Black sesame is a rich source of iron, so its inclusion in the diet is recommended for anemia and general weakness. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a relationship between the liver and the eyes.
The liver supports the functioning of the eyes by improving their blood supply. Black sesame is believed to be able to enhance this function.
The Chinese believe that the nutrients in black sesame can help correct deficiencies in the body caused by aging and stress.
According to Chinese medicine and Ayurveda practitioners, consuming black sesame seeds may delay or even reverse the development of some age-related symptoms such as graying, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.
All types of sesame neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body's cells and suppress their formation, thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Sesame is 50-55% oil. This is the highest oil content in the seeds. Because sesame oil is rich in powerful antioxidants, it is exceptionally resistant to rancidity caused by oxidative processes. Sesame seeds have been used as a source of food and oil for thousands of years. Sesame is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, and sesame is one of the oldest spices known to man. The scientific name of sesame is Sesamum indicum. It is grown mainly for its oily seeds, which play an important role in human nutrition. They are used either to enhance the flavor of dishes or to extract oil.
There are several types and cultivars of sesame. Its seeds can be white, yellow (or golden), brown, reddish and black. White (pale grayish cream) and black seeds are the two most common types. Sesame seeds can be consumed whole, crushed, ground, raw, shelled, roasted, or in powder form. Whole seeds are mainly used in the production of confectionery and bakery products. There is also sesame paste (tahini) on the market. The health benefits of sesame may vary depending on the variety used.
Key Differences Between Black and White Sesame
Black sesame seeds 
| White sesame seeds 
|
| Manufacturers | |
| Black sesame seeds are mainly produced in China and Thailand. | Some of the leading producers of white sesame seeds are Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. |
| Spreading | |
| Black sesame seeds are most popular in Japan, China and other Southeast Asian countries. | Lighter colored seeds are most often used in the West and Middle East. |
| Main Differences | |
| Black sesame seeds have a husk that remains intact. Removing the husk does not make them white; the black color is also present in the seeds. | White seeds are peeled. The peeled seeds also look white. Common brown sesame seeds also turn white if their seed coat (the protective covering - the husk) is removed. |
| Flavor and most common uses | |
| Black sesame seeds are slightly bitter, however, they produce higher quality oil. Marinades made from black sesame can be used to pickle vegetables with a strong flavor. These seeds are also added to certain types of rice, vegetables and salads. Both black and white sesame seeds are used in the preparation of various types of tofu, sweets, desserts, salads, dressings, sauces and marinades. | White sesame seeds, with their rich, nutty flavor, are widely used in sweeter dishes such as cakes, baked goods, muffins, and sesame bars. They are more suitable for gourmet baked goods. |
| Aroma and smell | |
| Black sesame has a stronger flavor. | White sesame has a softer, unpretentious aroma. |
| Biochemical properties | |
| Black sesame has a higher ash and carbohydrate content than white sesame. Black sesame seeds contain more vitamin A and vitamin B. Both black and white sesame are rich in essential amino acids, with the exception of lysine. The protein content of black sesame is about 20.82% and the fat content is 48.40%. | Research shows that white sesame contains more protein, fat and moisture than black sesame. White sesame has higher content of vitamin E, K and C. The protein content of white sesame is about 22.20% and the fat content is 52.61%. |
| Chemical properties | |
| Research conducted by the Ministry of Food Products and Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso shows that in black sesame seeds, the amount of unsaponifiable substance (% fat), saponification number (mg KOH/g), iodine index (g/100 g), and free fatty acid levels (% oleic acid) are 0.71, 158.04, 106.26, and 0.73, respectively. | In white sesame seeds, the unsaponifiable content (% fat), saponification number (mg KOH/g), iodine index (g/100 g), and free fatty acid level (% oleic acid) are 0.76, 150.26, 98 .20, and 0.78, respectively. |
| The nutritional value | |
| Black sesame seeds contain more significant amounts of antioxidants than white and brown seeds. They are especially rich in lignans and phytosterols. | Phytosterols present in sesame seeds (all types) suppress the production of cholesterol and help reduce its level in the blood. All types of sesame are rich in antioxidants such as sesaminol, sesamolinol and sesamolin. |
Sesame seed husks contain calcium and other minerals. When the husks are removed, about 90% of the calcium and other minerals are lost. Therefore, it is better to use unhulled seeds. Both varieties of sesame are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (B1, selenium), fiber and minerals (copper, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc and molybdenum), and are often consumed by people with milk allergies as an alternative source of calcium. Although black seeds contain more important nutrients and have medicinal properties, white seeds are also quite nutritious. And since the taste differences between white and black sesame seeds are subtle, you can use them together to increase the nutritional value of your food.
