Black Seed Oil, sometimes called Black Cumin Seed Oil, is extracted from the plant Nigella Sativa. Black Seed Oil has health benefits including respiratory health, immune health, and digestive health. The health benefits of Black Seed Oil are in part due to the Omega fatty acids found in the seed oil, though Black Seed Oil mainly has Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids present.
The two omega fatty acids most present in black seed oil are Linoleic Acid (omega-6) and Oleic Acid (Omega-9). In addition to Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid, the other health benefits of Black Seed Oil come from the naturally occurring Thymoquinone (TQ) and Thymohydroquinone (THQ) found in the products.
However, black seed oil does contain Omega-3, but not in a large quantity as may be found in fish oil and flaxseed oil. However, the Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids present in black seed oil are full of health benefits in their own right.
Linoleic Acid-Omega-6
Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in many plant oils like black seed oil/kalonji oil. Omega-6 is one of the two main fatty acids along with Omega-3. They are essential fatty caids because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Linoleic Acid is used by the body as a source of energy. Linoleic Acid is a crucial structural component of cell membranes and affects the membrane properties such as fluidity, permeability, and flexibility.
Oleic Acid-Omega-9
Oleic Acid is a monounsatured omega-9 fatty acid that is not an essential fatty acid. Omega-9 benefits include heart health, increasing energy levels, and boosting brain function. Oleic Acid is commonly found in animal fats and vegetables, with Olive Oil being the most common source of omega-9. Oleic Acid is also found in nuts such as sunflowers, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts.