Sesame Seeds: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are tiny, oil-rich seeds that have been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across various cultures. They are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. Sesame seeds also known as Til, is mainly grown for its seed and oil. It is packed with various nutrients and fiber and can be beneficial to add in your daily diet. Sesame seeds can be consumed roasted, crushed or sprinkled over salads.
Sesame seeds and Sesame seed oil can be used for cooking and might be useful in managing cholesterol as it helps maintain the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Sesame seeds also help reduce blood glucose levels due to its anti-diabetic activity.
As per Ayurveda, consuming raw Sesame seeds helps to correct the digestive fire by reducing Ama due to its Ushna nature.
Sesame seed oil helps in the management of arthritic pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Massaging your joints with Sesame seed oil reduces the pain and inflammation. Sesame seed oil is beneficial for the skin and applying it on the face overnight makes skin soft and tightens it due to the presence of antioxidants. It’s application also promotes wound healing due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It should be noted that Sesame seeds/oil or its supplements may cause allergic reactions in some people. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you experience any allergic reaction after consuming Sesame seeds.
Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds
1. Rich in Essential Nutrients
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. They also provide vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
2. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The seeds contain lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Supports Heart Health
Regular consumption of sesame seeds may help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. The presence of healthy fats and antioxidants contributes to cardiovascular protection.
4. Bone Health Support
Rich in calcium and other minerals, sesame seeds contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones. Incorporating them into your diet can be beneficial for bone density and overall skeletal health.
5. Blood Sugar Regulation
Sesame seeds contain magnesium and other nutrients that may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a beneficial addition to the diet for individuals managing blood sugar concerns.
Culinary Uses of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are incredibly versatile and can enhance various dishes:
Toppings: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over salads, stir-fries, or baked goods to add a nutty flavor and crunch.
Tahini: Grind sesame seeds into a paste to make tahini, a key ingredient in hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes.
Sesame Oil: Extracted from the seeds, sesame oil is used in cooking for its rich flavor and health benefits.
Snacks: Incorporate sesame seeds into energy bars, granola, or sesame brittle for a nutritious snack.
Help Prevent and Treat Cancer
The sesamol in sesame seeds has the following properties:
Antioxidant
Anti-mutagenic (stops the mutation of cells)
Anti-hepatotoxic (prevents liver damage)
Anti-inflammatory (fights inflammation)
Anti-aging
Chemopreventive (prevents disease and infection)
Sri Herbal's Commitment to Quality
At Sri Herbal, we prioritize quality and purity in our sesame seed production:
Sourcing: We select the finest sesame seeds, ensuring they are harvested at peak ripeness for optimal quality.
Processing: Our sesame seeds undergo a meticulous process that includes cleaning, hulling, and drying to preserve their nutritional integrity. We utilize wet dehulling, which involves soaking, dehulling, separation, cleaning, and drying, to ensure the highest quality product.
Packaging: Our packaging is designed to maintain freshness, protecting the seeds from moisture and contaminants.
FAQs About sesame Seeds
What are the synonyms of Sesame seeds?
Sesamum indicum, Gingelly-oil Seeds, Tila, Teel, Tili, Simmasim, Tall, Accheellu, Ellu, Nuvvulu, Kunjad.
What is the source of Sesame seeds?
Plant Based
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Osteoporosis?
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Sesame seeds may be useful in managing osteoporosis due to the presence of zinc.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Diabetes?
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Sesame seeds help to correct impaired digestion and reduce Ama due to its Vata balancing, Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also corrects impaired function of insulin and maintains normal blood sugar level.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for High cholesterol?
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Sesame seeds or Sesame seed oil in your daily diet helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
Eat 1/2- 1 tablespoon or as per your taste roasted Sesame seeds in a day.
Or, you can also add Sesame seeds to salads as per your taste.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Obesity?
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Sesame seeds help to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Constipation?
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Sesame seeds help to control constipation because of its Rechana (mild laxative) and Vata balancing properties.
Tips:
Eat 1/2- 1 tablespoon or as per your taste roasted Sesame seeds in a day.
Or, you can also add Sesame seeds to salads as per your taste to get relief from constipation
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Male infertility?
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as early discharge or premature ejaculation. Sesame seeds help to correct male sexual performance and improve sperm quality due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Anxiety?
Sesame seeds help to control the symptoms of anxiety when added in your daily diet. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs all movements in the body and actions of the nervous system. Anxiety is mainly due to a Vata imbalance. Sesame seeds help to balance Vata and control the symptoms of anxiety.
Tip
Eat 1/2- 1 tablespoon or as per your taste roasted Sesame seeds.
Or, you can use Sesame seed oil for general cooking purposes to manage anxiety.
What are the benefits of Sesame seeds for Psoriasis?
Sesame seed oil helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches and flakes on the skin. Sesame seed oil helps to reduce excessive dryness due to Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties. This gives relief in psoriasis.
Tip
You can use Sesame seed oil over baked or boiled vegetables or use it as a salad dressing.
Or, you can take Sesame seed oil for general cooking as well to get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis.
Incorporating Sesame Seeds into Your Lifestyle
Adding sesame seeds to your daily routine can be both enjoyable and beneficial:
Morning Boost: Start your day with a sprinkle of sesame seeds over your breakfast cereal or yogurt.
Workout Fuel: Consume a handful of sesame seeds pre or post-exercise for a natural energy boost and muscle recovery aid.
Evening Snack: Replace unhealthy snacks with sesame seed-based treats to satisfy cravings without compromising on health.
By choosing Sri Herbal's premium sesame seeds, you're embracing a nutritious addition to your diet and supporting a commitment to quality and wellness.