Video
Description of seeds. Features of growth. What is included in black sesame, its calorie content. What healing properties do the fruits have? Is there a risk if the product is consumed in excess? Contraindications for the spice. Recipes for dishes with spices.
The content of the article:
Black sesame is a sesame seed from the Pedaliaceae family that does not undergo peeling and retains its dark color. South Africa is considered the birthplace of the plant. Cultivated in India, Central Europe, Pakistan, North America, El Salvador, Far East, Thailand, Iran, Iraq and Australia. The plant is also called simsim, jathioa, til and pavithra. Black sesame differs from white sesame in its richer aroma and pronounced nutty taste. It contains a high percentage of phytosterols, antioxidants and essential amino acids. The fruits in the capsule are black and pressed tightly against the stem. Sesame is included in traditional dishes of many countries. Valuable oil is extracted from it, which is famous for its extensive list of healing properties. The plant is widely used in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries.
Composition and calorie content of black sesame
The taste and aroma characteristics of the product are due to the harmonious symbiosis of phytoestrogens, fatty acids, tannins, minerals and histidine. In their combination they represent unique and valuable fruits.
The calorie content of black sesame is 556 kcal per 100 grams of edible part, of which:
- Carbohydrates - 12.2 g;
- Proteins - 19.4 g;
- Fats - 48.7 g;
- Water - 900 mg;
- Ash - 5.1 g;
- Dietary fiber - 5.6 g.
- Niacin - 3 mg;
- Vitamin B1 - 1.37 mg;
- Vitamin B2 - 0.26 mg;
- Vitamin E, TE - 1.9 mg;
- Vitamin RR, NE - 12.1 mg.
Macroelements per 100 grams:
- Potassium - 497 mg;
- Phosphorus - 720 mg;
- Calcium - 1.474 g;
- Sodium - 75 mg;
- Magnesium - 0.54 g.
- Mono- and disaccharides - 1 g;
- Starch and dextrins - 11.2 g.
- Arginine - 1.9 g;
- Valine - 886 mg;
- Histidine - 478 mg;
- Isoleucine - 0.783 g;
- Leucine - 1.338 g;
- Lysine - 554 mg;
- Methionine - 559 mg;
- Methionine + Cysteine - 870 mg;
- Threonine - 768 mg;
- Tryptophan - 287 mg;
- Phenylalanine - 885 mg;
- Phenylalanine + Tyrosine - 1.6 g.
- Cysteine - 0.315 g;
- Alanine - 0.781 g;
- Serine - 0.945 g;
- Aspartic acid - 1.656 g;
- Glycine - 1.386 g;
- Proline - 750 mg;
- Tyrosine - 716 mg;
- Glutamic acid - 3.946 g.
Saturated fatty acids - 6.6 g per 100 grams:
- Palmitic - 4.1 g;
- Stearic acid - 2.2 g;
- Arachine - 100 mg.
- Palmitoleic - 100 mg;
- Oleic - 20.4 g.
Black sesame contains many antioxidants and phytosterols. They are able to reduce the percentage of cholesterol in the blood, enhance the body's protective function, regulate absorption, improve the condition of the epidermis and stabilize the balance of hormones.
