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 aroma. Sesame seeds, the benefits of which have long been proven, were added to pastries, sprinkling them with 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 in a number of diseases.
The 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 contained in it. So, for example, calcium, which is contained in large quantities in sesame seeds, 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 bone and cartilage tissues, gaining muscle mass, etc.
Among the useful properties of sesame seeds:
- normalization of the functions of the nervous and digestive systems;
- acceleration of metabolic processes;
- purification and enrichment of the blood composition with necessary substances;
- strengthening nails and hair, etc.
Sesame in medicine
Sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are far from completely studied, is also used in traditional medicine. Its seed extract is part of many weight loss products. He has a unique ability - to remove harmful cholesterol from the blood. It is known that sesame is especially useful for women whose age exceeds forty years. The explanation is very simple. The plant seed contains natural phytoestrogens necessary for the female body in a given period of time.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil is often used in the pharmaceutical industry. On its basis, emulsions and ointments are produced that normalize metabolic processes in tissues, which have a definite effect on the coagulation process of blood cells, etc.
With the help of compounds prepared on the basis of oil, hemorrhoids are successfully cured. Ingesting sesame oil is recommended for constipation and digestive disorders.
Sesame in cosmetology
Extract from the seeds of a plant is often used in the cosmetology industry. It is part of hair masks, shampoos and even some creams. And this is not surprising, because the healing properties of the spice are simply priceless.
Using sesame extract, it is possible:
- get rid of a number of skin problems: inflammation, dryness and peeling, sagging, etc.
- eliminate irritation of the skin of the face and body, soften and moisturize the epidermis;
- achieve a powerful regenerative effect;
- improve the general condition of the epidermis;
- oil can also be used as massage products and compositions, used to remove makeup, etc.
Calorie Sesame and its addition to food
Probably, many wondered: "How to use sesame seeds?" To date, there are many recipes for dishes with the addition of this spice. Among them: salads, pastries and pastries, etc. Sesame oil can be used in food almost everywhere. It occupies a special place in vegetarian cuisine. Naturally, to maintain 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. Sesame seeds, the benefits and harms of which are well known and scientifically proven, relate specifically to this group of plants. The fat content in the seed is so high that they easily produce oil. A mature plant may contain from 45 to 60 percent of the oil in the seeds. This also explains the high calorie content of the product, sometimes reaching 550-580 kcal. However, the final conclusion about the calorie content of sesame can be made only taking into account a number of factors: sesame size, shape, maturity, etc.
Seed composition
The composition of the plant seed contains many useful substances and elements. So, for example, laboratory tests can detect the presence of acids:
- linoleic;
- oleic;
- palmitic;
- myristic;
- peanut;
- stearic;
- lignoceric.
These acids can be called vital for the human body. Without them, not one of the most important metabolic processes is complete. External transformation is also impossible without adequate nutrition of the skin, nails and hair follicles from the inside.
The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the seed is also striking. The presence of:
- Vitamins of groups "A", "C", "E", "B".
- Minerals: magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, as well as calcium in large quantities. So, in 100 g of sesame seeds there are over 783 mg of calcium. This is the average daily dosage required for 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 are scientifically researched, are not recommended for everyone. Therefore, before you include seeds in your usual diet, you should understand the "side effects" of a medicinal product. Even such a useful and irreplaceable product as sesame seed has a number of contraindications.
Contraindications primarily concern people with a high risk of thrombosis. For the simple reason that some of the ingredients in the composition contribute to increased blood coagulation. So, if patients with hemophilia sesame is vital, 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 it 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 suffered from allergies to this product, in recent years the number of people with intolerance to this spice has increased significantly. In this case, both simple redness on the skin and anaphylactic shock can become a reaction.
It is not recommended to use sesame on an empty stomach. So you can provoke attacks of nausea and thirst. People suffering from urolithiasis should also avoid spice.
Carefully watching the figure and trying to lose weight you need to consume sesame with caution. After all, it is characterized by high calorie content, which means it contributes to the gain of excess weight.
In addition, sesame seeds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of this product apply to patients with hypercalcemia. Due to its high calcium content, the product is simply an indispensable find for people with a deficiency of this element. However, if there is an excess of calcium in the body, it is better to refuse sesame.
It is strictly forbidden to use sesame oil simultaneously with such drugs as aspirin, any derivatives of estrogen and oxalic acid. All this in combination can lead to the deposition of insoluble crystalline compounds in the kidneys.
Purchase and storage
You can buy sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are scientifically confirmed, in any store, in the department of spices and seasonings. It is important to pay attention to the product packaging date. Expired spices should not be eaten. This can not only spoil the taste, but also harm health. Plant grains should not stick together. Choose dry, crumbly seeds. In order to maintain a maximum of beneficial properties, sesame seeds that have not undergone heat treatment may be preferred.
Sesame can be stored at room temperature for no more than 1-2 months. Further, the seeds begin to deteriorate and rancid.