Niger seed oil has been recognized for its many impressive effects on human health, particularly its ability to speed healing, protect the skin, improve heart health, help with weight gain, aid sleep, stimulate circulation, and reduce inflammation, among others.
Niger seed oil is packed with beneficial fatty acids and linoleic acid and has a similar composition to sunflower oil. Therefore, this oil is often used as a substitute cooking oil, particularly in areas where Niger seeds are grown in high quantities. The seeds have various other uses, in chutneys, curries, and other health infusions, but the oil is where the real benefit lies, due to the concentrated nature of the nutrients there. [rx]
| Niger seed oil uses and benefits Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Niger seed oil uses and benefits |
| Scientific Name: | Guizotia abyssinica |
| Origin | Native to Malawi and Ethiopia. |
| Colors | Pale yellow |
| Health benefits | Healthy heart, Prevent insomnia, Treat skin problems, Assist healing, Lowers inflammation |
Niger seed oil comes from Ethiopia and is also grown in Malawi and India. It is scientifically known as Guizotia abyssinica. It belongs to genus Guizotia and family Asteraceae. It is also called ramtil, nyger or blackseed. Niger oil has nutritions such as fatty acids and linoleic acid. It is used as a substitute for cooking oil besides its healing purposes. The Niger seeds resemble the shape of sunflower seeds. Niger seeds possess 20% protein and 40% oil with a fatty acid composition related to oils of Compositae such as sunflower and safflower. Other common names for Niger seed are Noog, Niger, Nug, Nyger, Niger seed, Nyjer, Ramtilla, Ramtil, Blackseed, Inga seed, Ramtil, Inga seed.
This important oil, although you may have never heard of it before, is derived from an annual herb that grows in various parts of Ethiopia, Malawi, and India. Bearing the scientific name of Guizotia abyssinica, [rx]this plant goes by many other names, depending on what part of the world you’re in, including nyger, ramtil or blackseed. The Niger seed is actually a fruit, called achene, but due to its similar appearance to sunflower seeds (albeit smaller), it is commonly considered a seed that is fit for human consumption. The only real product derived from this herbal plant is the seed, from which a volatile and nutrient-rich oil can be pressed. Extraction of the oil is relatively easy, following an intense heating process during which any contaminants are neutralized. These seeds actually yield about 35% of their weight as oil, which makes them relatively inexpensive to find and utilize in your cooking.
Niger seed oil facts
Niger seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Niger plant. This herb is cultivated for its edible seeds. Niger seeds are small and are black in color. It is also cultivated in the countries such as Mexico, Africa, Brazil, Germany, India, and Southeast Asia.
| Name | Niger seed oil uses and benefits |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name of Niger | Guizotia abyssinica |
| Native | Native to Malawi and Ethiopia. |
| Common/English Name | Noog, Niger, Nug, Nyger, Niger seed, Nyjer, Ramtilla, Ramtil, Blackseed, Inga seed, Ramtil, Inga seed |
| Name in Other Languages of Niger | Assamese: Gujitil; Marathi: Karale, Karala; Hindi: jagni, ramtilla, ramtil; Nepalese: jhuse til; Thai: met nijoe (เมล็ดไนเจอร์); Sanskrit: Kala tilla, Rama tilla; Bengali: Kala tilla, Rama tilla; Gujrati: Kesani, Ramtilla, Kharsandi; Rajasthani: Kala tilla, Rama tilla; Telugu: Yuosi, Velesulu; Kannada: Gurellu, Huchellu, Kadell; Tamil: Kattell; Latin: Guijotia Abisinika |
| Color | Pale yellow |
| Odor | Pleasant |
| Taste | Nutty |
Niger Seed Oil Nutritional Fact
100 grams of niger oil provides the following nutrients;
- Ascorbic acids 9%
- Calcium 5 %
- Carbohydrates 3 %
- Copper 2 %
- Fiber 11%
- Linoleic acid 13%
- Magnesium 8 %
- Niacin 8%
- Oleic acid 10%
- Omega-3 fatty acid 14%
- Protein 16%
- Potassium 7%
- Riboflavin 9%
- Stearic acid 11%
- Sodium 4 %
- Zinc 2 %
Health benefits of Niger seed oil
Niger Seed Oil helps in boosting the immune system, repairing cells and tissues, caring for the skin, preventing cough and the common cold, supporting blood circulation, autism, and relieving pain.
Niger seed oil provides various health benefits that are discussed below:
Healthy heart
Niger seed oil has a high content of Omega -3 fatty acids as well as linoleic acid. It helps to balance the level of cholesterol in the body. It helps to prevent atherosclerosis that prevents heart attack and stroke. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent strain on cardiovascular health.
Prevent insomnia
Niger oil is helpful for people with dementia and insomnia. It affects the level of hormones in the human body. Minerals, zinc, and potassium affect the hormones in the body. It promotes the release of neurotransmitters.
Treat skin problems
Niger seed oil helps to treat skin ailments such as rashes, remove scars, burns, and irritation. It has a high content of antioxidants that helps to calm inflammation and stimulate the growth of skin cells. Additionally, it prevents infection of the skin that helps to prevent infection of the skin that increases immunity from abrasions and cuts.