Histidine included in the seeds controls fermentation, reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions, promotes the growth of connective tissues and has a beneficial effect on the central and autonomic nervous system.
Plant oil contains oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids, which maintain water-salt balance, stabilize the digestion process, improve sugar metabolism, stimulate cell reproduction, remove toxins, heavy metal salts, radionuclides and waste from the body.
And esters of glycerin and resin acids control the activity of internal organs, tone the liver, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, stabilize the acid-base balance and prevent cancer.
Beneficial properties of black sesame
If you follow the norm, adding black sesame to dishes can improve your health, increase body tone and stabilize blood microcirculation. Thanks to the unique symbiosis of tryptophan, a number of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, the seeds have a positive effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of black sesame:
- The product stimulates oxygen metabolism. Its biologically active components help slow down the aging process, normalize the acid-base balance, smooth out wrinkles, improve the condition of curls, whiten age spots, even out complexion and activate cell renewal.
- The plant is believed to have a beneficial effect on the health of cancer patients. It inhibits cell mutation, restores metabolism, strengthens membrane walls and improves immunity. The synthesis of collagen and organic substances begins, and the osmotic concentration in the blood stabilizes.
- Black sesame helps in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Its components relieve coughs, relieve dry mouth, restore the mucous membrane, and fight viral and bacterial agents. Prevents the development of ARVI, influenza, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia.
- Fat and carbohydrate metabolism is stabilized. The seeds help remove harmful substances, reduce the percentage of cholesterol in the blood, and normalize body weight.
- They also have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory system, regulate blood pressure, and reduce hypoxia of the heart muscle.
- The plant is useful for nervous disorders. It has sedative properties and anti-stress effects. Thanks to the presence of antioxidants and amino acids, sleep is normalized, vital energy accumulates, the level of hippurate in the blood increases, irritability, headaches and excitability are relieved, and anxiety disappears.
- Black sesame also has significant benefits for women's health. In breastfeeding women, it enhances lactation, improves the flow and properties of milk. Pregnant women receive the necessary complex of biologically active substances, which have a beneficial effect on the condition and development of the fetus, and stimulate its growth. Phytoestrogens contained in the product normalize hormonal levels, regulate the menstrual cycle, restore thyroid function, control the activity of the reproductive system, and prevent the risk of developing mastopathy. In addition, the fruits are a powerful aphrodisiac and stimulate sexual activity.
- The seeds stabilize peristalsis, fermentation, absorption of useful components during digestion, normalize stools, reduce excessive gas formation, prevent the occurrence of gastritis or ulcers, and strengthen the mucous membrane. The components suppress pathogenic microflora, remove radicals, increase appetite, and allow sweet and fatty foods to be absorbed without a subsequent feeling of heaviness.
- The seeds strengthen bones and joints because they contain a lot of calcium and phosphorus. Minerals allow the body to recover faster after physical activity, break down protein, increase muscle volume, accelerate human growth, prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, Paget's disease, bursitis, kyphosis, heel spurs and osteoporosis.
Harm and contraindications to the use of black sesame
Despite the impressive list of medicinal properties, black sesame can cause ailments and general weakness of the body. If the product is not included in the diet in a standardized manner, metabolic processes can worsen and cause disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the seeds are high in calories, there is a risk of rapid weight gain.
If consumed in excess, black sesame can cause an allergic reaction. It can manifest as skin itching, redness, rashes, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, swelling of the mucous membranes, and pancreatic adenoma. Nausea accompanied by vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, deterioration of peristalsis and fever also occur.
In addition, the tone of the bladder increases due to the high percentage of isoleucine and tryptophan. Sleep is disturbed due to frequent urges to go to the toilet, calcium and phosphorus are washed out of the bones, heart rate increases, headaches occur, and profuse sweating occurs.
Due to an overabundance of black sesame components, concentration deteriorates, little oxygen enters the brain, thought processes slow down, and the activity of the central and autonomic nervous system is disrupted.
