The ancient Assyrians believed that before starting to create the world, the gods drank sesame nectar. And there is something in this: small seeds can restore strength and health. But first things first.

Description

Otherwise, sesame is called the magic word sesame. It belongs to the yasnottsvetnye, the pedal family. The name sesame itself has Semitic roots, but it came to us through Greek. One way or another, but in Greek, and in Assyrian, and in Arabic, this word is translated as an oil plant.

Sesame can be of several varieties and colors. Most species can be found exclusively in Africa, but a species such as Sesamum indicum grows in all subtropical countries and is a cultivated plant. And when it comes to sesame as a food product, it is usually Indian sesame that is meant. By the way, depending on the variety, these seeds can be not only white or black, but also yellow, red, brown.

Most of their useful properties (we will talk about them later), these seeds lose when processed with heat, but the oil from them (produced by cold pressing) can retain all its properties for about nine years. It tastes like olive oil, but not as bitter, and is in no way inferior to pistachio or almond in terms of benefits, and it is cheaper. True, this oil cannot be used for frying: it burns and becomes harmful.

By the way, this plant is very fragile and capricious. So, the air temperature for its full growth should be about 30 degrees, and the earth should warm up to 16. Even if these figures fall by half a degree, the plant may die. The soil for sesame should be thoroughly fertilized and without a hint of weeds. Yes, and you need to harvest very carefully: the pods with seeds are very fragile. Nevertheless, agronomists believe that sesame is one of the most ancient cultivated plants. Sesame and oil from it are an indispensable element of Arabic cuisine, and Central Asian, and Israeli, and Indian, and Japanese, and Chinese, and Korean.

By the way, in cooking it is used not only for sprinkling muffins or as a seasoning. So, it is from it that tahini white halva is made, and this is one of the richest sources of calcium in the world. And this is not all the useful properties of small seeds.

Collection and preparation

The sesame seeds themselves do not store very long. To somehow prolong their freshness, sesame seeds are often fried. But in this process, many useful properties of the product are lost. That is why it is more expedient to use oil from these seeds in cooking, medicine, and cosmetology.

In addition, they must be properly selected and stored. Be sure to try sesame before buying: it should not be bitter. "Correct" seeds should be crumbly.

It is best to choose unpeeled seeds. It is best to store them in the refrigerator, and if you freeze them, then the shelf life is up to a year. Not frozen and not peeled seeds can be stored in a dry place for about three months, and in the refrigerator for about six months. Peeled seeds are stored for about three months. Whether peeled or not, don't forget to place them in a container. Oil can be stored for many years - this is also possible thanks to antioxidants, which allow it to remain fresh indefinitely. Ground sesame (flour) can be stored for a maximum of a week.

Chemical composition

First, let's deal with the chemical composition.

100 g of seeds contains 560 kcal. This is a lot, but not so much for oilseeds. The seeds also contain 19.5 g of protein (also a lot) and 49 g of fat. But most of the fatty acids in its composition are useful and polyunsaturated, that is, they are good antioxidants.

In terms of vitamins and other antioxidants, there is a lot of vitamin E (the best remedy for aging), vitamin A, as well as vitamins from the B group.

But the main element that makes sesame valuable is calcium. It is 1470 mg here, which is only 30 mg less than the daily dose of calcium that people need for healthy bones, teeth, hair, and nails. All this calcium is organic, so it is absorbed perfectly. So, after injuries or with osteoporosis, eat sesame seeds and indulge in these small seeds. Do not forget that we need this element to alkalize the blood, which means preventing cancer and improving immunity.

There are many other elements here as well. So, the same 100 g contains almost a daily norm of iron, without which blood health is impossible.

But in both cases we are talking about unpeeled and raw sesame, which is not easy to find in our latitudes. In this case, oil can again become a compromise.

There is also a lot of potassium (almost 500 mg), magnesium (530 mg), more than 700 mg of phosphorus and 75 mg of sodium.

Among the useful substances that do not belong to micro and macro elements, it is worth noting lime. There is enough of it in 100 g of seeds to satisfy our need for it for a day. We need lime in a small amount to normalize mineral metabolism in the body.

Calcium, iron and other elements that are in these seeds are perfectly absorbed due to the fact that sesame also contains phytic acid and oxalates.

There are also unique components here. These include the lignans sesamolin and sesamin, which are excellent antioxidants that slow down aging, prevent the development of fatty liver and improve lipid metabolism in the body. In addition, these lignans enhance the work of vitamin E, prolonging its antioxidant effect. All this endowed sesame (and oil from it) with a lot of useful properties.

There is also thiamine, which not only puts the metabolism in order, but also the nervous system. Thanks to vitamin PP, digestion also improves. But vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is most needed by children, because it stimulates the growth and proper development of all internal organs, as well as their systems.

Useful properties of sesame

First of all, sesame seeds cleanse the body of any toxins, including those in the liver and bile, and also help to become slimmer (if not abused: oilseed after all). In addition, this product improves blood clotting, so it is needed in the diet of people with hemorrhagic diathesis.

Sesame, as a source of calcium, strengthens both gums and teeth, besides, it prevents diseases of the oral cavity. No, going to the dentist is not canceled, but prevention can be like that.

This product is very good for building muscle mass, because the protein in it is easily digested, and due to its plant origin, the body does not lose minerals, including calcium, during this process. So, sesame also minimizes the risk of injury in sports and bodybuilding.

Sesame can be a substitute for dairy if you have an intolerance, and a substitute for meat if you are a vegetarian.

Despite the high amount of fat, sesame seeds do an excellent job with an excess of cholesterol. It not only removes its excess, but also eliminates cholesterol plaques that you have already acquired. Thus, magic seeds will allow you to live without atherosclerosis and hypertension. By the way, such a “powder” neutralizes the harm from baking and other unhealthy pastries: it’s not only about getting rid of cholesterol, but also that there are so many plant fibers in sesame seeds that an extra bun with it will not hurt either the waist or the stomach.

Due to the large amount of antioxidants, sesame can be called the elixir of youth, but the same substances are actively fighting cancer cells, preventing their occurrence and destroying those that have barely appeared.

The oil from these seeds saves from constipation no worse than ricin or even linseed, besides, it is useful for gastritis and many other ailments of the intestines and stomach. However, there are many other problems that both sesame seeds and sesame oil can help with. You can apply it for:

• joint diseases;
• dry cough;
• asthma;
• diseases of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system in general;
• ailments of the pancreas, liver and gall;
• kidney ailments;
• bronchitis;
• problems with the thyroid gland;
• helminthiases;
• increased acidity of the blood and gastric juice.

The product improves metabolism and rejuvenates. Since there are a lot of phytoestrogens (analogues of female hormones), this oil and its seeds put in order the reproductive system in women, treats “female” diseases and, in total, helps to get pregnant. For older ladies, this product will allow you to survive menopause without any difficulties and even slow down its onset: it is not without reason that this is an elixir of youth. Yes, and during pregnancy, it will be very useful, especially if used in moderation: after all, there is a lot of calcium here, which will help in the formation of the skeleton in the baby and minimize the loss of this element in the mother. In addition, this product prevents mastopathy and inflammation of the breast when feeding a child or infections.

The interesting thing is that sesame and its oil are good even if you just add them to your culinary experiments. But traditional medicine offers its own ways to get rid of any ailments with the help of these seeds.

Sesame oil is actively used in dermatology. Ointments, emulsions, and plasters are made from it, which treat various skin ailments.

Folk recipes and methods of application

Youth elixir

First of all, let's talk about the elixir of youth from sesame. To prepare it, we will need the following ingredients:

• ground ginger (5g);
• sesame seeds (the same amount);
• powdered sugar (the same amount).

Mix and take a teaspoon in the morning.

For colds and lung diseases

You can take both oil and seeds, and both external use and ingestion will be useful.

You can use it externally like this: just warm it up in a water bath (temperature 36-39 degrees). We rub it into the chest in the evening, we definitely warm it up. We put the patient on his stomach and cover him with warm blankets. Inside, oil or seeds are used from once a day to three times, and from half a teaspoon to a whole.

If a child (or you) has pharyngitis or tonsillitis, you can add oil (5-6 drops) to warm milk. Drink twice or thrice a day. If desired, honey can also be added to the same milk. If you have developed otitis, the oil can be instilled a couple of drops into sore ears.

If immunity is lowered during a cold, sesame seed powder can also be used. We dry them and grind them in a coffee grinder. We eat every 8-12 hours, one teaspoonful, drink ginger tea. The same remedy will be effective for joint or muscle pain, as well as for recovery from any illness, when immunity tends to zero.

For teeth and gums

Sesame and oil from it will help to keep strong teeth and gums. Firstly, they need calcium, and even easily digestible, of which there is a lot. So, eat and do not deny yourself this pleasure. Even tahini halva or sesame gozinaki will be useful, despite the fact that these are sweets.

Oil can be rubbed into the gums, making a massage. This will not only nourish them with calcium and vitamins, but also improve blood circulation, like any massage. Good remedy for periodontal disease.

You can also rinse your mouth. Take a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and hold for a couple of minutes. Then rinse for a couple more minutes. The procedure is done every day.

To combat gastrointestinal diseases

Sesame seeds and oil from it will also be appropriate. For gastritis, ulcers and constipation, it is best to take oil. You need to drink it in an amount from a teaspoon to a tablespoon. Take three times a day. The temperature of the oil should be room temperature.

Seeds will be more effective for diarrhea. Boil them and mix with honey, preferably flower. In case of diarrhea or poisoning, you can not even boil them, but simply grind them, dilute them with a little boiled water and add a little honey. Eat a little once an hour.

If you want to lose some weight and remove toxins from the intestines, grind the seeds (a teaspoon) in a coffee grinder and eat three times a day before each meal. Don't forget to drink plenty of water afterwards. In addition, you can lose weight with sesame seeds due to the fact that a small pinch of grains satisfies hunger if mixed with a little honey.

Hemorrhoids can also be attributed to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and sesame copes with this disease perfectly. You can drink the oil inside, or you can use an external remedy. To prepare it, we need the actual sesame seeds (a couple of teaspoons) and half a glass of boiling water. Pour in the seeds and cover with a lid. We insist 30 minutes, filter. We lubricate the anus with a cooled infusion several times a day.

Sesame is an aphrodisiac

Did you know that sesame is a great aphrodisiac. For a great aphrodisiac, mix sesame seeds with an equal amount of poppy and flax seeds. We eat a teaspoonful or add to the dishes of a loved one: such a remedy also works on men.

