Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds, often known as Til, is a flowering plant in the Sesamum genus. It’s botanical name is Sesamum indicum which belongs to Pedaliaceae family. It is farmed for its edible seeds, which are produced in pods, and has become widely naturalized in tropical locations around the world.
Sesame is an annual plant growing 50 to 100 cm (1 ft 8 in to 3 ft 3 in) tall, with opposite leaves 4 to 14 cm (2 to 6 in) long with an entire margin. Sesame fruit is a capsule, normally pubescent, rectangular in section, and typically grooved with a short, triangular beak. Sesame seeds are small. Their sizes vary with the thousands of varieties known.
Black sesame seeds have a slightly stronger taste than white sesame seeds, which have a lighter flavor. Black and white sesame seeds may also have slightly different nutritional properties
Nutritional Value –
Protein, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, and zinc are all abundant in sesame seeds.
Sesame seeds contain the lignans sesamolin, sesamin, pinoresinol, and lariciresinol.
Properties –
• Antidiabetic
• Anti-cancer
• Antihypertensive
• Hepatoprotective
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antifungal
• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
Part Used –
Seeds of sesame plant is used for medicinal as well as edible purposes.
Preparations –
Sesame seeds are available in six different forms –
• Sesame seeds
• Sesame milk
• Sesame seed oil
• Sesame seed capsule
• Sesame seed powder
• Sesame seed paste
Benefits –
• Irregular Menstruation
Oligomenorrhea or irregular periods is a common problem faced by many women. Irregular periods cause hormonal imbalance, stress, fatigue and it is important to regulate the menstrual cycle. Sesame seeds are filled with lignans that can control excess hormone production. Dry roast seeds and grind it along with jaggery powder. Eat this mixture daily during the second half of your menstrual cycle.
• Hair Health
Because of the presence of vitamins and minerals in sesame seed oil, it is frequently massaged into the scalp, which helps prevent premature greying and promotes hair growth.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
Sesame seeds have a higher content of fibre that is essential for good digestion. It helps with symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea while also protecting the colon and lowering the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Diabetes
Sesame seeds are useful in managing diabetes.
They reduce blood glucose levels and reduce or delay the absorption of glucose in the body.
• Weight loss
Rich in protein, til seeds helps in increasing metabolic rate, control appetite, prevent intake of excessive calories thus helping to lose weight. Adding these seeds in your salad provides much needed fibre that aids in promoting gut health.
• Alzheimer’s Disease
They reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory molecules that may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. They manage Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the damage induced by reactive oxygen species to brain cells.
• Oral Health
Sesame seed oil pulling has a powerful antibacterial and astringent effect on many aspects of dental health.
Oil pulling with sesame oil can help reduce dental plaque as well as improve gum health.
• Skin Health
Due to the presence of antioxidants, its seed oil is helpful to the skin, and applying it to the face overnight softens and tightens the skin.
• Wound Healing
It’s oil is also beneficial for wound healing because they promote collagen production and cell proliferation.
• Anxiety
They also have antioxidant capabilities, which aid in the elimination of free radicals and the reduction of stress-related anxiety.
• Men’s Fertility
Men’s diets that include these seeds have been shown to improve sperm quality and increase male fertility.
• Arthritis
Anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of sesame seeds and sesame seed oil are owing to Sesamol, a bioactive substance found in . Sesame seeds or seed oil helps to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis because of their qualities.
Pain and inflammation are reduced by massaging joints with sesame seed oil.
Side Effects –
• Excessive consumption of these seeds can drop blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
• Fibre from these seeds can form a layer over the appendix, causing bloating and pain.
• These should be used with caution in persons with gout should avoid them entirely, as they contain oxalates, a natural substance that contributes to the aggravation of gout symptoms
☆ In some people, these might trigger allergic responses (contact dermatitis). If you have an allergic response after eating such seeds, you should see a doctor.
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