Before adding seeds to food, you must be examined by a qualified specialist to determine whether you have an individual intolerance. It is possible that they will negatively affect the mucous membrane and cause abscesses.
The maximum dose of sesame oil per day is 3 tablespoons. Excessive quantities cause painful symptoms and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Absolute contraindications to black sesame are for those who have increased blood clotting and problems with the genitourinary system. Components of the plant can cause blockage of blood vessels, varicose veins, weakness, drowsiness, bleeding gums, enlarged hemorrhoids and increased body temperature. There is a risk of kidney stones because the seeds contain a lot of magnesium and phosphorus. The skin becomes yellow, the smell and amount of urine produced changes, sour belching and nausea appear, accompanied by vomiting blood.
The combination of black sesame with aspirin, oxalic acid and estrogen derivatives is dangerous to health. This symbiosis can provoke thrombophlebitis, weaken the walls of blood vessels and worsen fermentation.
Black sesame should not be consumed by children under 6 years of age. A large percentage of phytoestrogens can negatively affect hormonal levels, cause arrhythmia, and impair the growth of connective tissues.
Recipes with black sesame seeds
When preparing dishes with black sesame, do not exceed the temperature, since the seeds may lose most of their healing properties, and the taste characteristics will not be pronounced. For the same reason, it is not recommended to buy roasted sesame.
Before adding it to food, you need to try to see if it becomes bitter. The fruits go harmoniously with baked goods, fish, meat, vegetable salads, soups, mushrooms and cheese. They allow you to highlight the taste and emphasize the rich aroma.
There are the following culinary recipes for black sesame, which are characterized by nutritional value and speed of preparation:
- Jellied pie. 1 onion is peeled, cut into cubes and fried until golden brown. 400 grams of white cabbage are chopped and thrown into a frying pan. Cook until soft. Then add a teaspoon of salt, bay leaf and a pinch of ground black pepper. Stir. The second onion is also chopped and added to the rest of the ingredients. 350 grams of minced chicken are fried for about 7-8 minutes. The meat is combined with cabbage and seasoned with salt and pepper. In a separate container, mix 10 teaspoons of sour cream, a teaspoon of mustard, 4 chicken eggs, 8 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. The prepared dough is poured onto the vegetables, and black sesame seeds and poppy seeds are sprinkled on top. The oven is heated to 180 degrees. The pie is baked for half an hour.
- Pies with sausage and potatoes. 180 ml of warm milk is combined with a tablespoon of yeast, a tablespoon of flour and a teaspoon of sugar. Cover the container with a towel and leave for 15 minutes. Then add a pinch of salt, a chicken egg, 60 ml of vegetable oil and 300 grams of flour. Knead the dough and let it sit for 50 minutes. Meanwhile, 250 grams of potatoes are peeled and boiled. After this, it is crushed with a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. The onions are peeled, cut into cubes, fried until golden brown and added to the puree. The dough is made into flat cakes, and the filling with pieces of sausage is placed in the middle. The pies are distributed on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, brushed with beaten egg and sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Sesame bread. 250 grams of semolina flour are sifted through a sieve, combined with a teaspoon of oregano and a teaspoon of salt. Two tablespoons of black and white sesame seeds are mixed with a teaspoon of flax seeds. Add 70 ml of olive oil and half a glass of water to the mixture. The dough is kneaded and divided into 4 parts, each of which is thinly rolled out and cut into thin strips. Then they are greased with oil, sprinkled with seasonings and placed in an oven preheated to 170 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Chachokha. 250 grams of wheat flour are sifted and combined with a teaspoon of baking powder. In a separate container, beat 5 chicken eggs with 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 100 ml of whey, a pinch of salt and sugar with a blender. Then add flour and stir at the same time. Heat 2 frying pans, grease with olive oil and distribute the dough evenly. Sprinkle 10 grams of black sesame and flax seeds on top. The containers are placed in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for half an hour. Baked pancakes are served with garlic-dill sauce.
