Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds also known as Til, is mainly grown for its seed and oil. It is packed with various nutrients and fibre 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 helps 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[3-5][13].
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 helps 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[3-5][13].
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
Benefits of Sesame seeds
Modern Science View
Topical application of Sesame oil may be useful in managing arthritis. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that decrease joint pain and stiffness of the joints[2][30].
Ayurvedic View
Sesame oil helps to reduce bone and joint pain in arthritis. According to Ayurveda, bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body and pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Sesame oil helps to get rid of joint pain due to its Vata balancing property. This helps to ease movements in case of arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil or as per your requirement.
2. Massage on the affected area once or twice a day to manage the pain in arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil or as per your requirement.
2. Massage on the affected area once or twice a day to manage the pain in arthritis.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, topical application of Sesame seed oil may be useful in giving relief from burns[2][13][28].
Ayurvedic View
Sesame seeds or its oil gives relief in case of burn. It helps in quick healing of the wound and decreases swelling due to its Ropan(healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil or as per your requirement.
2. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to get relief from injury due to burn.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil or as per your requirement.
2. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to get relief from injury due to burn.
Modern Science View
Sesame seed oil is useful in managing inflammation of gums (gingivitis). It has antibacterial property due to which it inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes gingivitis[2][13][29].
Modern Science View
Sesame seeds and oil may be useful in managing hair loss. Sesame seeds and oil contain a bioactive compound called sesamin that inhibits the enzyme responsible for hair loss[31].
Ayurvedic View
Sesame seeds or its oil helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Sesame oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata Dosha. It also promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Combine 2 tablespoons of Sesame seed oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
2. Heat it for 1-2 minutes.
3. Set aside to let it cool.
4. Apply to scalp and hair and massage gently.
5. Leave it for 30-45 minutes.
6. Wash it off with shampoo and normal water.
7. Repeat twice a week to control excessive hair fall.
Tips:
1. Combine 2 tablespoons of Sesame seed oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
2. Heat it for 1-2 minutes.
3. Set aside to let it cool.
4. Apply to scalp and hair and massage gently.
5. Leave it for 30-45 minutes.
6. Wash it off with shampoo and normal water.
7. Repeat twice a week to control excessive hair fall.
How effective is Sesame seeds?
Insufficient evidence
Arthritis, Burns, Hair loss, Inflammation of gums
Precautions when using Sesame seeds
Allergy
Modern Science View
Sesame seeds or oil may cause allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) in some people. So it is advisable to consult your doctor if you experience allergic reaction after using Sesame seeds[11][12].
Recommended Dosage of Sesame seeds
- Sesame seeds Oil - 1-2 teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.
- Sesame seeds Paste - 2 teaspoons a day or as per your requirement.
How to use Sesame seeds
1. Sesame seed Oil
a. Apply 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil on your body.
b. Massage lightly and leave for some time.
c. Remove the Sesame seed oil with normal water.
2. Sesame seed Paste
A. Face Mask
i. Grind 1-2 tablespoons of Sesame seeds to make a coarse paste.
ii. Add equal parts of honey to it.
iii. Apply on face and neck and massage gently.
iv. Rinse it off with lukewarm water
3. Sesame Oil for Hair
a. Combine 2 tablespoons of Sesame seed oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
b. Heat it for a 1-2 minutes.
c. Set aside to let it cool.
d. Apply to scalp and hair and massage gently.
e. Leave for 30-45 minutes.
f. Wash it off with shampoo and normal water.
a. Apply 1-2 teaspoon Sesame seed oil on your body.
b. Massage lightly and leave for some time.
c. Remove the Sesame seed oil with normal water.
2. Sesame seed Paste
A. Face Mask
i. Grind 1-2 tablespoons of Sesame seeds to make a coarse paste.
ii. Add equal parts of honey to it.
iii. Apply on face and neck and massage gently.
iv. Rinse it off with lukewarm water
3. Sesame Oil for Hair
a. Combine 2 tablespoons of Sesame seed oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
b. Heat it for a 1-2 minutes.
c. Set aside to let it cool.
d. Apply to scalp and hair and massage gently.
e. Leave for 30-45 minutes.
f. Wash it off with shampoo and normal water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Sesame seeds can be eaten raw (hulled or unhulled). They can also be toasted and baked.
Modern Science View
Black Sesame seeds are not hulled, i.e., their outer shell (hull) is not removed whereas white Sesame seeds are hulled, i.e., their outer shell (hull) is removed. There is a very subtle taste difference between the black and white Sesame seeds. Black Sesame seeds are slightly bitter in taste whereas white Sesame seeds are more nutty in flavour.
Ayurvedic View
There is not much difference between Black Sesame seeds and white Sesame seeds. But according to Ayurveda, Black Sesame seeds should be preferred over white Sesame Seeds as it is found to have more benefits.
Modern Science View
1. Toasted Sesame seeds
In a hot skillet, toast Sesame seeds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until they turn slightly golden-brown in colour.
2. Baked Sesame seeds
Spread the Sesame seeds on an ungreased baking tray.
Bake at 350℃ for 8-10 minutes till they turn slightly brown in colour.
In a hot skillet, toast Sesame seeds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until they turn slightly golden-brown in colour.
2. Baked Sesame seeds
Spread the Sesame seeds on an ungreased baking tray.
Bake at 350℃ for 8-10 minutes till they turn slightly brown in colour.
Modern Science View
Yes, both black and white Sesame seeds are gluten free.
Modern Science View
You can soak Sesame seeds in water overnight to make Sesame milk.
Ayurvedic View
Soaking Sesame seeds makes it Laghu (light to digest). This also enhances its absorption in the body and helps to get complete nutrition from them.
1. Sesame milk recipe
a. Soak 1 cup Sesame seeds in 2 cups water overnight.
b. Blend the seeds with water the next morning.
c. Strain the milk using a cheesecloth.
d. Serve cold.
1. Sesame milk recipe
a. Soak 1 cup Sesame seeds in 2 cups water overnight.
b. Blend the seeds with water the next morning.
c. Strain the milk using a cheesecloth.
d. Serve cold.
References
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.