Sesame Seeds a tiny delicate flat oval seed with a nutty taste that is loaded with nutritional value. It is believed to be the oldest oil-rich seed crop known to mankind dates back more than 3000 B.C. to over 5000 years ago.
Scientifically, sesame seed is known as "Sesamum indicum" and is obtained from the flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. In India, Sesame seeds are popularly known as “Til” in Hindi and in Sanskrit "Tila" which is narrated in the RigVeda (an ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns).
The uses of Sesame seeds are not just culinary it also has a nourishing condiment which is good for our body as well. Sesame seeds are one of the healthiest foods throughout the world that includes a combination of vitamins and minerals.
Sesame & Ayurveda
Sesame is one of the most popularly used spices in Ayurvedic medicines. The texts of Ayurveda have illustrated many therapeutic uses of sesame seeds, sesame seeds oil and even the sesame seeds paste. Sesame seeds are described in three varieties based on colour of seeds.
The red Sesame seeds are described as “Raktha Tila" the black Sesame seeds are described as "Krishna Tila" and the white Sesame seeds as "shweta Tila". Among them “Krishna Tila” or so called black sesame seeds are considered to have splendid healing properties in it and are recommended in ayurvedic treatments and ayurvedic medicines.
It have been found that more than 50 % of Ayurvedic formulas as well as other products are made using sesame oils such as sun care oils, shampoo, bath oils, soaps, foot scrubs, ointments, massage oils, lotions, creams and many more.
It is a wonder herb that is used in numerous ways by way of different routes of management. It is uses as orally, internal, externally, over the eyes, nasally and more.
Qualities of Sesame Seed
• Rasa (taste):– Madhura – sweet, Tikta – Bitter
• Guna (qualities):- Sukshma – minute, enters minute body channels
Ushna – hot
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect):- pungent
• Prabhava (Special actions):- nutritive, tonic, rejuvenative
• Virya (Energy):- heating
• Dosha: decrease vata, increase pitta and kapha
Uses for Sesame Seed seeds & Health Benefits
In is not only a culinary uses, but these seeds have nutritive, preventive and curative properties, which render them usable in traditional medicines.
Sesame oil benefits to health due to its rich source of phytonutrients in it like flavonoid phenolic antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins along with dietary fiber. Due to variety of properties in Sesame it benefits to health, some benefits include.
1. Prevent Cancer
sesame seeds for cancer! It sounds amazing but due to the wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, it can help in a reduction in the risk of cancer. Besides many properties like minerals and vitamins, it also has a powerful anti-carcinogenic effect of magnesium. Sesame seeds, moreover, contain phytate, and distinctive cancer-preventing supplement that performs as an antioxidant and reduces the effects on free radicals.
These Free radicals are dangerous and supposed to be a byproduct of cellular metabolism that is thought to be associated with various forms of cancer and different other conditions like premature aging, heart diseases and even cognitive breakdowns.
In addition to above all sesame seeds have also been found helpful in distinct ailments such as breast, leukemia, pancreatic, lung, prostate cancers and colon for its positive effects.[1]
2. Encourage Hair Growth
Sesame seed oil can be the best remedy for hare care as it stimulates hair growth by nourishing, conditioning, and revitalize a healthy scalp. Sesame seeds are beneficial for hair growth because it has a good source of hair nourishing vitamins and minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin B1, phosphorus, selenium, amino acids, melanin along with a dietary fiber.
Besides this, Sesame seeds also hold in essential fatty acids such as omega-6, omega-3, omega-9, that boost hair growth. Regular massage with warm sesame oil is beneficial; it penetrates your scalp and thus increasing the blood circulation
3. Improve Digestion
Indigestion can lead us into many diseases, and Sesame seed can be beneficial to boost digestion as these little seeds are packed with fiber contain. This Fiber is a key element that helps in healthy digestion. It bulks up bowel movements and helps them step through the digestive tract.
In addition, it also stimulates peristaltic progress as food moves through the smooth intestine. Due to this uniform activity, there is reducing in conditions like constipation as well as diarrhea. On other hands the properties in, Sesame seeds also safeguard the health of the colon and lower the possibilities of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer.
Sesame seeds have fiber contain that also helps to keep heart healthy. It is by scraping out unsafe LDL cholesterol from arteries and blood vessels and protects against various ailments such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis and strokes.
4. Prevention Of Scalp Problems
Sesame seeds oil can help in dealing with many scalp-related problems such as dermatitis; seborrhea eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that roots flaky, scaly patches on the skin, particularly the scalp.
Sesame seed oil has minerals, vitamins and nutrients that are vital for a healthy scalp. It not only manages to keep your scalp healthy but also helps to combat's flakiness, dryness and clogged pores over that result in hair reducing and hair loss.
The antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, properties in Sesame seeds helps in treating scalp infections, dandruff and soothing an aggravated scalp. The oils of Sesame seed are high penetrating, if applied to a scalp can increase scalp circulation, which alternately improve the health of the follicles.
5. Reduce Hypertension
Research studies indicates that the natural oils of sesame seeds have a property that can benefit in a decreasing hypertension, it lowers the strain on the cardiovascular system and help to prevent various cardiac conditions.
Besides this, sesame seeds have magnesium that has long been known as a vasodilator (an agent that lowers blood pressure). Sesame seeds are loaded with this essential mineral; it contains about 25% of your daily requirement in a single serving. So try to include them in your regular diet plan, and you will see the benefits.[2]
Uses for Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame oil is acquired from sesame seeds by way of different making processes, such as cold press, grinding, crushing, etc. Most of the people generally use Sesame oil in cooking or as a flavoring ingredient, but it has varieties of uses.
However, this oil should be used in moderation as it is high in omega-6 fats. There are varying ways to use sesame oil to get beneficial of it. Research studies suggest it can be advantageous in various topical applications. A little original method you can use sesame oil involves.
• Oil pulling: It is an ancient ayurvedic treatment, in this method gargling oil in your mouth. This can help to eliminate pathogenic germs that brushing and flossing can’t get the advantage of its antimicrobial properties. .
• Sunscreen: It also an ancient remedy that has been used for sun burns, Sesame oil can be applied over the skin as a natural sun block.
• Skin moisturizer: Applying sesame oil on your skin can help to keep it soft and smooth. You can use in bath water to get a body-wide effect.
Sesame Oil can also be helpful to young children and babies, applying sesame oil can protect their sensitive skin from a diaper rash; it can in addition be use in the nose and ears to defend against skin pathogens. Simply swab the oil inside the nose to protect against air borne viruses as they are likely to catch while in school.