- Toast with banana and almond butter. 200 grams of toasted almonds, 2 teaspoons of honey, 2 pinches of salt and a tablespoon of almond oil are passed through a blender. Sliced bread for toasting is brushed with olive oil and dried in the oven. 2 bananas, peeled and cut into slices. Spread a layer of almond butter over the bread. Bananas are placed on top and sprinkled with black sesame seeds.
- Coconut rice. A glass of water and 250 ml of coconut milk are poured into a saucepan, brought to a boil and pour in 200 grams of short grain rice. Add a pinch of ground black pepper and salt. Boil for about 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat and simmer for another 6 minutes. Stir regularly. Then remove the rice and let it cool. Before serving, the dish is sprinkled with coconut and black sesame seeds.
- Meat pie. Combine 200 ml of kefir, 2 cups of flour, a teaspoon of soda, a chicken egg, a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a container. Knead the dough, add flour if necessary. Then it is wrapped in cling film and placed in the refrigerator for half an hour. Meanwhile, 400 grams of beef, half an onion and 3 cloves of garlic are passed through a meat grinder. Add chopped herbs, a pinch of ground black pepper and a teaspoon of salt to the minced meat. The onions are peeled, chopped into thin strips and added to the filling. Add 3 tablespoons of cream there and mix thoroughly. The chilled dough is rolled out into a thin layer, brushed with olive oil, and minced meat is placed in the center. The free edges meet in the center. It is important that there are no gaps anywhere, otherwise the spicy juice will leak out during the baking process. The pie is greased with sour cream and sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Then make small gaps at the top without touching the bottom. Bake at 185 degrees for about 35 minutes.
Sesame seeds are among the oldest spices known to man. There are golden fruit colors, cream, red, brown, white and pearlescent.
In India, the plant is considered miraculous, and the seeds are a symbol of immortality, since they have a beneficial effect on internal organs, stabilize metabolic processes and enhance the body's protective function. There is also a belief that the product is one of the main components of the elixir of youth, the recipe of which was lost over the centuries.
Assyrian mythology says that during the creation of the Universe, the gods tasted wine infused with black sesame seeds.
The phrase “Open Sesame!” often appears in Arabian fairy tales. It is due to the property of the black sesame box to crack with a characteristic loud click.
In its unprocessed form, sesame loses its taste and aroma after 3 months of storage. And if you keep it frozen, its properties do not disappear for a year. Sesame oil retains valuable components for about 9 years.
70 liters of sesame oil are produced from 200 kilograms of seeds.
Watch a video about black sesame:
The wide popularity of black sesame is due to its unique composition, healing properties, nutritional value and taste characteristics. The plant is unpretentious to weather conditions and is easily transported.
Glycemic index (GI) – 35.
Calorie content – 565 kcal.
Black sesame is a Pancake week crop of the Pedalaceae family and is a variety of Indian sesame. Unlike white, golden, brown sesame it has a pronounced nutty taste and the presence of healing properties. Refers to the oldest seasonings. Used in cooking, dietary nutrition, medicine. Main producers China, Southeast Asia. It is cultivated only in mountainous and elevated areas.
Beneficial features
Black sesame has a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which is dominated by calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. There are vitamins: B (9,2,1,6,5,), A, C, E, PP, K. The chemical composition of black sesame is 49% represented by fats (linoleic, oleic, stearic, lignoceric acids, triglycerides). Protein takes up 20% and is more complete than white sesame. It has a wide range of amino acids: leucine, tryptophan, valine, phenylalanine, leucine. The share of carbohydrates is 12%, dietary fiber is 6%. The advantage of sesame is the presence of a natural antioxidant - sesamin.
How it affects the body
The benefits of black sesame include a beneficial effect on fat metabolism and emotional state. Regular consumption improves blood composition, helps enrich tissues with oxygen, normalizes metabolic processes, and activates the gastrointestinal tract. Eliminates flatulence, has a laxative effect, promotes weight loss.
