Health Benefits of Niger Seeds ‘Ramtil’

Niger herb scientifically known as Guizotia abyssinica and is also addressed as Ramtil, blackseed, or Inga seed. Unsaturated oils like niger and sunflower offer health benefits for people who have cardiovascular issues.

Native of Ethiopia and Malawai regions of Africa, niger seeds, due to the potential benefits, have become part of the Indian Kitchen. Niger seeds are thick having an adherent seed coat. These seeds are small and black and have a nutty taste. These seeds can be stored for a year without deterioration. Niger seed oil is useful for culinary purposes. 

Nutritional value of Ramtil

Niger seeds are a rich source of essential amino acids. 100 ms of raw niger seeds contains 515 calories, 24 gm of protein, 39 gm of fats, 11 gm of fibre, 17 gm of carbohydrates, 300 mg of calcium, 224 mg of phosphorus, and 57 mg of iron.

Potential Health Benefits of Niger Seeds

1/4. Speeds up healing

The high content of mineral and vitamin in Niger seed oil helps in healing and re-growth of the cells. Vitamin C, riboflavin, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein compressed in the Niger seed oil is vital for the healing process.

2/4. Improves sleep

The high content of minerals such as zinc, potassium, and magnesium in Niger seed oil is useful for the hormonal process. They stabilize the circadian rhythm and induce the release of certain neurotransmitters which permits the body to take adequate rest and command to the sleep receptors. The zinc, potassium, and magnesium content of Niger seed oil helps to induce sleep.

3/4. Beneficial in skincare

1. The antioxidants present in niger seed oil help treat numerous skin conditions like rashes, scabies, wound, burns, syphilis, skin irritation, etc.

2. The antioxidants boost immunity which helps in decreasing inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties eliminate wounds, burns, laceration, etc.

3. The antioxidants in niger seed oil decrease the oxidative stress thus, decreasing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. 

4/4. Other possible benefits of Niger Seeds

Ramtil produces numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as boosts immune system, decreases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, lowers mood swings, prevents heart attacks and strokes, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, treats rheumatism, protects against cold and flu, curbs morning sickness, boosts healthy weight gain, relieves aches and pains, improves digestion, relieves rheumatism, cures cough, controls blood sugar levels, neutralize ph level, and improves hair health.

Niger seed is a herb that offers potent antioxidant, anti-parasitic and anti-rheumatic properties.

How to use Niger Seeds in Cooking?

Niger seeds can be either consumed raw or crushed. They are used as food in several dishes, snacks, and condiments. They can be incorporated in a variety of ways in our diet. Some of them are as follows…

• As snacks.
• In porridge.
• Into chutneys.
• As a condiment.
• Mixed with pulses.
• Mixed with roasted cereals.
• The oil used in salad dressings.
• Ground to produce flour and beverages.
• Niger oil is used in cooking as a ghee substitute.

How to prepare Niger Seeds chutney?

Take 1 cup of Niger seeds and roast it for 1-2 minutes. 

Take 10-12 cloves of peeled garlic, 2tsp of red chilli powder, and a pinch of salt to taste. Grind all these ingredients to make dry chutney.