When mastitis, sesame seeds are best used externally. We dry the seeds and grind in the already familiar coffee grinder. Fill with vegetable oil and use as a compress for the mammary glands.

For the treatment of women's diseases, we also use oil inside (a tablespoon three times a day), or we chew the seeds. It is also good for men's health.

sesame milk

Fortifying and vitamin sesame milk, which not only tastes like the real one, but also supplies calcium, is prepared from the following products: 100 g of fresh (not fried and unpeeled) sesame, a liter of boiled water and honey (a couple of tablespoons). Pour the seeds into a bowl and pour water for 2 hours. Now drain the water and rinse a little sesame. Now again fill with water (100 ml) and add honey (whole). Mix with a blender and pour all the remaining water. It remains to strain the milk. It is better not to throw away the cake: it can be used in further culinary experiments. Such milk will be useful for anemia, and for pancreatitis, and for problems with the thyroid gland, and simply with reduced immunity or overwork.

For insomnia

If you have insomnia, try lubricating your feet with sesame oil. Its pleasant aroma also soothes, and the legs relax.

For skin health

This product is also used in dermatology, but only in the form of oil. They can lubricate all cracks, wounds, skin injuries. It fights dermatitis and other skin problems, relieves pain from burns. May have an unexpected but pleasant effect on eczema and psoriasis.

Sprouted seeds for bones

You will get the most calcium and other substances if you germinate sesame seeds. Rinse the seeds (unpeeled and not roasted, of course) with cold water and place in a flat bowl. Cover with gauze and fill with water (room water) so that it barely covers the sesame seeds. We leave it warm for a couple of days and all this time we make sure that the water does not evaporate and the gauze does not dry out. Before use, the seeds should be washed thoroughly. This remedy is effective for osteoporosis, after fractures, for caries and for any other problems caused by a lack of calcium. We eat 50-100 g of sprouts per day.

Sesame in other fields

In addition to medicine and cooking, there is another area where sesame oil would be appropriate. This is cosmetology. This also includes hair care.

Massage oil

First of all, it can be used as a base oil for massage. Firstly, it has a light texture and excellent penetrating ability, so it is perfectly absorbed, and it will be easier to wash off the residue. Secondly, along with such a massage, the skin will receive a lot of vitamins and all the same calcium. And finally, it has a pleasant aroma, and it costs less than the same almond. Simply add aromatic oils to a light base and treat cellulite, stretch marks, sagging or sore joints.

Facial care

It is also suitable for facial skin, especially aging, dry or with a weak tone. It has excellent moisturizing and nourishing properties, and is also rich in magnesium, which gives it the ability to fight stress: apply it at night and in the morning the face will look fresh, even mimic wrinkles will become less noticeable. In addition, it contains natural UV filters, so it can be used instead of sunscreen. It also perfectly evens out the skin of the face if it has acne marks or other scars. In addition, you can use it instead of makeup removers, incl. from the eyes.

Baby skin care

The next area of ​​​​application of oil in cosmetology is skin care for children and too sensitive. It copes with redness, and with irritation, and with itching. If the skin is thin, sesame oil will strengthen it and prevent damage.

Skin around the eyes

Sesame oil moisturizes and strengthens it. In addition, it relieves both mimic wrinkles and wrinkles under the eyes. It is unlikely to be able to radically remove them, but it will completely reduce, refresh the fragile skin of the eyelids and nourish it. It will also help to cope with small swelling and bruising under the eyes. Just do not apply it all night: the texture is light, but it can still get into the eye and make it red.

hair care

Sesame oil can be added both to masks and used separately. You can try mixing with other oils (with the same almond and coconut), or just apply a little bit on the ends of your hair after washing your hair. Due to its lightness, it is washed off much easier than other oils. You can try to apply it on eyebrows with eyelashes (in this case, mix it with aloe juice).

Harm, contraindications

This product is useful exclusively, but you should not abuse it in some cases. So, too many of these seeds or oils will not benefit those who are losing weight: after all, fats and calories are present here in a rather large amount.

Sesame is also contraindicated in large quantities for pregnant women: a lot of phytoestrogens consumed at a time are quite capable of provoking a miscarriage. Sesame also promotes the outflow of menstrual blood.

Sesame seeds also contribute to active blood clotting, which is not always good. The product is contraindicated for those who have thrombosis and a tendency to thrombosis, or simply for people with good blood clotting. Another contraindication can be called urolithiasis. Well, do not forget that the daily norm of this product is three to four teaspoons.

Many perceive sesame only as a powder for buns. In fact, it is an excellent source of calcium and a real elixir of youth. This is especially true of unpeeled sesame.

I'm used to using sesame seeds as a topping for baking or salad dressings. It is very unique and delicious!

In addition, they make from these seeds, which has a number of useful properties, like seeds.

In the article you will find many useful recommendations that will definitely help you! After all, sesame helps to cope with high , and with and even strengthen your teeth!

Use folk remedies and!

Sesame or sesame (Sesamum Indicum) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It has been valued as an oilseed plant for thousands of years. For many centuries it has been used as a medicinal plant. And now scientists confirm its medicinal properties.

What are the health benefits of sesame seeds?
They contain a lot of calcium and magnesium.

