Back in 1500 BC, sesame was not only known to the Egyptians, but also widely used as a medicine.
The correct name for a tropical herb that produces healthy and tasty seeds is Sesamum indicum (sesame). Ripe sesame pods open with a loud click at the slightest touch. Apparently, the famous phrase of Ali Baba "Sesame, open up!" has something to do with the wealth hidden inside the sesame pod.
Sesame seeds composition
Sesame seeds are good for the whole body.
Sesame contains 25% of the protein required for tissue repair and growth.
Zinc, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, vitamins A, E and group B contained in sesame seeds are essential in many metabolic processes in the body.
The seeds of almost all plants contain substances used as a source of growth in the first phase of a young plant's life.
Sesame seeds contain a lot of fatty oil - about 50-60%, with sesamin (chloroform) and sesamolin, which are converted into sesamol and sesaminol - phenolic antioxidants during the refining process. Therefore, the oil obtained from sesame seeds is equivalent to other vegetable oils, if you do not take into account the fact that there is little vitamin E in it, and there is no vitamin A in sesame oil at all.
The benefits and properties of sesame seeds
The main benefit of sesame seeds is their high content of anti-aging vitamin E and calcium.
The daily calcium requirement can be met with 100 grams of sesame seeds.
Zinc and phosphorus are involved in the construction of bone tissue, so their presence in the composition of sesame seeds classifies them as agents that help prevent osteoporosis.
The high fiber content of sesame seeds prevents digestive system diseases as it promotes regular bowel function.
Healthy polyunsaturated fats lower blood cholesterol levels.
Sesame seeds, like the oil obtained from it, are powerful antioxidants and help the body fight cancer cells.
Depending on the plant variety, sesame seeds can be yellow, brown, black or reddish in color. The darker seeds are considered more aromatic.
Sesame seeds deteriorate quite quickly - this is due to their high oil content.
Sesame oil itself is stored for a long time.
The oil obtained from sesame seeds perfectly cleanses the entire body and removes harmful metabolic products from it.
Contraindications to the use of sesame seeds
Neither sesame seeds nor sesame oil have contraindications. However, before using sesame seeds, you should check whether there is an individual intolerance to this product.
Sesame seeds and weight loss
Sesame has a mild laxative effect and the ability to moisturize the intestines.
However, the calorie content of radiant sesame seed is 582 kilocalories, which is quite a lot. Therefore, you need to use it in small quantities. And use something less high in calories as a laxative.
Medical use of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are able to detoxify toxins, so they are taken for health and cleansing purposes. To do this, the seeds are ground into powder at the rate of 20 grams of seeds at one time. Sesame powder is taken orally three times a day with water before meals.
Sesame oil for the purpose of antitoxic action should be taken in an amount of 25-30 grams per day.
For stomach upset, grind 1-2 tsp. sesame seeds and stir them in a honey solution (for a glass of chilled boiled water 1 tsp. honey). Drink until the condition improves in small portions.
In case of inflammation of the mammary gland with mastitis, it is necessary to apply powdered sesame seeds, mixed with vegetable oil, to the sore spots.
For hemorrhoids, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of chopped sesame seeds with half a liter of boiling water, boil for about five minutes over low heat and insist the broth until it cools. You can drink it in unlimited quantities, and also rinse the affected area with it daily. It is recommended during medical procedures to drink 1 tablespoon of sesame oil on an empty stomach in the morning (at worst, sunflower oil will do).
For neuralgic pain in the limbs and lower back, you need to take sesame seed powder. The seeds must first be fried in a pan until a characteristic odor appears, and then grind into powder. Take once a day no more than one tablespoon along with the same amount of honey, washed down with boiled, slightly warm water with a pinch of ginger root dissolved in it.
Sesame seeds have the property of not transmitting ultraviolet radiation, which is actively used by the cosmetic industry. Sesame is found in sunburn and after sun creams.Sesame helps with skin irritation, wounds and sunburn.
Official medicine widely uses sesame oil squeezed from seeds as a basis for the preparation of fat-soluble preparations for injections, as well as in the manufacture of ointments, plasters and oil emulsions.
Sesame oil face mask helps to reduce redness, tighten pores, and gives a pleasant skin tone.
For colored or damaged hair, a sesame oil mask will give shine, softness, and strengthen it.
The use of sesame seeds in cooking
Sesame seeds are used to add flavor and texture to baked goods and salad dressings. Sesame seeds are found in Asian and Eastern spices.
The nutty flavor of the seeds is enhanced after frying without oil, with constant stirring, for 1-2 minutes.
Sesame is also used for the production of tahini paste and halva.
In Japan and China, it is customary to sprinkle sesame seeds on vegetable dishes and salads.
Sesame is harmoniously combined with rice, beef, with breadcrumbs for frying fish or chicken.
And in Korea, the main seasoning is Sesame Salt - a mixture of ground, roasted sesame seeds and salt.
But the main purpose of sesame in cooking is to obtain sesame oil, because it is one of the oldest and most important oilseeds.
Making sesame kefir
Soak one glass of sesame seeds overnight. In the morning, add one and a half glasses of water to them and mix in a mixer until you get the consistency of heavy cream. Strain through cheesecloth into a jar and place in a warm place (+ 25-30 ° C). Cover the jar with gauze. After about 10-12 hours, kefir will be ready for use, and it will be more acidic the longer it is in a warm place. You can add lemon juice, vanilla or honey to it for flavor.
Sesame milk preparation
The portion is for four people.
Soak one glass of sesame seeds in two glasses of water overnight.
In the morning add 3 pitted dates or 1 tablespoon of honey to them. You can add a quarter teaspoon of salt (but not required). Mix everything well in a mixer and strain through cheesecloth.
Lilia Yurkanis
for women's magazine
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