Black sesame: useful properties and contraindications

What nature has bestowed upon man to keep his health. Almost every vegetable, fruit, plant and blade of grass has a powerful effect on the human body and heal its ailments. Previous generations used such gifts, making magic potions and medicinal elixirs from them, but the modern market of medicines has made man almost forget about the natural beginning. Now the interest in organic products and medicines is revived with renewed vigor. Man has felt and tested on himself all the knowledge that was inherited from his ancestors. The magic sesame has reached our times, carrying all its benefits from the depths of centuries, combining the experience of the first healers and modern research of specialists.

Sesame is an ancient crop, mentions of which can be found in Egyptian scrolls, namely in the Ebers papyrus. The homeland of this amazing plant is considered to be Africa.

The sesame plant itself belongs to the Sesame family and is an annual. Its height usually reaches one or two meters. The fruits are harvested in August or September. The seeds themselves are contained in a small green or red capsule and can be colored white, yellow, brown or black.

Black sesame - refers to a species of the plant Sesam, so it is also called sesame or sim sim. The black species is a seed that has not been ground, and therefore its taste and aroma, similar to that of nuts, is much brighter than that of the lighter representatives of this crop. There is a legend that black sesame seeds were part of the divine elixir that gives eternal life.

The benefits of this amazing plant were known to the Egyptians, who used it originally as flour, the Romans, who prepared spicy paste from the seeds, the Chinese, who added it as "fuel" for lamps and a component for creating mascara for eyebrows and eyelashes. In India, sim-sim provided immortality and in Africa it protected from slavery.

Nowadays, sim-sim is cultivated by Indians, Chinese, people of Central Asia, Pakistan and Mediterranean countries. This spice helps people to diversify the taste of familiar treats and keep their health.

What is the difference between black sesame and white sesame?

The most popular varieties of sesame are considered representatives of the white and black species. They both have similar characteristics, but there are still differences:

1. In the case of the chemical composition of the product, we can note the high content of vitamins E, K, C, protein and fats in white sesame. Black sesame contains more vitamins A, B, carbohydrates and ash.
2. The nutritional value of the products also differs slightly. So, for the number of antioxidants the palm of the first place goes to black sesame. It helps to reduce cholesterol levels, as it contains more phytosterols that perform this function.
3. In appearance, the differences are obvious. The white variety is subjected to grinding, while the black seeds are not peeled.
4. In terms of taste, the seeds differ from each other in shades. Thus, the white variety has nutty notes, while the black variety has a more pronounced tart flavor and aroma. Both have found their use in cooking, where they are used in marinades, baked goods, salads and other dishes.

Sesame varies in production as well: white sesame is grown in Latin America, while black sesame is a passion of the Chinese, Thais, Japanese and Burmese.

But despite the differences, both types of sim sims have found their use in many areas of human life and have gained their fans.

Which is healthier

Sesame, regardless of the variety, is a useful spice, but its effect differs from the variety, as the content of useful substances has its differences. Yet medics find more pluses in black sesame, which is recommended for use in cancer, psoriasis, arthritis, osteoporosis. It is also used for the preparation of plasters and ointments, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore, if we consider the question of what kind of sesame is more useful, we should proceed from its focus, depending on the number of nutrients that affect a particular organ with different strength. But in terms of impact in general, black sesame is slightly more useful, because the minerals are contained in the skin of the seed, which is present in this species. In white sesame it is peeled.

Composition and calories

The mysterious African spice has not only an interesting taste, but also a whole list of useful substances that can significantly improve human health, as well as to get rid of some diseases. Among the nutrients contained in the seeds, you can see the following:

• Vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, E, K, PP;
• choline;
• Vitamin C;
• Vitamin E;
• Vitamin K;
• Vitamin RR;
• Potassium;
• Magnesium;
• copper;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• manganese;
• selenium;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• iron.

Nutritional value of the product per 100 g is represented by the following indicators:

• protein - 19,4 g;
• fats - 48.4 g;
• Carbohydrates - 12.2 g.

The caloric value of the product is 565 kcal per 100 g.

These nutrients are rich in small seeds, which help to maintain a healthy human existence.

Useful properties of black sesame

General benefits

The nutty, spicy seeds of sesame have served mankind for thousands of years as a condiment that can enhance flavor and taste, and as a means to help the body rid itself of various ailments and maintain basic functions. The nutrients with which sesame is so rich have the following effects on human health:

• Normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
• cleansing of toxins;
• reduction of cholesterol levels;
• normalization of the work of the nervous system;
• elimination of sleep problems;
• prevention of aging processes;
• Improvement of skin appearance and maintaining its elasticity;
• strengthening of the nails;
• restoration of hair structure and its strengthening;
• Strengthening the human bone skeleton;
• Prevention of cancer, osteoporosis, anemia;
• regulation of the cardiovascular system;
• Support and regulation of mineral balance;
• Immunity strengthening;
• Elimination of helminths;
• normalization of stool in diarrhea.

