Medicinal properties of sesame. What is useful sesame? The composition and calorie content of sesame seeds

The beneficial properties of sesame seeds are contained in a complex rich in nutrients, indispensable for our body. It is a combination of vitamins and minerals that makes it one of the healthiest foods in the world. Sesame adds a special crunch to many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes – both races are known for their longevity.

Sesame is an African plant well known for its oil-rich seeds, which were of great importance to ancient civilizations. Sesame oil has a significant content of omega 6 fats, as well as sesamin and sesamolin lignans, which have various biologically active and health promoting effects. In addition, sesame oil has anti-inflammatory activity and a healing effect on cancer cells.

The most striking health benefits:

1. Vegetarian diet high in protein. High quality amino acids make up 20% of the seeds and are ideal for a high protein vegetarian diet. Just sprinkle them on salads, your favorite vegetables or pasta.
2. Sesame seed oil contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called sesamolin, which improves the cardiovascular system.
3. Grains support the health of the digestive system and colon, as they are rich in fiber. Healthy fibers help in good bowel function.
4. Oral hygiene due to the antibacterial effect and the elimination of streptococcus from teeth, tongue, gums.
5. Elimination of post-alcohol syndrome by stimulating the liver.
6. Elimination of anxiety due to trace elements in the composition with stress-resistant properties (magnesium, calcium, thiamine, tryptophan).
7. Benefits for skin and hair due to the content of zinc, which is involved in the production of collagen, which is necessary for elastic beautiful skin, healthy hair and strong nails.
8. Prolongation of youth and improvement of immunity due to antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral activity.
9. The antibacterial properties also help to get rid of skin pathogens such as staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus, as well as various skin fungi such as athlete's foot fungus. Sesame oil mixed with warm water can control vaginal yeast infections.
10. Sunburn treatment. If the oil is used after exposure to wind or sun, it can prevent damage from harmful UV rays, resulting in wrinkles and pigmentation. Regular use of this oil significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevents skin from being exposed to chlorine from the water.
11. Sesame nourishes, conditions and promotes healthy scalp. It fights dryness, flaking and clogged scalp pores. In addition, it has antifungal and antibacterial activity and helps in the treatment of scalp infections, dandruff and soothes irritated skin.
12. Sesame seed oil acts as a deep conditioner for dry, damaged, chemically treated hair. It restores lost moisture and strengthens the structure, enhances shine, elasticity and softness.
13. Sesame seed oil is known for its hair darkening properties, which make it effective for people suffering from premature graying. It can be used with carrier oils such as olive or almond oil for maximum benefits.

The seeds benefit the body as a whole, especially the liver, kidneys, spleen and stomach. The high oil content of the seed lubricates the intestines and nourishes all internal organs. Sesame oil is also used to improve lactation, constipation, and to treat intestinal worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, etc.

Useful properties of black sesame

Black sesame seeds are spicier and have a stronger flavor than white or brown seeds and are preferably used in medicines. They contain 60% more calcium than white ones.

The cosmetic properties of black sesame are blocking free radicals, active hydration, nutrition and restoration.

For medicinal purposes, black sesame is used for the following disorders:

• general weakness and infirmity;
• constipation;
• dizziness;
• renal and liver failure;
• chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa) and runny nose;
• toothache;
• weak lactation;
• poor eyesight;
• early gray hair due to insufficient blood in the liver and kidneys;
• with baldness.

Black sesame also increases breast size by stimulating estrogen secretion. The antioxidant in sesame gives out strong anti-aging effects and is beneficial for women's health and youthfulness.

Cholesterol Reduction

Black sesame seeds also contain plant compounds called phytosterols, which have a structure similar to that of cholesterol. Their consumption not only lowers blood cholesterol levels, but also reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Organ nutrition

Black sesame seeds have been found to increase energy, nourish the brain and slow down aging, and help reduce the symptoms of back pain, soreness, and joint weakness.

