

9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health

If you take a look at the hundreds of scientific peer-reviewed articles that have been published about black seed oil benefits, one fact is clear: There are few issues that it cannot help the body overcome. With virtually no side effects, the healing prowess of black seed oil — back from black cumin seeds — is actually quite unbelievable, and it boggles the mind that most people have never even heard of it! Read on find out what black seed oil is all about, along with all the wonderful black seed oil benefits out there. What Is Black Seed Oil? Black seed oil is made from the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa) plant, which belongs to the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae). The black cumin plant is native to southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. It has been grown for centuries for its aromatic and flavorful seeds that can be used as a spice or as an herbal medicine. (1) Black seed oil is also commonly called black cumin seed oil. Be careful, as black seed should not be confused with true cumin (Cuminum cyminum), black pepper, black sesame or black cohosh. Quite possibly, the most promising research has been done connecting Nigella sativa to multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is a really big deal because these so-called “superbugs” are becoming a significant public health risk. According to the National Institute of Health: (2) Strains of bacteria and viruses that are antimicrobial-resistant are becoming virtually impossible to treat, including HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida and malaria. Between 5 percent to 10 percent of all hospital patients develop an infection from superbugs. More than 90,000 of these patients die every year, up from 13,300 patient deaths in 1992. People infected with superbugs typically have longer hospital stays, require more complicated treatment and don’t recover as well. A study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College researchers set out to determine just how potent black seed oil is against some of these superbugs and paired it against several antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Gatifloxacin and Tetracycline. According to the study, “Out of 144 strains tested, most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics, 97 were inhibited by the oil of black cumin.” (3) Next to oregano oil, few things on the planet can boast this type of potency to microbes. The study uncovered that it was especially effective against multi-drug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The key to understanding why black seed oils benefits the body in this way is because it’s rich in three key natural chemicals: thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing components of black seed oil. The Power Behind Black Seed Oil Benefits: Phytochemicals In an effort to offer a solution to the growing antifungal resistant problem people have with yeasts and molds, a recent study was conducted with the purpose of determining if Nigella sativa seed oil could help. Published in the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, scientists tested thymol, TQ and THQ against 30 human pathogens and were surprised to discover that: (4) Each compound showed 100 percent inhibition for the 30 pathogens evaluated. Thymoquinone was the best antifungal compound against all of the tested dermatophytes and yeasts, followed by thymohydroquinone and thymol. Thymol was the best antifungal against molds followed by TQ and THQ. What this study tells us is that Nigella sativa oil carries a very unique chemical constituency that is not only effective individually, but more importantly also collectively. Essentially proving that fungus and molds cannot exist in the presence of these phytochemicals, it is no wonder why researchers are seeking to solve the superbug problem with black seed oil. Thymoquinone: An active ingredient in black seed, researchers have been investigating TQ since the 1960s. It is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that have been reported to help with encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma and carcinogenesis. (5) Interestingly, thymoquinone acts as a free radical or an effective superoxide radical scavenger, in addition to preserving antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Both glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase are heralded for being major detoxifiers and greatly aid in cellular antioxidant defense systems because they protect the liver from toxins. (6, 7) Thymohydroquinone: Akin to thymoqinone, thymohydroquinone is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors on the planet. (8) AChE inhibitors are chemicals that stop enzyme activity, which increases the amount of time and the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylecholine remains active in the brain. To give you an idea of their usefulness, pharmaceutical-grade acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions, including: (9) Apathy Alzheimer’s disease Autism Glaucoma Dementia Myasthenia gravis Neurodegenerative conditions Postural tachycardia syndrome Schizophrenia Parkinson’s disease Considering that the pharmaceutical approach to these diseases comes at a great cost to the patient, it offers much hope to literally millions to learn that safe, plant-based solutions are a viable alternative! Thymol: The active ingredient that gives thyme essential oil its medicinal properties, thymol is a natural monoterpene that holds a number of useful qualities. For example: (10, 11) It is commonly used as a tuberculocide and virucides to kill TB and various viruses. It is used as a medical and general-purpose disinfectant. It is a rapidly degrading, non-persisting pesticide. It is also used in food flavorings, perfumes, mouthwashes and even cosmetics. These incredible phytochemicals lead to all kinds of amazing black seed oil benefits — which I’m about to share with you now!   