The magical properties of the black variety of the plant are due, of course, to the richness of the content of those elements that are essential for human health.

While sesame has a beneficial effect on any body, it can act separately on women, men and children, bringing them the help they need depending on their individual characteristics.

For women

For women, black sesame helps to cope with stress and avoid the development of mastitis. Also due to the presence of phytoestrogens, the seeds can help to more easily endure the menopause and cope with the typical signs of PMS, alleviating the situation in general and preventing heavy bleeding. In addition, sesame seed fights the formation of free radicals, thereby preventing the emergence and development of malignant tumors. It is also worth noting its positive effect on the urogenital system and thyroid gland. Separate attention should be paid to the properties of black magic seed, which has the ability to prevent aging, maintain youthful skin and keep hair and nails healthy.

Thus, the magic sesame, included in the daily diet of consumption, will help beautiful fairer sex to maintain and improve their health, and maybe even find the coveted elixir of eternal youth!

For Men

Men will also greatly benefit from this strange African herb. It will help build muscle mass, increase male power and prolong its activity, strengthen the skeleton, normalize the nervous system, and reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, men who care about their health should include in their diet black sesame seeds. And those for whom the issue of increasing potency and preserving male power is important, small seeds are simply necessary.

When pregnant

While waiting for the baby, doctors warn that the expectant mother must take vitamins or saturate her body with them with natural vitaminized products. Sesame, which is quite capable to cope with this problem, becomes just such a remedy. He will not only give the woman his useful substances, but also solve the following issues:

1. To strengthen the bone skeleton of the pregnant woman and the fetus will help calcium, which in sesame contains almost as much as in milk.
2. Prevention of anemia and increasing hemoglobin is possible due to the presence of iron, copper and vitamin B.
3. The nervous system of the future mother will also be under control.
4. Intestinal problems will help solve the fatty acids, which are enriched with sesame. They will adjust the peristalsis of the organ and take care of its proper functioning.

These factors are a good proof of the benefits of sesame seeds for the body of the pregnant woman and the healthy formation of the baby. But it is worth noting that in the first trimester of pregnancy it is not recommended to eat sesame seeds, because there is a very high risk of allergic reactions. Therefore, you can eat sesame seeds only from the second trimester and after consultation with a specialist who can correctly determine the benefits and the daily rate for a pregnant woman.

When breastfeeding

After the birth of the baby, the body of a young mother begins to look for strength not only to nurse the baby, but also to recover from a difficult ordeal. All the nutrients contained in black sesame seeds will also come to the rescue. They will help make up for the lack of vital micronutrients not only for the mother, but also for the baby. Also the spice will help keep hair, bones and skin healthy, strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, activate the production of breast milk and make it more nutritious. In addition, the magic power of seeds will help a young mother to recover from childbirth much earlier.

It should be remembered that the daily rate for women during lactation is one teaspoon. It should also be specified separately that allergic reactions to sesame seeds are possible, but only in those parents who experience symptoms of allergy to any nuts. In these cases, you should refuse to use sesame. In other situations, sesame will only bring benefits to the body of a nursing woman and her baby.

For children

Black sesame is useful for both children and adults. It helps the baby in the proper formation of the bone skeleton, normalization of the heart and nervous system. The product strengthens the immune system, teeth and hair, normalizes digestion, activates the brain, helps to cope with respiratory diseases. Also sesame seeds are excellent mood enhancers and help the child to develop properly and harmoniously.

Doctors recommend introducing sesame seeds to baby as early as eight months, unless, of course, there are problems with digestion. But the buns with sesame seeds is better to give your baby after three years, as such baked goods are too heavy for the little body.

Start acquaintance with the spice is better with a few seeds, which can be added to a familiar baby dish. But it is worth remembering that you can not combine the spice with parsley, spinach, some berries and fruits. The fact is that these products contain oxalic acid, which in such a combination can provoke the development of urolithiasis.

When losing weight

Despite the fact that sesame seed is quite a caloric product, 1 tablespoon contains only 52 kcal. Therefore, sesame seeds are perfect for those who are on a diet to lose excess weight. The benefits of sesame seeds when losing weight are as follows:

1. Prevents the occurrence of nervous breakdowns, calming and adjusting the work of the nervous system.
2. Suppresses appetite due to the large amount of fiber.
3. Normalizes hormonal background, which is often the cause of gaining excess body weight.
4. Minimizes the severity of any diet.
5. Speeds up and regulates metabolism.
6. Cleanses of toxins.
7. Removes excess fluid.
8. Accelerates the process of breaking down fats.