Lowering blood pressure

At present, hypertension is a common health problem among women and men from different age groups and sesame helps to reduce hypertension. The wide range of minerals and vitamins in this oil helps boost immunity. Its antioxidants and these nutrients help the body fight cancer. The phytates present in these seeds are also known for their cancer prevention properties.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Sesame oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and has excellent healing properties.

Using black sesame oil, either topically or orally, can help reduce a variety of inflammatory conditions. The high amount of copper in this oil helps to better deal with inflammation caused by conditions that affect the joints.

Application

The benefits of sesame seeds for women have been known since ancient times. They are flowering plants belonging to the Pedaliaceae family. The seeds can be consumed in raw or dried form, or even as fried snacks. They are used in several cuisines.

Dry roasted sesame seeds are ground with olive oil into a light brown paste known as "Tahini", which is a popular Middle Eastern delicacy. To prepare this dish, you can use ready-made sesame flour or grind the seeds in a blender. In Europe, the grains are commonly used in the production of margarine.

1. The antioxidants found in sesame seed oils help in detoxifying the skin. When applied to the skin, the molecules of this oil attract oil-soluble toxins that can be washed off with hot water and soap. Mix half a cup of sesame seed oil with half a cup of apple cider vinegar and a quarter cup of water. The mixture should be applied to the face before going to bed after washing.
2. Children's skin, especially the diaper area, often breaks out due to the acidity of the body's waste products. Sesame oil protects their delicate skin from these breakouts. Application to the nose and ears provides protection against skin pathogens. It also fights dry skin.
3. Sesame oil can make the skin glow. It keeps the skin soft and supple and promotes healing of minor cuts, scratches and abrasions.
4. Sesame oil also tightens pores on the face, controls acne, and neutralizes toxins that develop on the surface and in the pores. Thoroughly massage your face with sesame seed oil and then wipe it with rice or besal, then wash off first with warm and then cold water to close the pores.
5. Treatment for cracked heels. Apply sesame seed oil every night while covering your feet with cotton socks. After a few procedures, you will get soft and supple legs.

All varieties of sesame seeds are extremely nutritious. They have a high oil content of 40% to 60%. They are a rich source of minerals such as copper and manganese. They also contain magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, vitamin B1 and zinc and are rich in fiber and monounsaturated fats.

Contraindications

Contraindication to the use of sesame is individual hypersensitivity. The rich composition of this ingredient means high sensitivity in people prone to all sorts of allergies.

In addition, it cannot be used under the following conditions:

• thrombocytosis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• individual intolerance.

In all other cases, you can safely use sesame seeds by adding it to your favorite dishes to get healthy nails, radiant skin and beautiful hair.

There are about 35 types of sesame, which grow mainly in Africa (subtropical and tropical). The plant loves warmth and the most optimal temperature for it is 25-30 °. Seeds will sprout only if the soil warms up to a temperature of 18 °. The first thirty days, sesame grows very slowly. The danger is weeds, which can easily drown out weak sprouts. The oblong fruits contain seeds. They have found wide application in medicine, cooking and for oil production.

It is still impossible to say for sure which country is the birthplace of sesame. Some believe that the plant first appeared in South West Africa, while others tend to think that in India. In any case, sesame, which has taken root in our lands, is called Indian. It is believed that it was he who was cultivated by man.

What is sesame?

Seeds can be white, brown, black, red or yellow. It all depends on the variety. It is believed that a richer color is an indication of better flavor and quality.

black sesame

All seeds are useful, but there is an opinion that black sesame is one of the components of the famous elixir of immortality. Black sesame is actually more beneficial. In Eastern countries, they still believe that it is he who will help preserve youth and avoid old age. And in fact, black seeds are the highest level of antioxidant. In addition to useful properties, they have a stronger and more pleasant aroma than all the others.

white sesame

It is less useful than its dark brother, but is much more common in the sale. The white color is due to the fact that the seeds were polished solely in order to serve as a decoration in confectionery. Such grains are great for making sesame milk, which turns out to be completely white. However, for raw consumption, it is best to pay attention to dark varieties.

