Nigella, also known as Nigella sativa or Black Cumin, is a plant consumed from Morocco to India. Its seeds have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries, in seed or oil form.
Nigella is known for its beneficial properties for health, particularly with regard to blood sugar levels.
To date, more than 2000 clinical studies highlight the therapeutic effects of this plant, much more than for spirulina: who would have believed it!
In terms of improving blood sugar, what does this research say?
Well, some research suggests that these black seeds can have a positive effect on blood sugar regulation, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes but also in preventing this disease, if our lifestyle is not optimal.
Nigella Sativa contains more than 200 active ingredients, it is a plant very rich in active ingredients, and in particular in thymoquinone, a major active molecule at the origin of this regulation.
For more detail, here are some mechanisms by which these black seeds can help improve blood sugar levels:
- Reduces insulin resistance: Black seed can help increase cells' sensitivity to insulin, which allows cells to better absorb glucose.
- Stimulates insulin secretion: Certain compounds, including Thymoquinone, may help stimulate insulin production by the beta cells of the pancreas, which promotes better blood sugar regulation.
- Finally, its antioxidant effects: The antioxidant properties of black seeds can help reduce oxidative stress associated with too high blood sugar, which can help improve the function of pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production.
Depending on the form (seeds, oils, capsules), the dosage will be different. If you prefer edible oil, it is recommended to consume a small teaspoon before the two richest meals, often lunch and dinner.
If you want an alternative to the slightly spicy, peppery taste of black cumin and you opt for the food supplement option: then check the thymoquinone level, therefore the blood sugar regulating molecule, and follow the laboratory's recommendations.
At the Officine du Monde, Nigella capsules are consumed at the rate of one capsule before each rich meal, and only one capsule in the morning covering 24 hours of effect since the level of Thymoquinone in the capsules is ten times more concentrated than the market!
Be careful with dosages!
And finally, here are some recommendations to prevent and regulate your blood sugar, regardless of the stage:
- Don't skip meals.
- Maintain a regular food intake every day: For an adult man, the recommended energy intake is, on average, 2,400 to 2,600 calories per day, depending on the activity. For an adult woman, it is 1,800 to 2,200 calories.
- Spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day (3 to 5 servings). It is really necessary to have a fair distribution of carbohydrates between the three main meals and snacks consumed during the day.
- Consume dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables) with each meal because of their beneficial effects: slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol, help prevent postprandial hyperglycemia (raised blood sugar), improve intestinal transit and reduce appetite.
- Avoid snacks: The snacks we eat often contain hidden saturated fats.
- If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin: Divide your diet into three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Add 1 to 3 snacks to these meals each day, based on self-blood sugar monitoring results and recommendations from your healthcare team.
- And finally, practice regular physical activity.