To feel all of the above properties, you should take no more than 2 tablespoons of spice per day, as abuse can threaten allergies, nausea, heartburn. Therefore, it is possible and necessary to eat sesame seeds on a diet, but without fanaticism!

Dark sesame seed sorbet: benefits and harms

The word "urbeche" is hardly familiar to a large number of people. Not everyone, unfortunately, knows that this is the name of the most useful paste made from black sesame seeds, which is made by hand. It is made by grinding and squeezing the oils from sesame seeds with stone grinders. Such a product is distinguished by its viscosity and record content of vitamins and minerals, which exceed the indicators of those that were in the used raw materials originally. For example, the amount of calcium in dark sesame seed Urbech exceeds its content in milk threefold. In this case, the calcium in such a paste is more easily absorbed by the body. In addition, sesame's list of nutrients includes the following substances:

• carotene;
• B vitamins, E. F, K, PP;
• biotin;
• calcium;
• iron;
• zinc;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• manganese;
• cobalt;
• iodine;
• fluorine;
• chlorine;
• sulfur;
• fatty acids.

These beneficial substances when consuming the product help reduce cholesterol, cleanse of toxins, normalize gastrointestinal function, and strengthen the body's immune system. Also the product can increase physical endurance, activate brain function, reduce weight, improve appearance, visual acuity, lung health and lymphatic system function. It will also be useful for young children diagnosed with rickets or for its prevention. Athletes it is a must. Its benefits are also important for the elderly and for pregnant women.

It is worth noting that it is necessary to eat it no more than 2 spoonfuls per day, since abuse can lead to GI disorders and the recruitment of extra pounds (the product is still caloric).

Contraindications are also allergic to sesame and childhood, when using the product is possible, but only after consulting with a specialist.

Urbech has a sweet-nutty flavor. It can be spread on a sandwich or flavored with a fruit salad, and if you combine it with hummus, the benefits will be much greater.

Based on all these qualities of a wonderful and crazy useful product, it is worth thinking about the need to introduce the mysterious urbech into your daily diet to preserve youth, beauty and health.

Black Sesame Oil: Properties and Usage

The magical elixir that preserves beauty and youthfulness, as well as getting rid of ailments, can be quite considered a magical black sesame oil. Its effect on the body cannot be overestimated. It helps cope with colds, bronchitis, dry cough, get rid of joint pain, rheumatic fever, gout, radiculitis, relieve muscle pain and swelling, improve condition in psoriasis, eczema, accelerate healing of wounds, cuts, burns, increase blood clotting, cure hemorrhagic diathesis, get rid of bedsores and bruises. Also treat constipation, hemorrhoids, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, cystitis, pyelonephritis, ulcers, gastritis, migraine. It is used to get rid of bleeding gums and prevent cancer.

Black sesame oil has found its application in cosmetology. It is considered a real source of beauty, able to prevent the aging process, improve facial skin, returning it to its former softness and nourishing it. The drug helps to cope with redness and inflammation, as well as removing scars and scars from the face. In addition, it is available to get rid of expression lines and improve the shape of the breasts. After using it, the hair acquires its natural color and the gray hair is a thing of the past.

All these amazing properties are possible due to the oil's content of such substances as:

• vitamins B, E, C, K, PP;
• sesamin;
• sesamolin;
• fatty acids;
• omega-3 acids;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• molybdenum;
• selenium;
• iron;
• phytosterols;
• phytoestrogens;
• histidine;
• tannins;
• amino acids.

These nutrients have made black sesame oil a useful and almost magical remedy that improves health and affects all the vital functions of the human body. Its use should be regular for those who care about themselves and the health of their loved ones.

Its use in cosmetology

The cosmetic industry, inspired by the truly powerful beauty properties of black sesame, has created many preparations with this plant. It is used to make masks, scrubs, creams, ointments, patches. All of them are aimed at maintaining and improving the appearance of the skin. Such products saturate the skin with useful substances, regenerate it, moisturize it, and cleanse it from harmful substances. In addition, sesame strengthens the structure of the hair from the inside and makes it healthier. But it is not always possible to see such creams and masks on the shelves of stores and pharmacies, so you can engage in self-cooking at home.

For skin

Mask
Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds;
• 3 tablespoons honey;
• 3 drops of lemon oil.

How to use: mix all ingredients and apply to a cleansed face for half an hour. Afterwards wash your face with cool water.

Body Scrub
Ingredients:

• 50g sesame seeds;
• 1 tbsp. olive oil;
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice;
• 1 tbsp. peach oil;
• 3 tbsp. sea salt.