In fact, seeds that taste so good have unusual properties that KhozOboz is ready to introduce its reader to.

Useful and medicinal properties of sesame

To many, sesame seed is more familiar as a condiment. There are many different versions for what reason they began to grow sesame. Perhaps because of the pleasant taste of the seeds, or maybe because of their nutritional value and benefits. But, after all, this is not so important. The main thing is that already in ancient times people knew and highly valued sesame for its excellent qualities. There have always been many secrets and legends around this little seed. So, the ancient Assyrians were firmly convinced that the gods themselves drank sesame wine before creating the world. The Egyptians and the peoples of ancient China considered sesame the most useful of spices. And in ancient Babylon, he was a symbol of immortality. Of course, this plant is unlikely to provide eternal life, but it will definitely prolong youth and improve health.

Even the great Avicenna himself did not ignore this plant. In his ancient writings, you can find the properties that he endowed with sesame. As a physician, he believed:

1. Sesame has the ability to dissolve certain types of tumors.
2. A dressing soaked in sesame and rose oil will help relieve a very severe headache.
3. Regular use of sesame will help to make the voice sonorous and clear.
4. The decoction will relieve belching.
5. Sesame, included in the diet, will speed up the recovery process of the body during serious physical exertion, and help neutralize the effects of stress.

It is difficult to say how effective Avicenna's advice is. However, there is probably some truth in them. Sesame contains zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B and E, as well as a significant portion of calcium, and, of course, a high content of proteins, vitamin C and amino acids. There is also a fitin. It is a substance that helps restore the balance between minerals and beta-sitosterol, which in turn helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Sesame is also preferred by those who practice yoga.

Sesame seed oil

Translated from Latin, this name means "oil plant". Oil is 55%, and this is a solid share. Sesame oil contains glycerides of oleic (up to 40%), linolenic (up to 52%), stearic, palmitic acids and other fatty acids. Obtained by cold pressing, it can save not only useful substances for a long time, but also a pleasant aromatic taste. The finished oil retains its beneficial properties for about eight years.

In general, if we evaluate the usefulness of vegetable oils, then sesame oil takes an honorable third place after the leading almond and pistachio oils. The undoubted advantage is its affordable price. In medicine, sesame oil has also found wide application as a basis for the manufacture of fat-soluble drugs that are injected into the body. It is also included in oil emulsions, plasters and ointments. In addition, sesame oil is recommended for oral administration in the treatment of essential thrombopenia, thrombopenic purpura and hemorrhagic diathesis. Oil improves blood clotting and increases the number of platelets in it. The best grades of sesame oil are sometimes used in place of almond and olive oils.

The use of sesame oil in the form of enemas gives a slight laxative effect. The oil is recommended for constipation or indigestion.

Sesame oil can be used to strengthen teeth and gums. This measure is not only improving, but also preventive for periodontal disease, infections of the oral cavity and caries. The oil perfectly heals cracks, wounds, burns, and soothes pain. An oil mask will make your hair shiny and healthy, protect it from the negative effects of sea and chlorinated water. The skin after the procedure will become smooth and radiant. Magnesium, which is part of sesame, has a calming effect, relaxes the muscles of the body and face. Therefore, the sesame mask will not only give the skin an additional charge of energy and youth, but also a fresh blush on the cheeks. In addition, this oil is one of the few products that have the ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation. Due to this, it is often used in the production of sunscreen cosmetics. Now more and more manufacturers of hair cosmetics use sesame oil as the basis for the manufacture of mousses, masks, conditioners and shampoos.

One more thing can be attributed to the useful properties of sesame. It is the main source of lime in the human body. It has been proven that eating at least ten grams of sesame seeds every day can replenish the required amount of this substance.

Just a little oil a day can ease breathing in bronchial asthma, dry cough or shortness of breath. It neutralizes the increased acidity of gastric juice and blood acidity, helps the body recover from exhaustion, and improves health. It is used as an effective anthelmintic.

