Sesame: useful properties and contraindications for use

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The healing properties of sesame seeds have been known since ancient times. Our grandmothers also gladly added them to food to give the dish a special piquant flavor. Sesame seeds, the benefits of which have long been proven, were added to pastries, sprinkled on bread and holiday cakes. This spice was also used in the framework of alternative medicine. Decoctions from the seeds of this plant served as a source of useful micro- and macroelements and were used for a number of diseases.

Benefits of sesame seeds

Sesame seeds, whose properties have long been known to everyone, have a number of useful and even healing qualities. One has only to pay attention to the composition of the substances present in it. For example, calcium contained in sesame seeds in large quantities can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and chondrosis of the spine. Calcium is an essential micronutrient required for proper functioncardiovascular system, strengthening bone and cartilage tissues, gaining muscle mass, etc.

Among the useful properties of sesame:

• normalization of the functions of the nervous and digestive systems;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• purification and enrichment of the blood with essential substances;
• strengthening nails and hair, etc.

Sesame in medicine

Sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have not been fully studied, is also used in traditional medicine. Its seed extract is used in many weight loss products. He has a unique ability - to remove harmful cholesterol from the blood. It is known that sesame seeds are especially useful for women whose age exceeds forty years. This is explained very simply. The composition of the seed of the plant contains natural phytoestrogens, necessary for the female body in this period of time.

Sesame oil

Sesame oil is often used in the pharmaceutical industry. Based on it, emulsions and ointments are produced that normalize metabolic processes in tissues, have a certain effect on the process of blood cell coagulation, etc.

Hemorrhoids are successfully treated with oil-based formulations. Taking sesame oil orally is recommended for constipation and digestive disorders.

Sesame in cosmetology

Extract from plant seeds is often used incosmetic industry. It is found in hair masks, shampoos and even some creams. And this is not surprising, because the healing properties of the spice are simply priceless.

Using sesame extract succeeds:

• get rid of a number of skin problems: inflammation, dryness and peeling, sagging, etc.;
• eliminate irritation of the skin of the face and body, soften and moisturize the epidermis;
• achieve a powerful regenerating effect;
• improve the overall condition of the epidermis;
• the oil can also be used as massage products and compositions, used to remove makeup, etc.

Calorie content of sesame and its addition to food

Probably, many people wondered: "How to use sesame?" To date, there are many recipes for dishes with the addition of this spice. Among them: salads, confectionery and pastries, etc. Sesame oil can be used in food almost everywhere. It holds a special place in vegetarian cuisine. Naturally, to preserve the maximum benefit from the product, you should add it to food that does not require heat treatment.

The seeds of many plants are high in calories. It is mostly associated with an increased content of semi-saturated fatty acids in its composition. Sesame seeds, the benefits and harms of which are well known and scientifically proven, belong to this group of plants. The content of fats in the seed is so high that of them withoutlabor produce oil. A mature plant can contain 45 to 60 percent oil in its seed composition. This explains the high calorie content of the product, sometimes reaching up to 550-580 kcal. However, the final conclusion about the calorie content of sesame can only be made taking into account a number of factors: the size of the sesame, shape, degree of maturity, etc.

Seed Composition

The plant seed contains many useful substances and elements. So, for example, laboratory tests reveal the presence of acids:

• linoleic;
• oleic;
• palmitic;
• myristic;
• arachidic;
• stearic;
• lignoceric.

These acids can be called vital for the human body. None of the most important metabolic processes can do without them. External transformation is also impossible without sufficient nutrition of the skin, nails and hair follicles from the inside.

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the seed is also striking. Presence detected:

• Vitamins of groups "A", "C", "E", "B".
• Minerals: magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and calcium in large quantities. So, in 100 g of sesame seeds there is over 783 mg of calcium. This is the average daily dosage required for the body of an adult. The product also contains organic acids: beta-sitosterol, phytin and lecithin.

Contraindications to the use of sesame-based products

Like most products, sesame seeds, the benefits and harms of eating whichscientifically researched, not recommended for everyone. Therefore, before including seeds in the usual diet, you should understand the "side effects" of the healing agent. Even such a useful and indispensable product as sesame seed has a number of its contraindications.

Contraindications apply primarily to people with a high risk of thrombosis. For the simple reason that some of the ingredients that make up the composition help to increase blood clotting. So, if sesame is vital for patients with hemophilia, then people suffering from varicose veins, thrombosis and other diseases of this category, it is better to refrain from eating sesame in large quantities. And it is fully justified.

Sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are now discussing, is one of the rather strong allergens. Moreover, if earlier only a few people were allergic to this product, then in recent years the number of people with intolerance to this spice has increased significantly. In this case, the reaction can be either simple redness on the skin or anaphylactic shock.

It is not recommended to eat sesame seeds on an empty stomach. This can lead to nausea and thirst. People suffering from kidney stones should also avoid eating the spice.

Carefully following the figure and trying to lose weight, you need to consume sesame seeds with caution. After all, it is high in calories, which means it contributes to weight gain.

In addition, sesame, useful properties andcontraindications for this product also apply to patients with hypercalcemia. Due to the high content of calcium, the product is simply an indispensable find for people with a deficiency of this element. However, if there is an excess of calcium in the body, it is better to refuse sesame seeds.

It is strictly forbidden to use sesame oil simultaneously with drugs such as aspirin, any estrogen derivatives and oxalic acid. All this in combination can lead to the deposition of insoluble crystalline compounds in the kidneys.

Purchase and storage

You can buy sesame seeds, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are known and scientifically confirmed, at any store, in the spices and seasonings department. It is important to pay attention to the date of packaging of the product. Expired spices should not be eaten. This can not only spoil the taste, but also be harmful to he alth. Plant grains should not stick together. Choose dry, crumbly seeds. In order to preserve the maximum of useful properties, you can give preference to sesame seeds that have not been subjected to heat treatment.

Sesame seeds can be stored at room temperature for no more than 1-2 months. Further, the seeds begin to deteriorate and become rancid.