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Everyday spice may be key to fighting fat and high cholesterol, scientists say
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Research has found that one specific spice may have profound effects on metabolic health.
Black cumin, known as Nigella sativa or black seed, is used in many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes like curries and naan. It’s also found in some baked goods and spice blends.
High-antioxidant black seed oil is also sold as a dietary supplement, often used to support immunity, reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
EATING ONE TYPE OF NUT DAILY COULD LOWER ‘BAD’ CHOLESTEROL, IMPROVE HEART HEALTH, STUDY FINDS
A recent study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition examined black cumin’s effect on cholesterol levels.
Researchers in Osaka, Japan, conducted laboratory cell tests and a randomized human trial in which participants consumed 5 grams of black cumin seed powder per day for eight weeks.
Black cumin, or black seed, is used in a variety of dishes for spice and flavor. (iStock)
Participants’ cholesterol levels and appetite levels were measured before and after they took the supplement.
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The human trial revealed a decrease in triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol, as well as an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
The findings also revealed a “significant improvement” in hunger levels, indicating black cumin’s possible benefits for appetite control.
Black cumin seed powder increased “good” cholesterol, according to the study. (iStock)
The researchers concluded that both in-vitro (lab) and human trials demonstrated black cumin’s “anti-adipogenic and lipid-lowering effects.”
“The study highlights the potential of [black cumin seed extract] in improving lipid metabolism,” the authors wrote. “These results suggest that black cumin seed may serve as a promising natural agent in obesity-related conditions, although further investigation involving comprehensive metabolic parameters is warranted.”
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Theresa Link, registered dietitian at Virta Health in Nebraska, reacted to these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Cholesterol is “just one piece” of the cardiovascular health “puzzle,” the expert noted, which means these findings should be considered more broadly for metabolic health.
High-antioxidant black seed oil is also sold as a dietary supplement, often used to support immunity, reduce inflammation and improve digestive health. (iStock)
Link also referred to a 2021 study that found black seed oil led to greater weight loss in female participants who took it daily. The participants also reported feeling fuller, which “likely contributed to their success.”
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“While these short-term results are promising, the studies only lasted eight weeks,” the dietitian noted. “Black cumin seed alone isn’t a magic bullet for preventing obesity but may play a supportive role in weight management when combined with an overall healthy lifestyle.”
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The spice also contains a compound called thymoquinone, which is rich in antioxidants and could offer additional benefits.
“Longer-term studies are needed to confirm these effects and understand how N. sativa might fit into a broader approach to metabolic and cardiovascular health,” Link added.
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Taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss may improve male fertility, according to experts.
Research presented this week at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, explored how obesity is strongly linked to fertility problems in men.
Excess weight can contribute to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormone system that regulates testosterone production — and functional hypogonadism, a condition in which testosterone levels are abnormally low because of disrupted hormone signaling. These changes can also impair semen quality.
WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS
The researchers evaluated how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs impact reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes, analyzing data of men between the ages of 18 and 65 who were taking one of the medications, according to a press release.
The systematic review of five randomized controlled trials focused on measuring testosterone, brain hormones involved in testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight and BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar were also measured.
Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic heath while taking a GLP-1, the study found. (iStock)
The results suggested that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic health, especially during weight loss.
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In one four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function.
In a separate 16-week trial, liraglutide improved hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, meaning low testosterone was likely related to obesity. The review found that liraglutide was better for health outcomes than hormone replacement therapy.
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Another liraglutide study reported improved sperm concentration and count.
The study authors concluded that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.” (iStock)
A 24-week trial of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, saw improvement in sperm shape and bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone.
As only five trials were included, the small evidence base suggests more research is necessary to prove further association.
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In an abstract of the research, the authors summed up that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.”
“However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for larger RCTs explicitly powered to assess male reproductive outcomes,” they wrote.
“This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” one doctor said. (iStock)
Dr. Anthony Puopolo, men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” he said.
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While more research is necessary, Pupolo, who was not involved in the study, shared his optimism about how GLP-1s can play a role in improving male fertility.
“If this finding continues to gain evidence, GLP-1s might be a better option for low T than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in obese men – as GLP-1 medications preserve fertility, whereas TRT tends to be harmful to male reproductive/sperm function,” he added.
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