The oil is mainly used internally. It has a slightly specific taste, because of which not everyone likes it. Mixed with linseed and poppy oils, sesame seeds also act as a strong aphrodisiac. This action applies to both men and women equally. Sesame oil has found wide application in such a sport as bodybuilding. It helps to increase muscle mass.

Oil is recommended for use in violation of metabolic processes in the body, joint diseases, hyperthyroidism and intestinal colic. It has a positive effect on inflammation of the gallbladder, kidney stones, anemia and internal bleeding.

By its properties, sesame oil is very similar to olive oil. Unfortunately, with such a large number of useful properties, there is no vitamin A in sesame, and vitamin E is present in very small quantities. However, a significant number of other useful elements more than compensate for this.

Sesame seeds

And although sesame is mainly grown for its oil, the seeds have also found their way. It is known for sure that in the Middle Ages, people who cared about their health condition chewed one teaspoon of sesame seeds daily. It was believed to be very beneficial, especially for women. Seeds promote increased outflow of blood during menstruation. It has been proven that sesame significantly reduces the risk of mastopathy or other unwanted inflammation of the mammary glands. A compress of crushed seeds helps with mastitis. A decoction of sesame seeds is used as a lotion for hemorrhoids. One tablespoon of ground seeds before meals will help remove toxins from the body and lose a few extra pounds.

Vitamin E contributes to the rejuvenation of the body, and phosphorus and zinc will help in the prevention of osteoporosis. Regular consumption of sesame seeds improves bowel function, thus preventing diseases of the digestive system.

An important condition for the effectiveness of this product is thorough chewing. Only then will sesame give all its beneficial properties. Unfortunately, the seeds spoil very quickly and become bitter due to their high oil content. Therefore, they should be stored in a dark place, having dried well beforehand and not stocked up for a long time. It is for this reason that they are processed into oil, which can be stored for a long time.

sesame leaves

Sesame leaves are used much less frequently than seeds. Fresh leaves are served with vegetables with various sauces or fried in batter. In addition, rice and vegetables are wrapped in them, and it turns out something like Japanese sushi. Pickled sesame leaves are added to the stew, and this should be done at the very end of cooking so that they do not lose their flavor. A decoction of sesame leaves will give smoothness to the hair, relieve the scalp from eczema and dandruff. Hair will become thicker, their growth will increase.

In some countries, leaves are a common product and are highly valued due to such properties as:

1. High content of mineral elements so necessary for human health.
2. They have a strong pleasant nutty smell.
3. Dishes prepared using sesame leaves have not only an exotic taste, but also an unusual look that can amaze any picky guest.

Unfortunately, sesame leaves are not so easy to find in stores in our country.

The use of sesame

Sesame seeds can often be found as a great addition to pastries and for making gozinaki. Oil has also found wide application. All this, of course, is due to the beneficial substances that it contains. Sesame goes well with almost any product. And in order for its aroma to become brighter and more saturated, before adding sesame to food, you should ignite it a little in a frying pan. Ground grains can be sprinkled on porridge, salad or sushi. Sesame is used to make tahini paste (tahini, tahina, tahina), which is popular in oriental cuisine. It is served with a wide range of dishes.

In Arabic cooking, tahini is a gravy for a variety of dishes, and in Cyprus, pies are baked with this paste.

The Japanese sprinkle salted seeds on rice, and the Africans consider sesame seeds to be the main ingredient for making soups. In India, sesame is an excellent seasoning for salads, and in Southeast Asia, it is the basis for making crunchy sweets. In France and Italy, fragrant bread is baked with seeds, which is in great demand. Americans prefer to bake sesame cookies and waffles, which can be both savory and sweet.

Unfortunately, the beneficial properties of sesame in Slavic countries are not in great demand, and therefore the seeds are mainly used to prepare such delicacies as halva or as a topping for loaves, buns or bread. HozOboz offers original solutions for the use of this product.