Black sesame removes harmful substances, stimulates cell renewal, slows down the aging process, and reduces cholesterol levels. Prevents the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, oncology, stabilizes the condition of women during menopause. Strengthens hair roots, has a positive effect on the condition of skin and nails.
How to choose correctly
Sesame seeds should be dry and crumbly in appearance. To determine the condition of the product, you should choose transparent packaging. Bitter seeds are an expired product or the result of improper storage. Contain harmful compounds and may be harmful.
Storage methods
Black sesame does not tolerate contact with oxygen. A prerequisite for maintaining quality is a dark, dry room. The lack of airtight containers does not make it possible to preserve the quality of sesame for more than three months. To increase the shelf life, it should be kept in the refrigerator, but not longer than six months. If frozen, can be used throughout the year. Slow defrosting at low temperatures is used.
What does it go with in cooking?
Today, black sesame is gaining popularity among Russians, as it is healthier and superior to other types of sesame in taste. Used for the production of desserts, kozinaki, sauces, mousses, puddings, halva, in the form of ice cream decoration, and cakes. Used for cooking turkey, goose, veal, rabbit. The seeds are added to the breading of salmon fillets, sockeye salmon, chicken breast, and rabbit. Black sesame is sprinkled on baked goods, flatbreads, and added to salads, spices, and cold appetizers. Fiber-bran, flour, and meal are made from ground seeds. Combine with dried apricots, raisins, chocolate, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and fruits.
Healthy combination of products
Black sesame, when consumed regularly, promotes weight loss. To normalize metabolism and cleanse the body, it is recommended to use it daily in the diet, but no more than two teaspoons. The seeds are combined with herbs: dill, lemon balm, parsley, lovage, fennel. The product is harmonious with leafy greens: ice salad, chard, oak leaf salad, arugula.
Today, black sesame sprouts are popular for weight loss, which are useful to add to vegetable salads, cottage cheese, yogurt, and side dishes. Sesame flour and meal are used in dietary nutrition as a dietary supplement in porridges, soups, and sprinkled on steamed dishes. Particular effectiveness is observed in combination with spices: cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, dill seeds, poppy seeds. When planning the calorie content of your diet, you need to know: a teaspoon of black sesame contains 7 g = 39.5 kcal, a tablespoon - 25 g = 141.3 kcal. The useful intake should not exceed 20 g.
Contraindications
Black sesame can be harmful for varicose veins, thrombosis, and urolithiasis. With hypersensitivity to allergens, it often causes negative reactions in the form of a rash, runny nose, and itchy skin.
Application in medicine and cosmetology
Black sesame seeds produce oil that is in demand in pharmaceutical production. Included in emulsions, ointments, and patches. In folk medicine, gastritis is treated with a course of sesame oil. Drink a tablespoon to enhance intestinal motility, increase brain activity, and to prevent multiple sclerosis.
Black sesame seeds are included in the diet for insomnia, nervous disorders, and decreased immunity. To restore vitamin and mineral levels, sesame seeds are pre-soaked in milk. A concentrated decoction is prescribed for anemia, menopause, unstable blood pressure, and compresses are used to treat the pathology of hemorrhoids. Ground seeds are used in the diet to strengthen the heart muscle. Black sesame, together with flax and poppy seeds, is an effective aphrodisiac that stimulates sexual activity in women and men.
In cosmetology, black sesame oil is added to moisturizing and softening procedures. Used for massage, makeup removal. Introduced into masks to increase cell regeneration and relieve inflammatory processes.
Sesame seed is a seasoning that came to us from the East. It is added to various dishes and even baked goods to obtain unique flavor notes. At the same time, sesame has beneficial properties for the body. We will talk about them further, and without losing sight of the harm from consuming the product.
What are the benefits of sesame seeds?