Grind the salt in a blender and combine with all the other ingredients. Then apply the mixture to a clean body with massaging movements and leave the scrub for 10 minutes. After rinsing the composition with warm water and moisturize the skin with a nourishing cream.

For hands
The composition of the mask:

• 2 tbsp. sesame seed;
• 4 tbsp. peach oil;
• 5 tbsp. lavender oil.

Beat peach oil with a mixer or blender and add sesame oil to it. Stir the mixture and combine with lavender oil. After mixing apply the mixture on the prepared skin on hands and keep it for half an hour, then wash off in warm water.

For hair

To maintain the beauty of the hair is not used the seeds themselves, but the extract from them or sesame oil. The latter can be purchased and you can try to make your own miracle preparations for hair.

Classic
Ingredients: black sesame oil

Apply the oil to the hair and scalp, put on a cellophane cap and wrap with a warm cloth for 30 minutes. Then shampoo your hair twice.

For oily hair
Ingredients:

• 50 ml of sesame oil;
• 50 ml of sesame oil; 50 ml of sour milk;
• 5 drops of pine oil.

Combine all the ingredients and heat in a water bath. Then apply the composition on the hair and leave for 90 minutes. Rinse your head with shampoo.

Anti-dandruff
Ingredients:

• 20 g of marshmallow seeds;
• 50 ml of sesame black oil.

Mix the components and heat in a water bath. Warm mixture to apply to the hair and leave for 120 minutes. Then wash your hair with shampoo. Apply the remedy for 2 weeks, and then apply once every 14 days for prevention.

Black Sesame in Cooking

Black sesame seeds are not an independent dish to surprise guests with, but it is worth decorating a dessert, meat or other delicacy with them. Firstly, it is useful, secondly, delicious and, thirdly, of course, beautiful.

European chefs prefer to use dark sesame seeds to decorate baked goods and pastries, as well as to flavor fish and meat dishes with them. Japanese cooks use the seeds to sprinkle on the famous kawasaki, rolls, and appetizers served for holidays and celebrations. In the Orient, no halva, kozinak, or black sweet paste is made without black sesame seeds.

Such a spice and decoration as the black seeds of African simsima is able not only to discover new flavor notes of favorite dishes, but also to give them incredible benefits.

Harms and contraindications

No matter how perfect the product is, it always has contraindications. Black sesame is also capable of causing harm if consumed in the following cases:

• In children under the age of four years;
• If you have urolithiasis;
• overweight;
• Reduced blood clotting;
• Pregnancy (in large quantities);
• Low blood pressure;
• serious heart disease;
• thrombosis;
• Individual intolerance to the product.

But it is worth noting that all cases are strictly individual, and therefore, before using it, you should consult a specialist to establish the possibility or a complete ban on the use of the product.

How to choose and store

Black sesame seeds can be purchased in the store either in a package or by weight. In order for the grains to benefit, and the buyer was able to appreciate the real taste of the product, it is necessary to pay attention to the storage conditions of the seeds. They should be kept dry and out of reach of light. Otherwise, you can purchase rancid sesame, which will not share the nutty flavor, but only deliver bitterness from both the taste and the purchase of such a purchase. The best thing to do to understand the quality of sesame is to ask the seller to give the product a taste, only then purchase the product.

The seeds should be stored in a tightly closed container, such as a container, and in the refrigerator, as well as in the freezer, where the shelf life of the product increases from six months (in the refrigerator) to one year. So, the magic sesame will be able to delight its owners with its usefulness and taste for a long time.

How to take black sesame seeds

To feel the taste and healing power of black sesame seeds, you need to know some subtleties of its consumption. There are two opinions on how they should be taken. Some suggest soaking the seeds in water overnight and then consuming the product. Others believe that it is better to roast them in a dry frying pan, so that the taste and smell are brighter. But it is worth noting that in the latter case, some useful elements disappear, and therefore the benefits decrease. Which option to choose, everyone decides for himself, depending on the purpose.

If we talk about the daily rate, then experts believe that you should eat no more than 1 tablespoon per day. Otherwise, there will be problems with digestion, and the whole therapeutic effect will be reduced only to unpleasant consequences.

Interesting Facts about Sesame

1. The boxes of the sesame plant, where the seeds mature, can open from sharp sounds, so collecting them is a laborious and rather time consuming task.
2. It is believed that in the famous fairy tale about the magic cave full of treasures and opened by the phrase "Sim-sim (Sesame), open up", refers to the property of the sesame seedbox to open up by clapping and harsh sounds.
3. Sesame is one of the world's food treasures, providing invaluable health benefits to mankind.

Legendary, ancient, healing, and therefore truly magical, black sesame is able to preserve and increase health and beauty. That is why it is worth consuming it daily, and who knows, maybe it will really give you eternal youth and immortality!

Photo of black sesame