Sesame for children

The use of sesame in the children's diet will undoubtedly bring great benefits due to the large number of substances useful for the growing body. Half a glass of grains contains three times more calcium than the same amount of milk. The constituent substances help protect the liver and normalize blood pressure. Cold-pressed oil is considered the most useful. The daily norm for a child is one teaspoon of oil. Although there are no strict restrictions on the use, because sesame does not cause allergies at all. However, lately one can meet the manifestation of allergic reactions to sesame seeds or, possibly, to the products with which it is prepared (peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews). In any case, the main thing is a sense of proportion. Sesame oil is a very good antibacterial agent for nails and skin. In addition, it has a warming effect. Not without reason in India, a newborn is given a ten-minute massage using sesame oil. It has been scientifically proven that children at the same time develop more actively than their peers, get sick much less often and have a sound restful sleep.

Is it possible for breastfeeding?

Sesame during breastfeeding is not only possible, but even necessary. It significantly reduces the risk of mastopathy. In addition, sesame helps to cope with constipation, which often occurs after childbirth. And vitamins and microelements will be useful for both mother and newborn.

Sesame for pregnant women

In ancient times, women used to eat a handful of seeds a day. In addition to all the positive properties, sesame enhances the outflow of blood during menstruation. It is this property, which is so valued in ordinary life, that can become dangerous during pregnancy. On the one hand, the high content of calcium contributes to the proper formation of the skeletal system of the unborn baby, and on the other hand, it provokes the threat of miscarriage. Therefore, sesame during pregnancy is still unacceptable, no matter how much you want.

Sesame contraindications

However, it should be understood that even with so many virtues, sesame has qualities that can harm the body. Here's what to look out for:

1. When eaten raw on an empty stomach, grains can cause nausea and even vomiting. This happens because the gastric mucosa is very susceptible to this product.
2. Individual intolerance.
3. Given that sesame improves blood clotting, in no case should it be used by people with thrombosis and thrombosis, so as not to worsen the course of the disease.
4. Sesame should also be discarded by those who suffer from urolithiasis.
5. Sesame is a high-calorie product and therefore is contraindicated for those who follow various diets.

As you can see, there are not so many contraindications, and yet they should be taken into account so that a useful product does not cause serious health problems.

Recently, more and more people are turning their attention to food, which not only has a distinctive taste, but also has healing and preventive properties. Therefore, all the listed positive properties of sesame should be of interest to any person for whom their own health is not indifferent. And it’s not at all necessary to immediately run and buy a whole bag of sesame seeds, but it’s quite possible to treat yourself to a spoonful of butter or a fragrant bun.

The beneficial properties of sesame seeds have been used by mankind since time immemorial. The composition of the legendary elixir of immortality included sesame as an obligatory component. Another name for sesame is sesame. This name, translated from Semitic languages, means "oil plant". Sesame seeds are widely used in cooking - for example, for the production of oil and seasonings.

Compound

• Fatty oil - up to 60%, consisting of fatty acids such as linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic, stearic
• Proteins - an average of 20% (according to various sources from 19-24%)
• Carbohydrates - about 16%
• Proteinogenic amino acids - histidine, tryptophan
• Macroelements - phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium
• Trace elements - iron, zinc, manganese, copper
• Vitamins: C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopherol), B1 (thiamine)
• Phytosterol
• Phytoestrogens - lignans (sesamin)

Beneficial features

1. Calcium. The seeds contain the daily rate of calcium - sesame is the champion in the content of this element. Because of this, it is indicated for pregnant women, adolescents and the elderly. It strengthens bones, removes harmful metabolic products from the body, has a beneficial effect on blood composition, normalizes its acidity, increases the number of platelets, and improves clotting. Calcium is also involved in the regulation of hormone and neurotransmitter secretion.

2. Massage. In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), sesame oil is used for massage, which is very useful for children at night, as this procedure promotes sound and healthy sleep.

