Oily Sesame Seeds Uses and Health Benefits

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are scientifically known as sesamum indicum and perhaps, one of the first oil seeds known to the mankind; in fact it may be the oldest one in the oil seed category to be recognized by the humankind. They are used in culinary as well as traditional medicines for their nutritive, preventive and curative properties. Its oil seeds are sources for some phyto-nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber with potent anti-cancer as well as health promoting properties.

Sesame plant is a tall annual herb of the Pedaliaceae family, which grows extensively in Asia, particularly in Burma, China and India. It is also one of the chief commercial crops in Nigeria, Sudan and Ethiopia. Its scientific name is Sesame indicum.The Sesame plant requires well-drained sandy soil and tropical environment to flourish. It grows to about 5 feet tall and bears plenty of pink-white foxglove type flowers.

No slides are available in this gallery

Sesame seeds are small, almost oblate in shape featuring nutty flavor and high oil content. They add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to many Asian dishes. They are highly valued for their oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. Sesame seeds are highly rich in beneficial minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, molybdenum and selenium. Not only are sesame seeds an excellent source of copper and a very good source of manganese, but they are also a good source of calcium and other vital minerals as discussed above.

Health Benefits and Vital Hazards

Oily Sesame Seeds

In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain 2 unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage. Sesame seeds provide relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis, support vascular and respiratory health and help prevent colon cancer, osteoporosis, migraine and PMS. Apart from these health benefits of sesame seeds, there are many more belonging to the same category.

Well, on one hand while sesame seeds have their never ending health benefits, on the other hands, they also carry many health hazards along with them, out of which the top 10 side-effects are as listed below

• Anaphylaxis –it is an impassioned box of allergy caused by sesame seed consumption. The whole physique gets influenced by this heated and fast allergic reaction.
• Allergic reactions – Allergy is another common side outcome of sesame seed intake.
• Medicinal: Sesame seeds can leave serious negative impacts on your colon health by causing diverticulitis. It is a certain medical condition whereby immensely and intensely unpleasant pouches are formed on the middle wall of the colon. It causes cramping, abdominal pain, constipation and so on.
• Colon Cancer – Regular expenditure of sesame seeds in additional volume can take a toll on your colon.
• Imbalanced and unhealthy body weight – These lightweight seeds are densely packed with calories and jam-packed fats.
• Appendix infection – Well, it is not really common, though some people turn into an appendix infection warehouse by eating a lot of sesame seeds.
• Diarrhea – According to scientists, sesame seeds hold good reasonable purge properties, which means that more than a recommended intake of these seeds would lead to lax stool, and infrequently, even diarrhea.
• Skin Rashes – These seeds also produce unwanted effects on your skin. If you eat too much of them in your food or consume products containing huge amounts of sesame seed oil, then that would lead to your skin becoming rash, pricking and redness along with soreness accompanies these two results.
• Hair loss – Most of us make use of the black sesame seeds for ensuring an optimal health of hairs. But, an overdose of these kernels would make just a totally opposite outcome generate.
• Miscarriage – It is believed that eating sesame seeds during the initial trimester of pregnancy is bad for health as it would ultimately lead to miscarriage.

Health Benefits Of Sesame Seeds