Top 9 Black Seed Oil Benefits Of the many ways that black seed oil benefits the body, the nine that stick out in the scientific literature tout its ability to help prevent cancer, diabetes, obesity, hair loss, skin disorders and infections like MRSA. 1. Helps Fight Cancer Thanks to its potent phytochemicals and antioxidant capabilities, black seed oil has been shown to help naturally treat cancer. Croatian scientists evaluated the antitumor activity of thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone using an animal model study and discovered that these two phytochemicals found in black seed oil resulted in a 52 percent decrease in tumor cells. (12) In vitro research in recent years also reveals that thymoquinone, the most abundant bioactive component in black seed oil, helps induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia cells, breast cancer cells and brain tumor cells. (13, 14, 15) Additionally, researchers from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health have shown that not only can black seed kill off pancreatic cancer cells, but it also appears to inhibit development of pancreatic cancer. This cancer preventative ability is attributed to black seed’s thymoquinone and its anti-inflammatory properties. (16) 2. Promotes Liver Health The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Nearly every toxin gets processed through the liver, and the bile from the liver is the key to digesting fats and keeping your mind and body happy and healthy. For those that have struggled with poor liver function due to medication side effects, alcohol consumption or disease, black seed oil could greatly speed the healing process. In a recent animal model study, scientists discovered that black seed oil benefits the function of the liver and helps prevent both damage and disease. (17) 3. Combats Diabetes Explained in a recent article published by the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research highlight that black seed oil “causes gradual partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells, increases the lowered serum insulin concentrations and decreases the elevated serum glucose.” (19) This is actually quite profound because Nigella sativa is one of the few substances on the planet that is suggested to help prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In fact, according to the study, black seed “improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin; yet it has not shown significant adverse effects and has very low toxicity.” This is huge because metformin, one of the most commonly prescribed type 2 diabetes drugs, can cause a wide slew of side effects, including: (20) Bloating Constipation/diarrhea Flushing of the skin Gas/indigestion Heartburn Headache Nail changes Metallic taste in mouth Muscle pain Stomach pain 4. Aids Weight Loss Black seed oil weight loss claims actually do have some science behind them. The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders published a study systemically reviewing the literature for plants that have anti-obesity properties and discovered that black seed oil was among the most effective natural remedies on the planet. (21) Another systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2018 highlights the findings of at least 11 placebo-controlled clinical trials that reveal the ability of a black seed supplement to help lower body weight. Supplementation was also shown to decrease body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. It’s also important to note that there were no serious side effects of black seed supplementation reported in any of the studies. (22) 5. Protects Skin In a study conducted by Iranian researchers, Nigella saliva was found as effective as the skin cream Betamethasone in improving quality of life and decreasing severity of hand eczema. (23) As long as you don’t have an allergic reaction to black seed oil, it does not come with a laundry list of terrifying side effects like conventional creams. Betamethasone, for example, may cause swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, skin color changes, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and severe attention. Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face or waist is also in the realm of possibility. (24) I don’t know about you, but I would much rather use something natural on my skin like black seed oil. 6. Benefits Hair In addition to being a natural skincare aid, there are also black seed oil benefits for hair. Not surprisingly, black seed oil is often featured on lists of natural ways to boost hair and scalp health in numerous ways. Since it contains nigellone, shown by research to be an impressive antihistamine, it may help with hair loss due to androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata. With its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help the health of the scalp in general, discouraging dandruff and dryness, and improve hair health at the same time. (25, 26) 7. Treats Infections (MRSA) Of all the superbugs that black seed oil can kill, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important. MRSA is plaguing hospitals and nursing homes across the globe because ordinary staph infections are becoming resistant to generic antibiotics. The elderly population is especially at risk because it is generally associated with invasive procedures, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing and artificial joints. (27) Primarily due to weakened immunity, the growing population of senior citizens has made MRSA a global public health risk. Thankfully, one of the strongest black seed oil benefits may help. Pakistan scientists took several strains of MRSA and discovered that each one was sensitive to N. sativa, proving that black seed oil can help slow down or stop MRSA from spreading out of control. (28) 8. Improves Fertility In addition to possibly helping with hair loss, there are some other really impressive black seed oil benefits like its ability to naturally improve fertility. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated whether or not black seed oil could help infertile male subjects with abnormal sperm. The control group orally took 2.5 milliliters of black seed oil while the placebo group received the same amount of liquid paraffin twice a day for two months. What did researchers find? The results revealed that the black seed oil group had improvements in their sperm count as well as sperm motility and semen volume. (29) A systematic review published in 2015 in the Journal of Herbal Medicine also looked at the effects of black seeds on male infertility. The researchers reviewed studies that took place between 2000 and 2014, and overall, they concluded that black seed can “positively influence sperm parameters, semen, Leydig cells, reproductive organs and sexual hormones.” (30) 9. Balances Cholesterol Did you know that there may even ben black seed oil benefits for cholesterol? It’s true! A study using an animal model published in 2017 found that an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa not only had anti-diabetic effects on animal subjects, but also helped with cholesterol. After six weeks of given the diabetic animal subjects low doses of black seed, total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and glucose levels all came down while HDL (“good”) cholesterol increased. (31) Another older randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with human subjects who had mild hypertension. There was a placebo group, a group that took 100 milligrams of black seed twice a day and a group that took 200 milligrams twice a day. After eight weeks of this supplementation, researchers found that the people who took the black seed supplement had their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decrease in “a dose-dependent manner.” Additionally, the black seed extract supplement caused a “significant decline” in both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. (32) So overall, it appears that black seed may help lower cholesterol as well as blood sugar and blood pressure. Black Seed Oil Uses With the long list of black seed oil benefits, you might think were were talking about multivitamins, but no, we’re just examining one simple yet incredible seed. Now, let’s talk about how to use black seed oil. Spoiler alert: There are so many ways! For starters, black cumin oil can be used topically, but always make sure to dilute it with a a few teaspoons of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Once diluted, it can help with common skin concerns like acne and eczema thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people also find it helpful for psoriasis and rosacea. It can easily be added to homemade massage oils and lotions to experience the many black cumin seed benefits. For a warming massage, simply add one drop to one tablespoon of a carrier oil. To boost hair and scalp health, a few drops of oil can be added to hair products like shampoo and conditioner. If you enjoy making homemade fragrances with essential oils, it’s good to know that black seed oil has a peppery scent and works well as a base note. With its spicy flavor, a high-quality (100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic) black seed oil can be used in all kinds of recipes from meat main courses to soups and stews. You can also add it to beverages like chai tea latte and smoothies. A premium black seed oil option should always be 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic. Some companies also specify that their black seed oil is cold-pressed, which typically means that the oil is extracted from the Nigella sativa seeds without the use of heat from an external source resulting. Sometimes, cold-pressed oils are said to be more flavorful. If you don’t like taking liquid supplements, you can also find black seed oil capsules. The appropriate black seed oil dosage can vary by individual and health status. At this time, there is no standard dosage, but the following dosages by mouth have been studied in scientific research to date: (33) For diabetes: 1 tsp of black seed oil take twice a day for up to 12 months. For high blood pressure: 2 tsp of black seed oil daily for up to 12 weeks or 100–200 milligrams black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks. To improve sperm function: 2.5 mL black seed oil twice daily for two months. For asthma: 2 tsp of ground black seed taken daily for 12 weeks.