Assist healing
Niger oils have minerals and vitamins that stimulate the growth of tissues and cells. It has a high content of riboflavin, protein, fiber, and Vitamin C that plays a vital role in the healing process.
Lowers inflammation
The health problems related to inflammation such as fever, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and high blood pressure could be helped with the use of this oil. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that help to cure the problems. Oxidative stress is the main cause of inflammation which should be eliminated by consuming foods that have a high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which are available in Niger seed oil.
Enhance immunity
Niger seed oil helps to boost immunity. It has antioxidants and anti-parasitic properties. It could be used as a substitute for cooking oil. [rx]
For acne Skin Care
The antioxidants found in niger seed oil helps to stimulate the healing processes and soothe inflammation. They can also prevent infections in the skin by improving the immune reactivity at the site of wounds or lacerations. Antioxidants also neutralize free radicals, which can lower the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. on the skin.
Speeds Up Healing Process
Protein, fiber, riboflavin, vitamin C, and other carbohydrates present in niger oil play important role in the healing processes. Niger seed oil gives instant relief from irritation caused due to wounds with the help of niacin, oleic acid stearic acid, ascorbic acid, etc.
Relieves Gastrointestinal Issues
Niger seed oil can soothe gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, bloating, cramping, hemorrhoids, and general stomach upset. The oil can help to coat the stomach and lower bad bacteria in the gut.
Neutralize pH Level
Niger seed oil is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. These constituents of niger oil are responsible for enhancing and regulating metabolism function. Niger seeds oil can neutralize the body’s pH level thereby keeping our body hydrated all the time.
Acts as Good Pain Reliever
Niger seeds oil is a good pain reliever. Its beneficial therapeutic properties, give effective relief from aches and pains, and application of niger seed oil as massage or consumption can cause relief to the person.
Help Weight Gain
The use of niger seed oil can add weight in a healthy way. It helps to regain weight after some illness or during recovery.
Nutritional Health Benefit
- Niger seed oil is a powerhouse of omega 3 fatty acids and linoleic acid which balances the cholesterol levels and prevents heart diseases and stroke. This also lowers the chances of atherosclerosis.
- Magnesium, zinc, and potassium present in niger seed oil, helps in releasing special neurotransmitters affecting hormonal balances and help in the sleep process. So niger seed oil can be used to treat insomnia and restlessness.
- Being anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, niger oil helps in the healing process and reduces inflammation and infections. It gives instant relief from irritation due to wounds. When applied directly onto wounds or cuts, it goes deep into the tissues and rejuvenates dead cells, and speeds up recovery.
- Being rich in antioxidants, it fights against free radicals and infectious bacteria and also boosts the immune system.
- It also helps to protect our body from cold and flu. It helps to give instant relief by massaging the back and chest.
- Niger oil is even used to curb morning sickness.
- It can also help reduce spots and wrinkles on the skin and slow down the aging effect. It also acts as anti-allergic.
- It can also be used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, high blood pressure, and other disorders caused by oxidative stress.
- Niger seeds contain a number of micronutrients and fight against malnutrition.
- Niger oil helps to soothe gastrointestinal problems like bloating, constipation, etc. and fights against pathogens in the gut or even inflammation.
- Niger seed oil can also be used as an analgesic. It helps to ward off headaches as well.
- Niger oil is also one of the good pain relievers. Hence can be used in massage, or other pain and aches as it helps in improving blood circulation. It also prevents blood clotting which in turn aids in circulation.
- It can be used by those seeking weight gain or any recovery because of its protein and fatty acid content.
- It is also used as bird food to feed them.
Niger seeds can be used as a topping on salads, as a pain reliever, massage, etc. With many health benefits, do not miss incorporating niger seeds in your diet next time. Put it on your grocery shopping list next time!
Side-Effects & Allergies of Niger Seed Oil
Niger seed oil overuse can cause bleeding disorders by slowing the blood clotting process and increasing the risk of bleeding. Also, it is not advised to pregnant women.
Cultivation of Niger Seed Oil
Niger plant was originally cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands. It is also cultivated in other countries including Africa, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Nepal, India as well as other parts of Southeast Asia. Niger seed requires moderate rainfall between 1000–1250 mm annually and moist soil to grow properly.
Niger seeds should be grown in light black soils or brownish loam with sufficient depth. It can also be grown on well-drained heavy soils or rocky laterite soils. Niger plants can grow in semi-shade or without shade.
Traditional uses
- It speeds up the healing process.
- It enhances heart health and assists weight gain.
- It provides sound sleep and promotes circulation.
- It helps to lower inflammation.
- It is used as a treatment for other medical conditions and skin ailments.
Precautions
- To remain on the safe side, consult the doctor for use.
- Use it in limited amounts.
- Avoid excessive use.
- Sensitive people might get allergic reactions.
- For topical use, perform a patch test before using.
From Where To Buy
- The favorite seed of Finches including the desirable Goldfinch
- Contains 150,000 seeds per pound creating many visits to the feeder
- An extra clean seed that provides high energy content for backyard songbirds
- Highest quality grains used
- Ideal for use in Finch feeders which have smaller holes and tiny perches
or
- Highest oil content for quick energy.
- Works well with the Cole's Nifty NigerTM, Mighty MeshTM feeders.
- Attracts Goldfinches, House finches, Purple finches, Pine siskins, Red polls, juncos, and buntings.
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