White and black sesame seeds are known, but they differ not only in color:

1. Black seeds.
They have a higher iron content than white ones. Usually sesame oil is obtained from them, they are also best suited for medical use.

2. White seeds.
They contain more calcium than black seeds and are used to treat calcium deficiency. But black and white seeds are high in fatty acids, vitamins, and dietary fiber.

Health benefits of sesame and sesame oil.
It has now been established that sesame seed and its components have more than three dozen documented medicinal properties. Sesame seeds have the highest oil content of any known oilseed.

Sesame seeds contain up to 55% oil and 20% protein. They contain a lot of amino acids (tryptophan and methionine), linoleic and oleic acids, vitamin E and lignans, which have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

1. Helps patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, it prevents and lowers blood pressure. Sesame seeds contain a lot of magnesium, which can help prevent diabetes. Sesame seeds are among the top 10 foods high in magnesium.

In addition, sesame seeds are effective in lowering blood pressure and magnesium is a key nutrient to assist in lowering blood pressure.

In 2011, a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition showed that sesame oil improved the effectiveness of the sugar-lowering drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetics. Another study published in 2006 in J Med Food showed that when used in the diet of sesame oil (with the rejection of other vegetable oils), it lowered the level of glucose and arterial hypertension in diabetics.

2. Reduces high blood pressure.
In a study published in 2006 in the Yale Journal of Biological Medicine, it was shown that sesame oil in patients with arterial hypertension leads to systolic and diastolic blood pressure to normal values, a decrease in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. True, the authors make a reservation that the patient should replace all vegetable oils with sesame.

3. Eliminates gingivitis (plaque).
In traditional Indian medicine, sesame oil has been used for oral hygiene for thousands of years. Morning mouthwash with sesame oil for 5 to 10 minutes for a long time allows you to:

Prevent tooth decay
Eliminate bad breath
bleeding gums,
Dryness in the throat
Useful for strengthening teeth, gums and jaw.

Clinical studies confirm that the use of this oil rinse (sipping in the mouth) compares favorably with chemical mouthwash (chlorhexidine) in improving plaque. In addition, this procedure stops the growth of strep plaques in the oral cavity and saliva in children.

4. Good for the health of babies.
A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2000 showed that massage with sesame oil improved children's growth and sleep (after massage) compared to almond oil.

5. Helps with multiple sclerosis.
The studies were carried out in an animal model of multiple sclerosis, the so-called experimental autoimmune encephalitis. It turned out that sesame oil protected mice from developing the disease by reducing IFN - gamma secretion, a key factor in initiating autoimmune inflammation and damage in the nervous system.

6. Protects against kidney damage from antibiotics.
Sesame oil protected rats from gentamicin-induced kidney damage by reducing antibiotic-induced oxidative damage.

7. Prevents atherosclerosis.
Sesame oil prevents the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in mice fed an atherogenic diet. The compound found in sesame is sesamol, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lignan. This compound may be partly responsible for the anti-atherogenic properties of sesame oil.

Many studies have examined the medicinal properties of sesamol and have shown that it has more than twenty beneficial pharmacologically active properties, many of which may improve cardiovascular health.

In 2013, a study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology to investigate the effect of sesame oil consumption on endothelial function and arterial inflammation.

The endothelium is the inner layer of cells that line the entire circulatory system, from the heart to the smallest capillaries. The endothelium is involved in vital vascular functions and regulates blood pressure, blood clotting, vascular inflammation, and others.

Naturally, hypertensive patients have severe endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to other cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke due to blood clots. blood coagulation markers, after 60 days of daily consumption of 35 g of sesame oil.

The antithrombotic properties of sesame have been confirmed in many publications.

Sesame oil will slow the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is currently considered a chronic inflammatory disease mainly due to endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of sesame can protect against the development of atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Research Food in 2010 showed that sesamol partially blocks the formation of a blood clot in the initial stages of atherosclerosis, prevents the production of molecules that promote inflammation and thrombosis in endothelial cells.

The results of this study prove that sesamol acts at the molecular and genetic level, has a measurable effect on the expression of genes that are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

8. Reduces depression.
Sesamol in sesame oil has been shown in animal studies to have an antidepressant effect.

9. Protects DNA from radiation damage.
Sesamol protects against gamma-induced DNA damage. Most likely, scientists believe, this is due to its antioxidant properties.

It is able to reduce mortality in radiation mice, in part by preventing a decrease in damage to the intestines and spleen. Compared to melatonin, another powerful antioxidant, it was found to be 20 times more effective.

10. Blocks the development of cancer cells.
The fat-soluble lignin sesamin has been studied to inhibit the proliferation of a wide range of cancer cells, including:

1) Leukemia,
2) Melanomas,
3) Colon cancer,
4) Prostate cancer,
5) breast cancer,
6) Lung cancer,
7) Pancreatic cancer

The anti-cancer effects of sesamin have been linked to an effect on NF-kappaB. Researchers believe that sesame deserves to be recognized, along with garlic, honey, turmeric and several other substances, as a readily available nutritional medicine that, if consumed regularly, can save the life of a person with a serious disease like cancer. Sesame oil can be used in the diet to fight cancer. Or you can simply add a tablespoon of sesame seeds to yogurt, cereals or salads. These seeds can regulate your hormones and eradicate cancer, it is especially useful in breast cancer.

