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Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Calories
Rich in antioxidants, immune support, source of omega fatty acids
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) (7 g) has 24 calories. That works out to 345 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.1 g of carbs, 1.2 g of protein, 1.1 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 7 g
24
KCAL / 7G
Carbs
3.1g
· 1% DV
Protein
1.2g
· 2% DV
Fat
1.1g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 46% · Protein 18% · Fat 36%
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (7 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 24 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.18 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 6.16 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.1 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Ground black seed (Nigella sativa)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 7 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 2.3 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 10 g | 35 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 14 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 pack (small) | 50 g | 173 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 90 g | 311 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 345 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 100 g | 345 kcal |
Calculated from 345 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground black seed (Nigella sativa)
What is ground black seed good for?
Ground black seed contains antioxidant compounds, but evidence does not establish it as a way to prevent or treat disease. Use it as a flavorful spice; claims that it reliably boosts immunity should not be taken as a substitute for medical care.
How do you use ground black seed?
Ground black seed can be stirred into yogurt, soups, salad dressings, or bread dough. Its flavor is earthy and slightly bitter, so start with a small amount and add more to taste; adding it near the end of cooking preserves more aroma.
How much ground black seed should you take daily?
There is no established therapeutic daily dose for ground black seed. A typical serving is about one medium tablespoon, or 7 grams, but it is best treated as a seasoning rather than a supplement taken in large amounts.
Is ground black seed the same as black cumin?
Ground black seed is made from Nigella sativa, which is also commonly called black cumin or nigella. It is not the same plant as ordinary cumin (Cuminum cyminum), despite the similar names.
Can you mix ground black seed with honey?
Yes, ground black seed can be mixed with honey for a strongly flavored spoonful or stirred into a drink. This traditional combination has no proven special healing effect, and honey adds sugar, so use it as a food rather than a remedy.
Does ground black seed lose its benefits after grinding?
Grinding releases the seed’s oils and aroma, but also exposes them to air, so the flavor can fade faster than in whole seeds. Buy or grind small amounts and keep them tightly sealed away from heat and light.
Can you cook with ground black seed?
Yes, ground black seed works in savory cooking and baking. Add it to breads, lentils, roasted vegetables, or spice blends; use a modest amount because its earthy, slightly bitter flavor can dominate a dish.
Does ground black seed lower blood sugar?
Ground black seed is not a proven treatment for high blood sugar, and eating it should not replace diabetes medication or dietary advice. Research on black seed preparations is still limited, so do not use it to adjust your treatment.
What are the side effects of ground black seed?
Ground black seed may cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some people, especially in larger amounts. It may also interact with medicines; if you take regular medication, ask your healthcare professional before using it routinely.
Can you eat ground black seed while pregnant?
Small amounts used as a culinary spice are different from concentrated or supplement-level use. Safety in pregnancy is not well established for larger amounts, so ask your healthcare professional before using ground black seed regularly or medicinally.
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B6
0.04mg · 2% DV
B2
0.03mg · 2% DV
B3
0.32mg · 2% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.08mg · 9% DV
Manganese
0.12mg · 5% DV
Magnesium
19mg · 5% DV
Iron
0.68mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
125mg · 4% DV
Sodium
6.16mg · 0% DV
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Ground black seed (Nigella sativa)
To burn the 24 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (7 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Ground black seed (Nigella sativa)?
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) is made by grinding the small, dark seeds of the Nigella plant. The seeds are familiar in Turkish, Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking, often scattered whole over breads; the ground version blends easily into spice mixes and dishes. Its flavour is peppery, slightly bitter and earthy, with a fine texture that disperses through food.
Try a pinch in yogurt, soups, curries or dressings, or mix it into dough and savoury fillings. It contributes fibre, protein and fat, so it is more substantial than many dried herbs, though it is usually used in small amounts. Add it gradually: its assertive flavour can take over a dish if used too freely.
How Nutritious Is Ground black seed (Nigella sativa)?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
High
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Ground black seed (Nigella sativa) Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.18g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.25g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.62g
Omega 6:3 ratio 15:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (15:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.