Sesame: useful properties and contraindications for use

The healing properties of sesame seeds have been known since ancient times. Even our grandmothers were happy to add them to the food to give the dish a special piquant flavor. Seeds of sesame, the benefits of which have long been proven, were added to pastries, sprinkling bread and festive cakes. This spice was also used in alternative medicine. Broths from the seeds of this plant served as a source of useful micro- and macro elements and were used for a number of diseases.

Benefits of Sesame Seed

Seeds of sesame, the properties of which have long been heard by everyone, have a number of useful and even medicinal qualities. It is only necessary to pay attention to the composition of the substances in it. So, for example, calcium, contained in a sesame seed in large quantities, is able to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and chondrosis of the spine. Calcium is an indispensable microelement necessary for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthening of bone and cartilage tissues, a set of 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 composition with necessary substances;
• Strengthening of nails and hair, etc.

Sesame in medicine

Sesame, whose useful properties and contraindications are not fully understood, is also used in traditional medicine. The extract of its seed is a part of many means for weight reduction. He has a unique ability to remove harmful cholesterol from the blood. It is known that sesame for women, whose age exceeds forty years, is especially useful. This is explained very simply. The plant seed contains natural phytoestrogens, which are necessary for the female body at a given time.

Sesame oil

Sesame oil is often used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is based on the production of emulsions and ointments that normalize metabolic processes in tissues, which exert a definite influence on the process of folding of blood cells, etc.

With the help of compounds prepared on the basis of oil, successfully cured hemorrhoids. Take sesame oil inside is recommended for constipation and digestive system disorders.

Sesame in Cosmetology

Extract from the seeds of plants is often used in the cosmetology industry. It is part of masks for hair, shampoos and even some creams. And this is not surprising, because the healing properties of spices are simply priceless.

By applying sesame extract, it is possible:

• Get rid of a number of skin problems: inflammation, dryness and flaking, flabbiness, etc .;
• Eliminate irritation of the skin of the face and body, soften and moisten the epidermis;
• Achieve a powerful regenerative effect;
• Improve the general condition of the epidermis;
• You can also apply the oil as a massage and composition, use make-up remover, etc.

Caloric content of sesame and its addition in food

Probably, many asked the question: "How to use sesame?" To date, there are many recipes for dishes with the addition of this spice. Among them: salads, confectionery and baking, etc. Sesame oil can be used in food almost everywhere. It takes 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.

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 sufficiently known and scientifically proven, refer specifically to this group of plants. The fat content of the seed is so great that oil is easily produced from them. A mature plant can contain 45 to 60 percent oil in the seeds. This explains the high caloric content of the product, sometimes reaching 550-580 kcal. However, the final conclusion about the caloric content of sesame can be made only taking into account a number of factors: the size of sesame, the form, the degree of maturity, and so on.

Seed Composition

In the seed of the plant a lot of useful substances and elements. Thus, for example, laboratory tests can detect the presence of acids:

• Linoleic;
• Oleic;
• Palmitic;
• Myristic;
• Arachine;
• Stearic acid;
• Lignoceric.

These acids can be called vital for the human body. Without them, not one of the most important metabolic processes can do. Impossible and external transformation without sufficient supply of skin, nails and hair bulbs from the inside.

Striking and rich vitamin-mineral composition of the seed. The presence of:

• Vitamins of groups "A", "C", "E", "B".
• Minerals: magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and also calcium in a large volume. So, in 100 g of sesame seeds is more than 783 mg of calcium. This is the average daily dosage needed for the adult body. Also in the product are organic acids: beta-sitosterol, fitin and lecithin.

Contraindications to the use of sesame based products

Like most products, sesame seeds, the benefits and harm from the use of which are scientifically researched, are not recommended to everyone. Therefore, before you include seeds in the usual diet, you need to understand the "side effects" of the medicinal product. Has a number of its contraindications, even such a useful and indispensable product, as a sesame seed.

Contraindications concern first of all people with high risk of thrombosis. For the simple reason that some of the ingredients that make up the drug help increase blood clotting. So, if patients with hemophilia sesame is vital, 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 this is completely justified.

Sesame, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we are now discussing, is one of the rather powerful allergens. Moreover, if before only an allergy to this product suffered only a few, then in recent years the number of people with intolerance to this spice has increased at times. In this case, both simple reddening on the skin and anaphylactic shock can become a reaction.

It is not recommended to eat sesame on an empty stomach. So you can provoke attacks of nausea and thirst. People suffering from urolithiasis should also avoid eating spices.

Carefully watching the figure and trying to lose weight you need to consume sesame with caution. After all, it is distinguished by its high calorie content, which means it helps to gain excess weight.

In addition, sesame, useful properties and contraindications of this product, concern and 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 calcium in the body is present in excess, it is better to refuse sesame.

It is strictly forbidden to use sesame oil at the same time with such drugs as aspirin, any derivatives of estrogens and oxalic acid. All this in a complex can lead to the deposition of insoluble crystalline compounds in the kidneys.

Purchase and storage

Buy sesame, useful properties and contraindications of which are known and scientifically confirmed, you can in any store, in the department of spices and seasonings. It is important to pay attention to the date of product packaging. Overdue spices can not be eaten. This can not only spoil the taste, but also harm the health. The seeds of the plant should not stick together. Choose dry, friable seeds. In order to preserve the maximum of useful properties, it is possible to give preference to sesame, which has not been subjected to heat treatment.

Store sesame seeds at room temperature for up to 1-2 months. Next, the seeds begin to deteriorate and rancid.