Open Sesame !!!

Sesame deserves to be recognised, along with garlic, honey, turmeric and a select few other substances,  as an easily accessible and affordable food-medicine that, if consumed regularly, could quite possibly influence your health and even save lives.


sesame seeds, is commonly used as a cooking oil or as a flavor enhancer in Indian, Chinese and Korean cuisines, in fact it has been grown by humans for over 4,000 years, and
evidence shows it was widely used by both ancient Babylonians and Assyrians.

If cooking for health, or variety is something that intrigues you, its worth getting to know a little about the benefits of sesame seed and its oil.

Facts
Sesame (Sesamun indicum) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, prized as an oilseed for at least 5,000 years.  While it is beginning to regain favor due to its exceptionally high calcium and magnesium content, few realize it is also one of the most potent medicinal foods still commonly consumed today.

Sesame is one of the most widely used Ayurveda medicines. Sesame is used in multiple dosage forms – powder, paste, oil, in the form of sesame recipes. The wonder herb is used in multiple ways through different routes of administration. Externally, internally, orally, over the eyes, nasally, rectally etc..
Sesame is rich in Vitamin E. Hence acts as a natural anti oxidant. It also contains Vitamin K. Sesame contains magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6.

Extraction and Properties
The oil is removed from sesame seeds by either cold-pressing or roasting.
Indian sesame seed oil (also known as til oil or gingelly oil) is golden yellow.
Like other plant oils, sesame seeds contain no cholesterol at all.
Unlike most oils that contain such large amounts of polyunsaturated fat, the shelf life of sesame oil is quite good, and it does not need to be refrigerated during storage. sesame oil has a much higher smoke point (410°F) than other similar oils.

Health benefits
Sesame seed oil has been used for oral health for thousands of years in the traditional Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda in a process known as “oil pulling.” It Improves the quality of skin and hair. Improves overall strength. If you ever wish to do a massage with some oil, please consider sesame oil. Sesame oil is used as the base for most of the herbal oils.
Sesame oil is a safe oil for massage of babies and children.  It helps to strengthen the bones, muscles and joints. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lignan found within sesame seeds known as sesamol has been identified to be partially responsible for its anti-atherogenic properties.In fact, sesamol has been shown to possess over a dozen beneficial pharmacologically active properties, many of which may contribute to improving cardiovascular health.

Sesame contains a fat-soluble lignin with phytoestrogenic properties known as sesamin, and which has been studied for inhibiting the proliferation of a wide range of cancer cells.

Sesame oil also reduces blood sugar in diabetic rats, according to scientists at Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu, India, and published in the “Journal of Medicinal Food” in Fall 2005. Furthermore, the scientists at Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology found sesame oil reduces body weight and body mass index.

Trivia

  • Sesame seeds are a source of many of the B vitamins, which are essential to red blood cell health, energy and food metabolism.
    They are high in copper, which is important in iron metabolism and in the formation of red blood cells.
  • Sesame seeds contain 5 g of protein in 1 oz. Sesame seeds are a appropriate for vegetarians looking to add more protein to their meals.
    sesame seeds contain the highest number of plant phytosterols. Phytosterols are compounds found naturally in plants that help inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
  • Sesame seeds also contain magnesium and zinc. Magnesium aids in the functioning of muscles and nerves while zinc maintains a healthy immune system and supports insulin production.
  • Sesame seeds are high in fat and protein. However, most of the fat is polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. These kinds of fats are heart-healthy because they can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
  • Sesame oil is a mild laxative that is sometimes used as a natural treatment for constipation.
  • It can dissolve impurities and toxins on the skin that will not dissolve in water, it is also used as a face rub for acne.
  • Black sesame seeds contain more calcium than hulled (white) sesame seeds. Both varieties contain a high mineral content and are often eaten by people with milk allergies as an alternative source of calcium.
  • The white seeds are usually sold hulled (the very thin, edible outer shell removed)Black sesame seeds, primarily used in Asia, are black from the hull itself (the seed inside is white).

Building health is like your Investment, You need to nurture it everyday, If you invest in something inferior you are setting shop for a inferior tomorrow…

BeWell,
Vivek