11. They are good for skin health.
Sesame seeds contain zinc, an important mineral for healthy, glowing skin. Use sesame oil for this.

How does sesame oil affect the skin?

1) It preserves the elasticity of the skin, its softness.
2) Helps produce collagen.
3) Helps to tighten facial skin and control pores.
4) Helps restore damaged skin, even with burns.
5) Prevents the appearance of wrinkles by preventing damage from the harmful rays of the sun.
6) Regular use of sesame oil can prevent skin cancer.

12. For the treatment of anemia.
Sesame seeds are useful in treating anemia and weakness due to their high iron content. Especially black seeds.

13. To improve bone health.
Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone strength. A handful of sesame seeds contains more calcium than a glass of milk. In addition, sesame seeds contain other substances that, like calcium, are essential for bone strength. A handful of sesame seeds is better than calcium supplements.

14. Promotes digestion.
The high fiber content allows sesame seeds to support a healthy digestive system and colon health.

15. Promotes hair growth.
Sesame seed oil contains many nutrients such as omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 that promote hair growth. It is also rich in vitamins that nourish the hair roots. Massaging your hair with sesame oil along with olive or almond oil may be more beneficial.

16. Eases toothache.
Sesame seed oil can help relieve toothache by gargling (pulling) the oil in your mouth. This procedure not only removes streptococci from the mouth, as described in point #3, but also relieves toothache and whitens teeth.

17- Relieves pain and swelling in arthritis.
As already mentioned above, 28 gr. sesame seeds contain 0.7 mg of copper. This mineral is essential for antioxidant enzyme systems to strengthen bones and joints. It helps reduce pain and swelling due to arthritis.

18- Reduce stress.
Some of the nutrients found in sesame seeds have the ability to reduce stress. Magnesium contained in sesame relieves stress, as it can regulate muscle function, relax them. Vitamin B1 has calming properties that are used in the treatment of depression.

19. Protects the liver from harmful effects.
In Chinese medicine, it is believed that this sesame can help alleviate epidemics of liver damage from modern drugs. And sesame seeds containing sesamin are an excellent hepatoprotector, that is, a protector of the liver.

It is now known that sesamin protects liver cells from the destructive effects of alcohol and many drugs. Several animal studies have shown that sesame oil reduces oxidative stress in the liver. It has also been found that sesame oil can combat the harmful effects of acetaminophen on the liver. Sesamin helps the liver by maintaining intracellular levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Acetaminophen is known to reduce glutathione levels in the liver.

Sesamin also reduces free radical levels and inhibits fat oxidation.

I hope that now you know more about the benefits of sesame seeds, and you will use it or sesame oil more often in your diet.

The healing properties of sesame seeds have been known since ancient times. Our grandmothers also gladly added them to food to give the dish a special piquant flavor. Sesame seeds, the benefits of which have long been proven, were added to pastries, sprinkled on bread and holiday cakes. This spice was also used in the framework of alternative medicine. Decoctions from the seeds of this plant served as a source of useful micro and macro elements and were used for a number of diseases.

Benefits of sesame seeds

Sesame seeds, whose properties have long been heard by everyone, have a number of useful and even healing qualities. One has only to pay attention to the composition of the substances present in it. For example, calcium contained in sesame seeds in large quantities can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and chondrosis of the spine. Calcium is an indispensable trace element necessary for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthening of bone and cartilage tissues, gaining muscle mass, etc.

Among the useful properties of sesame:

• normalization of the functions of the nervous and digestive systems;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• purification and enrichment of the blood composition with essential substances;
• strengthening nails and hair, etc.

Sesame in medicine

And the contraindications of which have not been fully studied, are also used in traditional medicine. Its seed extract is used in many weight loss products. He has a unique ability - to remove harmful cholesterol from the blood. It is known that sesame seeds are especially useful for women whose age exceeds forty years. This is explained very simply. The composition of the seed of the plant contains natural phytoestrogens, necessary for the female body in a given period of time.

Sesame oil

Often used in the pharmaceutical industry. Based on it, emulsions and ointments are produced that normalize metabolic processes in tissues, have a certain effect on the process of blood cell coagulation, etc.

With the help of oil-based formulations, hemorrhoids are successfully cured. It is recommended to take orally for constipation and disorders of the digestive system.

Sesame in cosmetology

An extract from the seeds of a plant is often used in the cosmetic industry. It is found in hair masks, shampoos and even some creams. And this is not surprising, because the healing properties of spices are simply priceless.

With the use of sesame extract, it is possible to:

• get rid of a number of skin problems: inflammation, dryness and flaking, sagging, etc.;
• eliminate irritation of the skin of the face and body, soften and moisturize the epidermis;
• achieve a powerful regenerating effect;
• improve the general condition of the epidermis;
• oil can also be used as massage agents and compositions, used to remove makeup, etc.

Calorie content of sesame and its addition to food

Probably, many asked the question: "How to use sesame seeds?" To date, there are many recipes for dishes with the addition of this spice. Among them: salads, confectionery and pastries, etc. Sesame oil can be used in food almost everywhere. It holds a special place in vegetarian cuisine. Naturally, to preserve the maximum benefit from the product, you should add it to food that does not require heat treatment.