Sesame seed, when eaten, has the following effects:- Restores the optimal content of minerals due to phytin;
- Removes toxins and waste from the body due to its laxative effect;
- Normalizes metabolism and reduces the likelihood of obesity due to betasitosterol;
- Replenishes calcium deficiency in the body, since 100 grams of seed contains approximately 1475 mg of this substance;
- Normalizes the functioning of the digestive system due to the content of vitamin PP;
- Normalizes blood pressure thanks to many useful microelements in the composition;
- Promotes the dispersion of fatty plaques that form on the walls of veins and capillaries due to phytosterol. It is because of these plaques that blood clots form, blockage of blood vessels, and atherosclerosis develops;
- Reduces the likelihood of osteoporosis and reduces the likelihood of joint diseases due to the high calcium content;
- Improves the functioning of the nervous system thanks to thiamine;
- Improves the quality of hair and nails due to riboflavin.
Medicinal properties of sesame
Raw sesame seeds are used for the treatment and prevention of pneumonia, high blood pressure (hypertension), diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid and pancreas. The beneficial effect of the seeds is to reduce the risk of malignant tumors in the mammary glands, as well as to accelerate the flow of blood to the pelvic organs.In traditional medicine, oil squeezed from sesame seeds is used to treat various skin lesions. Ointments and emulsions are made from it, and are also used for plasters.
If you mix sesame seeds with poppy or flaxseeds, you get a powerful aphrodisiac that affects both sexes.
Sesamin, which is part of the seeds, belongs to the lingans, which are antioxidants and help in the fight against carcinogens and toxins. Sesamin is a unique substance and is found only in sesame. This antioxidant slows down the aging of the body and resists cancer cells, therefore it is part of pharmacological drugs.
To reduce toothache, you need to put 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth and rinse thoroughly for 3-5 minutes. The oil can then be spat out and massaged into the gums.
Athletes also love sesame due to its high protein content (20%), which is perfectly digestible and allows you to build muscle mass. Moreover, sesame protein is a vegetable protein. As is known, they do not wash calcium and other important minerals out of the blood.
Beneficial properties of seeds for women
Eating sesame can have such effects on the female body as reducing the risk of mastopathy, regulating and balancing hormonal levels.
At the same time, the benefits of sesame for women also lie in its cosmetic properties. Sesame oil when applied to the skin of the face gives the following results:
- makes the skin more elastic and fresh;
- relieves irritation;
- smoothes out small wrinkles;
- protects against the penetration of harmful sunlight.
For whom sesame may be harmful: contraindications
Sesame may be harmful to the following people:- Allergy sufferers who are susceptible to coughing attacks and other unpleasant symptoms (rash, redness on the skin);
- Children from 1 to 5 years old, since their body does not yet know how to break down and absorb fats so well;
- People suffering from low blood pressure, since sesame oil lowers blood pressure.
- Women who are 7-9 months pregnant, because due to the high concentration of calcium and other substances, sesame can cause premature birth.
Despite the beneficial properties and diseases that can be cured with the help of sesame seeds, the product is completely contraindicated for people with high blood clotting (above normal), suffering from blood clots in the vessels and urolithiasis.
Differences and benefits of black and white seeds
Sesame is found black and white. The latter also includes seeds of yellow, beige, brown and golden shades. Black and white seeds are different:- Taste . Black sesame has a more bitter taste and is more suitable for preparing salads, rice and vegetables. White seeds go better with sweet or savory baked goods.
- Aroma . More pronounced in dark varieties, softer in light varieties.
- Composition . Black seeds have more lignans and phytosterols and are also richer in antioxidants, vitamins A and B. But white seeds have more vitamins E, K and C, as well as protein (22.20%) and fat (52.61%).
According to Chinese doctors, the beneficial properties of black sesame are stronger due to the nutrients it contains. They help restore the deficiency of certain substances in the body caused by repeated stress and aging. The ancient Indian science of Ayurveda also recommends eating black sesame. It is believed to stop the decline and blurring of vision, prevent ringing in the ears and have a beneficial effect on natural hair color.