3. Phytosterol. Sesame seeds contain phytosterol, an analogue of animal cholesterol. Phytosterol does not allow harmful cholesterol to be absorbed into the blood, displaces it, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, thus improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

4. Purification of the body. One of the properties of sesame seeds is the ability to remove harmful metabolic products from the body. But it is better to use not seeds, but sesame oil obtained from them. It not only removes harmful metabolic products, but also cleanses the entire body. That is why it is used for cooking meat in Asian countries.

5. Phytoestrogens. An excess of the female hormone estrogen in the body can provoke cancer, in the female body it is breast cancer, rectal cancer, and in men it is testicular cancer. Phytoestrogens (lignans) are analogues of female hormones, and with an increase in natural female hormones of estrogen above the norm, it is useful to consume foods rich in plant styrenes (phytoesrogens). The mechanism of action is as follows: phytoestrogens participate in reactions instead of real hormones, that is, they block receptors to which estrogen molecules should be connected. And unlike estrogen, lignans do not have a signaling function that triggers cancer.

6. Amino acids. The amino acids histidine and tryptophan are essential amino acids that a person receives from food. Histidine is necessary for the growth and repair of various tissues, is a component of hemoglobin. Tryptophan, once ingested, is converted into serotonin, which is essential for feelings of emotional security and well-being. Tryptophan deficiency is fraught with depression, increases anxiety, impairs attention functions, and causes headaches. Tryptophan reduces the craving for alcohol, excessive food intake, and neutralizes the negative effects of nicotine.

7. Vitamins. Due to the vitamin composition, sesame is useful for pulmonary diseases, shortness of breath, anemia, internal bleeding.

Tocopherol - vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant, reduces the risk of cancer, helps strengthen the immune system. A lack of vitamin E can lead to infertility, muscle weakness, and liver dysfunction. This vitamin is not produced on its own in the body, it enters the body only with food.

8. Diabetes. Use the beneficial properties of sesame and when. With obesity, it improves metabolism, helps to lose weight, strengthens the body. The beneficial properties of sesame seeds are used in dietary nutrition and in various weight loss diets. When used in the diet of sesame, the body is also cleansed.

9. Cooking. Sesame grows in Asia, in southern Africa and in some areas of America. In Japan, Korea and China, it is added to salads. There, sesame is considered a symbol of longevity and a source of excellent health. In the Middle East, it is added to hummus and tehina, which are excellent additions to pita bread, salads and pizzas. In Russia, a small amount of sesame is added to some bakery and confectionery products.

10. Cosmetics. Due to its ability to block ultraviolet rays, sesame oil is used in the cosmetic industry for the production of after-sun creams and sunscreens. It helps with sunburn and skin irritation, heals wounds. Sesame oil can be used to make a face mask that tightens pores, reduces skin redness and gives it a pleasant shade. You can also prepare a hair mask, especially if they have been damaged by perm or dyed. The oil will add shine to the hair, make it soft and stronger.

Harm and contraindications

It is necessary to warn people with sand or kidney stones from the large consumption of sesame seeds. They contain oxalates, which can form kidney stones, which can worsen your health. Sesame is also a high-calorie product, containing approximately 590 kcal / 100 g. Without harm to health, it is enough to consume 2-3 teaspoons a day.

Seeds are added to salads, you can even chew a small amount of seeds separately, which dulls the feeling of hunger. Take care of yourself and be healthy!

The fabulous word "sesame" has been known to everyone since childhood, but not everyone knows that sesame is a plant in the pods of which there are many small seeds, known to us as sesame. Sesame seed is a well-known seasoning added to various dishes and pastries, as well as the basis for obtaining valuable sesame oil and tahini paste, but that's not all, sesame seed is a valuable healing product, known for its beneficial properties for more than three and a half thousand years.

Composition of sesame seeds:

Sesame seeds contain fats (up to 60%), represented by esters of glycerol, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic and lignoceric acids) triglycerides. The composition of sesame seeds also includes proteins (up to 25%), represented by the most valuable amino acids. The carbohydrate component in sesame is minimal.

The vitamin and mineral composition of sesame seeds is also rich, they contain vitamins E, C, B, minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus. Sesame also includes fiber, organic acids, as well as lecithin, phytin and beta-sitosterol. In terms of calcium content, sesame seed is a champion, 100 g of seeds contain 783 mg of this trace element (almost a daily dose of calcium for an adult). Only (750 - 850 mg per 100 g) can boast of such an amount of calcium in its composition, slightly inferior to sesame seeds, it contains 713 mg of calcium per 100 g of product.

The effect of sesame seeds on the body

The beneficial properties of sesame seeds are a high antioxidant and cleansing effect. They are used as a prophylactic against cancer, to remove free radicals from the body, as well as toxins, harmful metabolic products.

Sesame has a slight laxative effect, but you should not be zealous in taking this product. After all, the calorie content of sesame seeds is 582 calories per 100 g. For those who are on a diet, it is not worth using sesame seeds as a laxative at all, the body will receive too many calories.

The recommended daily dose of seeds is no more than 20-30 g for an adult. Despite the fact that they are not an allergenic product and have no contraindications, it is not recommended to eat more seeds.

Sesame (from lat. Sesamum- oil plant) - an annual and perennial plant, in the pods of which sesame seeds ripen. There are several types of sesame seeds: white, yellow, brown and black. But most often there are two main types: white and black. White ones are used in cooking for dishes that undergo heat treatment, and black ones are the other way around. It is this species that is more fragrant.

Humanity has been using sesame seeds for a very long time. It was used for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon and China. Mentions of sesame oil are reflected in the ancient cultural heritage of many countries, as well as in Holy Scripture. The first to describe the maximum number of useful properties of sesame and sesame oil was Avicenna, who created a huge work on healing in the 11th century.

Now sesame seeds for export are grown in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Far East and India.

Selection and storage

When buying sesame seeds, you need to choose those that do not stick together and are as dry as possible.

The most useful are raw sesame seeds, because. during heat treatment, the bulk of the nutrients evaporate. However, raw seeds should not be stored for a long time. After 1-2 months, they begin to turn rancid. Cold-pressed sesame oil can be stored the longest. It retains its beneficial properties for 9 years without significant changes in the vitamin-mineral and chemical composition. The taste of the oil is similar to olive oil, but is more aromatic and without the bitterness inherent in olive oil. You can’t fry in sesame oil, because. it immediately begins to burn and at a high temperature carcinogens begin to form in it. It is used exclusively for dressing vegetable, meat and cheese salads. Sesame oil is also used for cosmetic purposes for massage, make-up removal and as a base for moisturizing creams.

Usage and application

Sesame seeds are used in cooking for cooking kazinaki, sweets, halva and other sweets, in bakery products and as a seasoning for meat.

Calorie content of sesame

Sesame has a high calorie content due to the high content of fats and proteins. In 100 g of sesame - 560 kcal. And in 100 g of sesame oil - 884 kcal. This product causes obesity, so overweight people, as well as those who follow their figure, it is important to use it with caution.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of sesame

Composition and presence of nutrients

Sesame seeds are classified as oilseed products. They contain almost 60% of the seed volume of vegetable fats, including linoleic, oleic, palmitic, myristic, arachidic, stearic and lignoceric acids. These substances are indispensable for the human body and take part in all vital processes. Sesame seeds also have a rich vitamin and mineral composition. It contains vitamins,, and group B; minerals - magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, but most of all in calcium. For 100 g of sesame, it accounts for as much as 783 mg, which is the daily dose of an adult. In addition, organic acids are present in the seeds: beta-sitosterol, phytin and lecithin.

Useful and medicinal properties

Sesame oil should not be consumed with aspirin and oxalic acid, since, by combining with them, calcium forms deposits in the kidneys.

Cases of individual intolerance to sesame are known.