The seeds of many plants are high in calories. It is mostly associated with an increased content of semi-saturated fatty acids in its composition. which are sufficiently known and scientifically proven, belong to this group of plants. The fat content in the seed is so high that oil is easily produced from them. A mature plant can contain 45 to 60 percent oil in its seed composition. This explains the high calorie content of the product, sometimes reaching up to 550-580 kcal. However, the final conclusion about the calorie content of sesame can only be made taking into account a number of factors: the size of the sesame, shape, degree of maturity, etc.

Seed composition

The seed of the plant contains many useful substances and elements. For example, laboratory tests can detect the presence of acids:

• linoleic;
• oleic;
• palmitic;
• myristic;
• arachidic;
• stearic;
• lignoceric.

These acids can be called vital for the human body. None of the most important metabolic processes can do without them. External transformation is also impossible without sufficient nutrition of the skin, nails and hair follicles from the inside.

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the seed is also striking. Found to have:

• Vitamins of groups "A", "C", "E", "B".
• Minerals: magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and calcium in large quantities. So, in 100 g of sesame seeds there is over 783 mg of calcium. This is the average daily dosage required for the body of an adult. The product also contains organic acids: beta-sitosterol, phytin and lecithin.

Contraindications to the use of sesame-based products

Like most products, sesame seeds, the benefits and harms of which have been scientifically studied, are not recommended for everyone. Therefore, before including seeds in the usual diet, you should understand the "side effects" of the healing agent. Even such a useful and indispensable product as sesame seed has a number of its contraindications.

Contraindications apply primarily to people with a high risk of thrombosis. For the simple reason that some of the ingredients that make up the composition help to increase blood clotting. So, if sesame is vital for patients with hemophilia, then people suffering from varicose veins, thrombosis and other diseases of this category, it is better to refrain from eating sesame in large quantities. And this is quite justified.

Sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are now discussing, is one of the rather strong allergens. Moreover, if earlier only a few people were allergic to this product, then in recent years the number of people with intolerance to this spice has increased significantly. In this case, the reaction can be either simple redness on the skin, or anaphylactic shock.

Carefully following the figure and trying to lose weight, you need to consume sesame seeds with caution. After all, it is high in calories, which means it contributes to weight gain.

In addition, sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of this product, also apply to patients with hypercalcemia. Due to the high content of calcium, the product is simply an indispensable find for people with a deficiency of this element. However, if calcium is present in the body in excess, it is better to refuse sesame seeds.

It is strictly forbidden to use sesame oil simultaneously with drugs such as aspirin, any estrogen derivatives, and all this in combination can lead to the deposition of insoluble crystalline compounds in the kidneys.

Purchase and storage

You can buy sesame seeds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are known and scientifically confirmed, at any store, in the spices and seasonings department. It is important to pay attention to the date of packaging of the product. Expired spices should not be eaten. This can not only spoil the taste, but also be harmful to health. Plant grains should not stick together. Choose dry, crumbly seeds. In order to preserve the maximum of useful properties, you can give preference to sesame seeds that have not been subjected to heat treatment.

You can store sesame seeds at room temperature for no more than 1-2 months. Further, the seeds begin to deteriorate and rancid.

Such an oilseed culture as sesame has a long history. Its former names are known to us from fairy tales - remember "simsim" and "sesame"? Sesame seeds are incredibly useful, although not everyone knows about it. Today they are used both in cooking and in cosmetology or medicine. Let's figure out how useful sesame seed is, and how you can take it.

A plant such as sesame was first seen in South Africa. Somewhat later, its cultivation began in the Far East, Central Asia and India. By the way, abroad the scope of sesame is much wider than here. In Russia, it is mostly used for the preparation of desserts: kozinaki, halva, grillage, and so on, sprinkling muffins. But not everyone knows how great the benefits of these nondescript seeds are, and if they knew, they would probably use it much more widely.

The benefits of sesame seeds are largely due to its rich composition. Half of it is valuable sesame oil. It also contains sesamin, which can prevent numerous diseases, including significantly reducing the risk of cancer. This component reduces blood cholesterol, as well as beta-sitosterol, which is also abundant in sesame.

Present in the composition of vitamins (A, E, C, group B), minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus). They are contribute to the overall health of the body, increase immunity. Other valuable substances in the composition of sesame seeds are lecithin and phytin, normalizing mineral balance. Phytosterol is also useful, which increases immunity and significantly reduces susceptibility to colds. Thanks to him many times reduced risk of atherosclerosis, a with excess weight this component helps to deal with it more effectively.

Substance thiamine in the composition normalizes metabolism, improves the functioning of the central nervous system. Vitamin PP normalizes digestion and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of each organ of the gastrointestinal tract. 100 grams of sesame seeds contains 560-570 kcal.

Types and features of choice

You need to know that sesame is black and white. The latter also includes yellow, beige, golden, brown seeds. They differ from each other in the following characteristics:

• Taste. Black sesame is more bitter, and it is better to use it for cooking rice, salads, vegetables. White seeds are more combined with muffins and sweets.
• Aroma. In dark varieties, it is more pronounced, in light varieties it is softer.
• Compound. Black seeds contain more lignans and fetosteropols, antioxidants, vitamins A and B. In turn, white seeds contain more vitamins C, E and E, protein and fat.

Chinese experts consider black sesame more useful due to the nutrients in the composition. They help fight the deficiency of certain substances in the body, provoked by stress or age-related changes. Also, black sesame seeds are more valued by the Indian science of Ayurveda.

Generally speaking, white and black sesame seeds are approximately equal in useful properties. Therefore, when choosing, consider for which dish you plan to use the seeds or the deficiency of which components in the body you want to fill.

When choosing seeds, pay attention that they are dry and freely scattered over the package. It is better to buy them by weight or at least in transparent bags. If sesame has a bitter taste, it indicates its poor quality or spoilage, and it is better to buy sesame seeds elsewhere.

Useful properties of sesame seeds

When eaten The benefits of sesame seeds are as follows:

• Restoration of the necessary content of minerals thanks to phytin.
• Cleansing the body of toxins and toxins due to the laxative effect.
• Normalization of metabolism and a decrease in the likelihood of obesity due to betasitosterol.
• Replenishment of calcium deficiency in the body (100 grams of the product contains about 1475 mg of this substance).
• Normalization of the digestive system (thanks to vitamin PP and other substances).
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Scattering of fatty plaques on the walls of veins and capillaries through the substance of phytosterol. These plaques can lead to the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels, the development of atherosclerosis.
• Reducing the likelihood of osteoporosis and reducing the risk of joint diseases due to the large amount of calcium.
• Improving the functioning of the nervous system due to thiamine.
• The substance riboflavin has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

Useful properties of raw sesame seeds allow them to be used for the treatment and prevention of pneumonia, hypertension, diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas and thyroid gland. They also reduce the likelihood of cancer, accelerate the flow of blood to the pelvic organs.

In traditional medicine, oil squeezed from sesame seeds is popular. It is used to treat various skin diseases. It is added to ointments and emulsions, used for patches.

If you mix sesame seeds with linseed or poppy seeds, you will get a strong aphrodisiac that will affect both men and women.

Sesamin in the composition of seeds refers to lingans - antioxidants that help fight toxins and various carcinogens. This is a unique component found only in sesame seeds. This antioxidant slows down the aging process, helps to resist cancer cells, so it is often included in pharmacological preparations.

Sesame is also popular among athletes. This is explained by the high protein content (20%), which is perfectly digestible and allows you to build muscle mass. This protein belongs to the vegetable, respectively, it does not wash out calcium and other important minerals from the blood.

Benefits of Sesame Seeds for Women

The benefits of sesame for women are especially great. It helps to reduce the risk of mastopathy, regulates and balances hormonal levels.

In addition, sesame can be safely used for cosmetic purposes. Sesame oil is perfect for this. It helps to make the skin fresher and more elastic, relieves irritation, eliminates fine wrinkles, and prevents the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. This product is perfect for moisturizing hair.

The benefits of sesame for weight loss

Despite the high calorie content, Sesame seed is actively used for weight loss. Lignans in its composition help increase the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for the breakdown of fatty acids. Therefore, sesame seed powder is quite often added to dietary supplements for weight loss and supplements for bodybuilders. But it is not at all necessary to use them - you can get the maximum benefit simply by eating the seeds.

Another weight-loss benefit of sesame seeds is to control appetite and prevent overeating. It also reduces cravings for sweets and other harmful substances, remarkably saturates, speeds up metabolic processes and normalizes blood sugar levels. All this has a very beneficial effect on the figure.

As we can see, the benefits and harms of sesame seeds are incomparable - there are much more useful properties. However, there are some contraindications to consider.

Contraindications to the use of sesame seeds

Despite all the benefits, sesame seeds can be harmful. This is possible in the following cases:

• For allergies, which is accompanied by bouts of coughing and other negative manifestations (rash, redness on the skin).
• It is not recommended to give sesame seeds to children aged 1-5 years., since their body is not yet able to fully absorb and break down fats.
• Sesame oil tends to lower blood pressure, which is good for hypertensive patients, but bad for hypotensive patients.
• Not recommended consume seeds pregnant in the third trimester, since a high concentration of calcium and other substances can provoke premature birth.

Also, contraindications for treatment with the use of sesame seeds usually include high blood clotting (exceeding the norm), thrombosis in the vessels, and urolithiasis.

How to take sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are, rather, not a medicine, but a healthy food product, so there are no clear rules regarding its use. You can include it in your diet however you want. They can be used to prepare various dishes: desserts, smoothies, cocktails, muffins, salads, vegetables, cereals and so on.

To get the maximum of useful properties from sesame, you need to prepare it for further use. You can use one of the following methods:

• Soak for a couple of hours, and then cook in accordance with the selected recipe.
• Reheat by roasting, but do not fry, otherwise all the useful substances will be lost. How to do it correctly is described below.
• Crush or grind if you need to add it to the serving dish.

Raw sesame seeds are sometimes indicated., for example, if you need to sprinkle it on a salad or put it on pastries. To preserve all the valuable properties, try to add yourself closer to the end of the cooking process.

If the seeds are bought raw, then often they are fried in a pan (dry). Roasting should not last more than a few minutes, and the seeds should be stirred regularly during this time. As a result, they should acquire a pleasant aroma and become darker. However, keep in mind that if the seeds become completely dark and have an unpleasant odor, then you burned them. You can’t use them, because they turned from a useful product into an extremely harmful one.

A convenient way to consume seeds is prepared on their basis. a paste called tahini. It is considered a healthier alternative to the popular peanut butter and many other nut-based spreads. And on the basis of the same tahini, many other interesting dishes are prepared. Also, this paste can be bought ready-made - it can replace the seeds directly.

Sesame seed is a product with a huge number of useful properties. It has found wide application in cooking and medicine. Seeds are included in a lot of interesting recipes, and using it for cooking certain dishes, you will get not only an interesting taste, but also considerable benefits for your own health.

About the benefits of sesame seeds on video

Everything that humanity owes to sesame (an alternative name is sesame) has a single reason - a unique chemical composition. It contains a lot of protein, polyunsaturated acids (responsible for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood), vitamins E and B (vitamins A and C are also present, but in smaller doses), calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and fiber.

If you look at the usefulness scale of vegetable oils, sesame oil (otherwise sesame oil) takes the 3rd place of honor, right after almond and pistachio. By the way, sesame seed oil is much cheaper and more affordable than the other two leaders in the world of vegetable oils. It contains important antioxidants (sesaminol and sesamol), which are practically not found in other products or are found in extremely small quantities.

Meanwhile, it is these ethers that are responsible for another wonderful property of sesame oil - a long shelf life (up to 9 years) without changing the chemical composition. Sesamol is a powerful natural antioxidant.

With sesame seeds, you are not afraid of any cold or flu. Sesame seed has been used since ancient times by the sick to ease breathing during exacerbations of asthma and lung diseases. The same applies to seed oil. A drop of sesame oil applied to a cotton swab will help gently and harmlessly clean the child's ear canal.

Recipe for a protracted cold

Before going to bed, heat sesame oil in a water bath to the temperature of the human body (36-38 degrees), quickly rub into the chest and cover with a warm blanket.

For the genital area

In the Middle Ages, women who cared about their health chewed a teaspoon of sesame seeds daily. It was believed to be very beneficial for the female reproductive system. Seeds increase the outflow of blood during menstruation, so pregnant women should eat sesame or its derivatives carefully.

On the one hand, a high concentration of calcium contributes to the formation of the skeleton of the unborn baby, but on the other hand, with excessive passion for sesame seeds, there is a risk of losing a child. Sesame also reduces the risk of mastopathy and other inflammations of the mammary glands.

In a mixture with the addition of linseed and poppy seeds, sesame also acts as a strong aphrodisiac, and equally for men and women.

For the digestive system

It is precisely because of the sensitivity of the stomach to sesame seeds that it should be consumed in limited quantities.

Reception on an empty stomach provokes nausea, thirst and irritates the mucous membrane of the digestive system. To neutralize the side effects of taking sesame, it is recommended to use it fried or together with honey. In this case, it will reduce appetite, but do not rush to use it as an additional tool for weight loss - sesame seeds make you fat.

A great way to get the most out of it is to make it at home and then use it regularly in a variety of dishes.

Sesame oil helps with constipation, and boiled seeds dissolved in flower honey stop diarrhea. In general, sesame oil for the digestive system is much healthier than fresh seeds.

With peptic ulcer, gastritis and constipation

Take 0.5-1 tbsp. l. sesame oil at room temperature daily up to 3 times a day.

In order to cleanse

The basis of this technique is the property of sesame to remove toxins from the body. 1 st. l. sesame seeds must be carefully ground in a coffee grinder, taken before meals 3 times a day with enough water. A strictly calculated dose will help to lose a couple of extra pounds.

cosmetic potential

Today, sesame oil is very actively used in the production of medical cosmetics. A decoction of sesame leaves will make your hair smooth, relieve irritation, dandruff and eczema on the scalp, and accelerate hair growth. Good and very effective cosmetics against UV rays based on sesame oil.

Sesame seed oil can be used for massage, as it has all the necessary properties: relaxes strained muscles, gently warms, heals minor abrasions, bruises and burns. Plus, it has a light pleasant aroma with a nutty plume.

Face masks, in which sesame oil is involved as a base oil, refresh the complexion, narrow pores, and eliminate skin redness.

Sesame oil can be used to lubricate cracks and calluses - they heal with amazing speed.

Sesame is also good as a home dentist.

Recipe for oral health

Take in your mouth 1 tbsp. l. sesame oil, hold in your mouth for 2-3 minutes (or more), making light sucking and rinsing movements, but not swallowing.

If the procedure becomes a habit, you can forget about caries, gum disease and unpleasant trips to the dentist.

Healing properties according to Avicenna

If you thoroughly delve into the writings of Avicenna, you can find out:

• sesame dissolves some types of tumors;
• a gauze bandage soaked in sesame oil with a few drops of rose oil will relieve severe headaches;
• regular intake of sesame will make the voice clear and sonorous;
• boiled sesame seeds will help get rid of belching.

But that's not all. Sesame oil is recommended to drink in violation of metabolic processes in the body, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, joint diseases, intestinal colic (you need to rub a small amount of oil into the skin of the abdomen), kidney stones, inflammation of the gallbladder, anemia, and even internal bleeding.

The high energy value and a whole range of healing properties of sesame seeds and sesame oil encourage everyone who cares about their health to buy, if not a bag of sesame seeds, then at least a small jar of sesame oil. Yes, just in case. And, of course, no one bothers you from time to time to please your loved ones with crackers, cookies and buns with sesame topping.