In general, the beneficial properties of white and black sesame are the same. Therefore, the choice of one variety or another will be based more on 2 criteria:
- what dish will you use the seed in;
- What substance deficiency do you want to compensate for?
Proper use of sesame
When you take the seeds out of the package, it is very important to use them correctly in order to “awaken” all the beneficial properties. For this purpose, you can use one of three methods:In some cases, sesame seeds must be used raw. For example, to sprinkle on a salad or put on baked goods. In order to activate and preserve all the beneficial properties, it is worth adding the seed at the end of the cooking process.
White and black sesame are used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. The difference between these species lies not only in color, but also in their growing area and beneficial properties. White sesame seeds are commonly used in cooking. They have a pleasant taste and contain a lot of oil. This product is commonly used as a seasoning and for external decoration of baked goods, cakes, cookies, candies and other confectionery products. The plant grows in the West and Middle East. The main importers of light seeds are Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Light and brownish sesame varieties are always peeled.
Black sesame grows in China, Japan and Southeast Asia. The main importers of the product are China and Thailand. The husks are not removed from the seeds, because even under them they remain black. Black sesame produces higher quality oil. The product is often used for preparing marinades, sauces, main dishes, and side dishes. Black Chinese and Thai sesame is more often used for medicinal purposes than white sesame.
Composition and beneficial properties of white sesame
100-150 g of live sesame can cover the daily requirement of calcium for the body. 100 g of this product contains 780-1100 mg of calcium. Thus, after poppy seeds, sesame is the main plant source of this mineral. The beneficial properties of sesame seeds are also revealed due to the content of vitamins E, K, C, B, PP, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, fatty acids and minerals. The percentage of protein in the product is 22.2%, and fat 52.6%.
The benefits of white sesame are realized due to the ease of absorption of all its beneficial elements, vitamins and acids. The seeds are especially useful for skin and ophthalmological diseases and inflammatory processes. Seed oil improves the body's regenerative abilities, blood clotting, and relieves irritation and fatigue. Sesame has beneficial properties and contraindications. It should not be eaten by people with urolithiasis, increased blood clotting and a tendency to form blood clots.
Composition and beneficial properties of black sesame
Black sesame seeds have more valuable medicinal properties than white and brown sesame. This is due to the fact that black sesame is not peeled from the husk, in which many useful substances are concentrated. The product contains less fat and protein than white seeds.
But the content of ash and easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins A and B in black sesame is higher. The antioxidant, cleansing and rejuvenating properties of black sesame are more effective. These properties are realized due to lignans and phytosterols. Black seeds are more effective in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels and have a more beneficial effect on the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of black sesame are similar to white ones. It has already been found that black seeds have more beneficial properties. However, they should not be abused during pregnancy to avoid miscarriage. The daily intake of the product for pregnant women should not exceed 30 g. Otherwise, black sesame has the same contraindications as white sesame.
How to properly consume sesame seeds
Getting the maximum benefit from sesame is possible only if it is used correctly. Regardless of the type of sesame, it is worth buying live sesame that has not undergone special processing. Live sesame is grains that can germinate. If possible, it is better to add black sesame with husks or combined varieties of white (brown) and black grains to your food. The benefits of sesame for the body have already been discussed above, but this benefit will not be fully manifested if the grains are subjected to heat treatment.
It is best to sprinkle sesame on already prepared dishes. The product improves the taste and increases the nutritional value of vegetables, rice, potatoes. Due to its qualities, sesame is an integral ingredient in vegetarian cuisine. You can prepare dishes almost entirely consisting of sesame, and also consume this product raw, several spoons a day. If you want to be healthy and young for a long time, then here is advice on how to eat sesame. Eat these grains as often as possible. Dishes with sesame should be eaten slowly, chewing the sesame seeds thoroughly.
Culinary recipes with sesame seeds:
