Medicinal properties of sesame. What are the benefits of sesame? Composition and calorie content of sesame seeds

The beneficial properties of sesame are contained in a nutrient-rich complex that is 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 significant levels of Omega 6 fats, as well as the lignans sesamin and sesamolin, which have various bioactive 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 forming 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 cardiovascular health.
3. Grains support digestive and colon health as they are rich in fiber. Healthy fibers help in good bowel function.
4. Oral hygiene due to the antibacterial effect and elimination of streptococcus from the teeth, tongue, and gums.
5. Elimination of post-alcohol syndrome by stimulating liver function.
6. Elimination of anxiety due to microelements in the composition that have stress-resistant properties (magnesium, calcium, thiamine, tryptophan).
7. Benefits for skin and hair due to the zinc content, which is involved in the production of collagen, 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 get rid of skin pathogens such as staph and streptococcus, as well as various skin fungi such as athlete's foot. Sesame oil mixed with warm water can control vaginal yeast infections.
10. Treatment of sunburn. When used after exposure to wind or sun, the oil can help prevent damage from harmful UV rays, causing wrinkles and pigmentation. Regular use of this oil significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer and prevents skin exposure to chlorine from water.
11. Sesame nourishes, conditions and promotes scalp health. It combats dryness, flaking and clogged pores of the scalp. In addition, it has antifungal and antibacterial activity and helps treat scalp infections, dandruff and soothe irritated skin.
12. Sesame seed oil acts as a deep conditioning treatment 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 greying. 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, for constipation and to treat intestinal worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, etc.

Beneficial properties of black sesame

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

The cosmetic properties of black sesame are blocking free radicals, active moisturizing, 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 graying of hair due to insufficiency of blood in the liver and kidneys;
• with baldness.

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

Reducing cholesterol levels

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, helping to reduce the symptoms of back pain, joint pain and weakness.

Lower blood pressure

Nowadays, hypertension is a common health problem among women and men from different age groups and sesame helps in reducing 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-preventing properties.

Anti-inflammatory effects

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

Using black sesame oil, both topically and internally, can help reduce various inflammatory conditions. The high amount of copper in this oil helps to better deal with inflammation caused by conditions affecting the joints.

Application

The benefits of sesame 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 a fried snack. 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 contained in sesame seed oils help in detoxifying the skin. When applied to the skin, the molecules in this oil attract oil-soluble toxins, which 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 bed after washing.
2. Baby skin, especially the diaper area, often breaks out due to the acidity of the body's waste. Sesame oil protects their delicate skin from these rashes. Application to the nose and ears provides protection against skin pathogens. It also combats dry skin.
3. Sesame oil can make your skin glow. It keeps the skin soft and elastic, and helps heal minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions.
4. Sesame oil also tightens the pores on the face, controls acne and neutralizes toxins that develop on the surface and in the pores. Massage your face thoroughly with sesame seed oil and then wipe it with rice or besal, then rinse off 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 treatments you will get soft and elastic 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 fat.

Contraindications

A contraindication to the use of sesame is individual hypersensitivity. The rich composition of this ingredient implies high sensitivity in people prone to various types of allergies.

Additionally, 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, glowing 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°. The seeds will sprout only if the soil warms up to a temperature of 18°. The first thirty days, sesame grows very slowly. The danger comes from weeds, which can easily choke out weak shoots. The oblong fruits contain seeds. They are widely used 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 are inclined to think that it was in India. In any case, the sesame that has taken root on our lands is called Indian. It is believed that it was he who was cultivated by man.

What types of sesame are there?

The seeds may be white, brown, black, red or yellow. It all depends on the variety. It is believed that deeper color is an indicator of better aroma 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 will help preserve youth and avoid old age. And in fact, black seeds are the highest level of antioxidant. In addition to beneficial properties, they have a stronger and more pleasant aroma than all others.

White sesame

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

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

Useful and medicinal properties of sesame

Many people are more familiar with sesame seeds as a seasoning. There are many different versions of why sesame began to be grown. Perhaps because of the pleasant taste of the seeds, or maybe because of their nutritional value and benefits. But 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. Thus, 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 to be the most useful of spices. And in Ancient Babylon it was a symbol of immortality. Of course, this plant is unlikely to provide eternal life, but it will certainly prolong youth and improve health.

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

1. Sesame has the ability to resolve certain types of tumors.
2. A bandage soaked in sesame and rose oil will help relieve very severe headaches.
3. Regular use of sesame will help make your voice sonorous and clear.
4. The decoction will relieve belching.
5. Sesame included in the diet will speed up the body's recovery process during serious physical activity and help neutralize the effects of stress.

It is difficult to say how effective Avicenna's advice is. However, there is probably some truth to 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 phytin. This is a substance that helps restore the balance between minerals and beta-sitosterol, which in turn helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Sesame is also preferred by those who practice yoga.

Sesame seed oil

Translated from Latin, this name means “oil plant.” Oil makes up 55%, which is a significant proportion. 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 preserve 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 you evaluate the usefulness of vegetable oils, then sesame oil takes an honorable third place after the leading almond and pistachio oils. An undoubted advantage is its affordable price. In medicine, sesame oil has also found wide use as a basis for the production of fat-soluble drugs that are introduced into the body by injection. It is also included in oil emulsions, patches and ointments. In addition, sesame oil is recommended for oral administration in the treatment of essential thrombopenia, thrombopenic purpura and hemorrhagic diathesis. The oil helps improve blood clotting and increases the number of platelets in it. The best grades of sesame oil are sometimes used instead of almond and olive oils.

The use of cosmos oil in the form of enemas gives a mild 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 health-improving, but also preventive against periodontal disease, oral infections and caries. The oil perfectly heals cracks, wounds, burns, and soothes pain. An oil mask will make your hair shiny and healthy, and 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 and relaxes the muscles of the body and face. Therefore, a sesame mask will not only give the skin an additional boost of energy and youth, but also a fresh glow on the cheeks. In addition, this oil is one of the few products that have the property of absorbing ultraviolet radiation. Due to this, it is often used in the production of sunscreen cosmetics. Nowadays, more and more manufacturers of hair cosmetics use sesame oil as a base for the production of mousses, masks, conditioners and shampoos.

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

Just a little oil a day can ease breathing in case of 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. Used as an effective anthelmintic.

The oil is used mainly internally. It has a slightly specific taste, which is why not everyone likes it. When mixed with linseed and poppy oils, sesame also acts as a strong aphrodisiac. This effect applies to both men and women equally. Sesame oil has found wide application in sports such as bodybuilding. It helps increase muscle mass.

The oil is recommended for use in cases of metabolic disorders in the body, joint diseases, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland and intestinal colic. It has a positive effect on inflammation of the gallbladder, kidney stones, anemia and internal bleeding.

In its properties, sesame oil is very similar to olive oil. Unfortunately, with so many beneficial properties, sesame does not contain vitamin A, and vitamin E is present in very small quantities. However, a significant amount of other useful elements more than compensates for this.

Sesame seeds

And although sesame is mainly grown for its oil, the seeds also have their uses. It is known for sure that in the Middle Ages, people who cared about their health chewed one teaspoon of sesame seeds daily. It was believed to be very beneficial, especially for women. The seeds promote increased blood flow 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 helps rejuvenate the body, and phosphorus and zinc will help prevent osteoporosis. Regular consumption of sesame seeds improves intestinal function, thereby preventing diseases of the digestive system.

An important condition for the effectiveness of this product is thorough chewing. Only then will sesame give off 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, after drying well beforehand, and not stored 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 stewed meat, 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 make your hair smooth and relieve the scalp from eczema and dandruff. Hair will become thicker and its growth will increase.

In some countries, the leaves are a common product and are highly valued due to properties such 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 not only have an exotic taste, but also an unusual appearance that will amaze any picky guest.

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

Eating sesame

Sesame seeds can often be found as an excellent addition to baking and for making kozinaki. The oil has also found wide application. All this is undoubtedly due to the beneficial substances it contains. Sesame goes well with almost any product. And in order for its aroma to become brighter and richer, before adding sesame to food, you should heat it a little in a frying pan. You can sprinkle ground grains on porridge, salad or sushi. Sesame is used to make tahini paste (tahini, tahini, tahina), which is popular in oriental cuisine. It is served with a large number of dishes.

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

The Japanese sprinkle salted seeds on rice, and Africans consider sesame 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 crispy sweets. In France and Italy, aromatic bread is baked with seeds, which is in great demand. Americans prefer to bake cookies and waffles with sesame seeds, which can be both salty and sweet.

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

Sesame for children

Using sesame in a child's diet will undoubtedly bring great benefits due to the large number of substances beneficial to 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 beneficial. The daily norm for a child is one teaspoon of oil. Although there are no strict restrictions on consumption, sesame does not cause allergies at all. However, recently you can encounter allergic reactions to sesame 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. It is not for nothing that in India, newborns receive a ten-minute massage using sesame oil. It has been scientifically proven that children develop more actively than their peers, get sick much less often and have sound, restful sleep.

Is it possible for nursing mothers?

It is not only possible to eat sesame while breastfeeding, 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 were required to eat a handful of seeds per day. In addition to all the positive properties, sesame increases blood flow during menstruation. It is this property, which is so valued in everyday life, that can become dangerous during pregnancy. On the one hand, a high calcium content 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 would like.

Sesame contraindications

However, it should be understood that even with so many advantages, sesame has qualities that can cause harm to the body. Here's what to pay attention to:

1. When eaten raw, the grains can cause nausea and even vomiting on an empty stomach. This happens because the gastric mucosa is very susceptible to this product.
2. Individual intolerance.
3. Considering that sesame improves blood clotting, it should never be consumed by people with blood clots or thrombosis, so as not to worsen the course of the disease.
4. Those who suffer from urolithiasis should also avoid sesame.
5. Sesame is a high-calorie product and is therefore contraindicated for those who adhere to various diets.

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

Recently, more and more people are turning their attention to food that not only has a distinctive taste, but also has medicinal and preventive properties. Therefore, all of the listed positive properties of sesame should definitely interest any person who cares about their own health. And it’s not at all necessary to immediately run out and buy a whole bag of sesame seeds, but it’s quite possible to pamper yourself with a spoonful of butter or a fragrant bun.

The beneficial properties of sesame have been used by humanity since time immemorial. The legendary elixir of immortality included sesame as an essential 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, to make oil and seasonings.

Compound

• Fatty oil – up to 60%, consisting of fatty acids such as linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic, stearic
• Proteins – on average 20% (according to various sources from 19-24%)
• Carbohydrates – about 16%
• Proteinogenic amino acids – histidine, tryptophan
• Macroelements – phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium
• Microelements – 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 requirement of calcium - sesame is the champion in the content of this element. Due to 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 coagulation. Calcium is also involved in the regulation of the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters.

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

3. Phytosterol. Sesame seeds contain phytosterol, an analogue of animal cholesterol. Phytosterol prevents harmful cholesterol from being absorbed into the blood and displaces it, which reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis, thus improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

4. Cleansing 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 consume not the seeds, but the 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 estrogen, the female hormone, in the body can cause cancer; in women it is breast and rectal cancer, and in men it is testicular cancer. Phytoestrogens (lignans) are analogues of female hormones, and when natural female estrogen hormones increase above normal levels, it is useful to consume foods rich in plant styrene (phytoesrogens). The mechanism of action is as follows: phytoestrogens participate in reactions instead of real hormones, that is, they block the receptors to which estrogen molecules should connect. 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 humans obtain from food. Histidine is necessary for the growth and repair of various tissues and is a component of hemoglobin. Once in the body, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, which is necessary for a sense of emotional security and well-being. A lack of tryptophan is fraught with depression, increases anxiety, impairs attention functions, and causes headaches. Tryptophan reduces the craving for alcohol, excessive food consumption, and neutralizes the negative effects of nicotine.

7. Vitamins. Thanks to its vitamin composition, sesame is useful for pulmonary diseases, shortness of breath, anemia, and internal bleeding.

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

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

9. Cooking. Sesame grows in Asia, southern Africa and 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 tahini, which make excellent additions to pita bread, salads and pizzas. In Russia, small amounts of sesame are added to some bakery and confectionery products.

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

Harm and contraindications

People who have sand or kidney stones should be warned against consuming large amounts 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 per day.

The 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 whose pods contain many small seeds, known to us as sesame. Sesame seed is a well-known seasoning added to various dishes and baked goods, 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 glycerol esters, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic and lignoceric acids) triglycerides. Sesame seeds also contain proteins (up to 25%), represented by 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 contains fiber, organic acids, as well as lecithin, phytin and beta-sitosterol. In terms of calcium content, sesame seeds are a record holder; 100 g of seeds contain 783 mg of this trace element (almost the daily dose of calcium for an adult). It can only boast of this amount of calcium in its composition (750 – 850 mg per 100 g), 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 include 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 and harmful metabolic products.

Sesame has a mild laxative effect, but you should not overdo it with this product. After all, the calorie content of sesame seeds is 582 cal per 100 g. For those who are on a diet, using sesame as a laxative is generally not worth it, 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, eating more seeds is not recommended.

Sesame (from lat. Sesamum- oil plant) is 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 are subject to heat treatment, and black ones - vice versa. This type is more fragrant.

Humanity began to use sesame seeds a very long time ago. It was used for medicinal purposes back 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 the Holy Scriptures. The first to describe the maximum number of beneficial properties of sesame and sesame oil was Avicenna, who created a huge work on healing in the 11th century.

Currently, sesame seeds for export are grown in the Transcaucasus, 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 beneficial are raw sesame seeds, because... During heat treatment, the bulk of nutrients disappears. However, raw seeds should not be stored for a long time. After 1-2 months they begin to go rancid. Sesame oil obtained by cold pressing can be stored for the longest time. 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 it is more aromatic and without the bitterness inherent in olive oil. You cannot fry in sesame oil, because... it immediately begins to burn and at high temperatures carcinogenic substances 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, makeup removal and as a base for moisturizing creams.

Use and application

Sesame seeds are used in cooking to prepare cassinaki, sweets, halva and other sweets, in baked goods and as a seasoning for meat.

Calorie content of sesame

Sesame has a high calorie content due to its high fat and protein content. 100 g of sesame – 560 kcal. And 100 g of sesame oil contains 884 kcal. This product causes obesity, so it is important for overweight people, as well as those who are watching their figure, to use it with caution.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of sesame

Composition and presence of nutrients

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

Useful and healing properties

Sesame oil should not be used with aspirin and oxalic acid, since when calcium combines with them, it forms deposits in the kidneys.

There are known cases of individual intolerance to sesame.