Sesame properties
Sesame or sesame seeds have many good properties for the human body, both internally and superficially. Not only are they an excellent source of copper and manganese. They are high in magnesium, iron, phosphorus, Vitamin B1, Zinc, Selenium and dietary fiber. In addition to these properties, sesame seeds contain two single substances: sesamin and sesamolin.
Both belong to a group of fibers called lignans, which are known for their cholesterol-lowering effects in humans, to prevent blood pressure and to increase Vitamin E in animals. It has also been discovered that sesamin protects the liver from oxidative damage.
High in Minerals
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of copper, a very good source
of manganese and good source of magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, molybdenum and selenium.
This great variety of minerals translates into the following health benefits:
Copper is used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis. It is known for its reduction of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Its efficacy is due to the fact that this trace element is important for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems. In addition it plays an important role in the activity of smooth oxidaza, an enzyme necessary for the crosslinking of collagen and elastin, substances that provide structure, strength and elasticity to blood vessels, bones and joints.
Magnesium helps vascular and respiratory health. Serves for prevention of airway spasm in asthma; lowering high blood pressure; prevention of the trigeminal blood vessel spasm that triggers migraine attacks and restoration of normal sleep patterns in menopausal symptoms in women.
Calcium helps prevent colon cancer, osteoporosis, migraine and premenstrual syndrome. Calcium has been shown to help protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals; helps prevent bone loss that results from menopause or rheumatoid arthritis, prevent migraines. There is a substantial difference in the calcium content of sesame seeds in shell and in shell. When the seeds have a peel, a tablespoon contains about 88 mg of calcium. When they have no peel, a spoonful provides about 37 mg (60% less).
The husk of sesame seeds provides an additional 51% of calcium to the seeds, but the calcium found in such seeds is in the form of calcium oxalate. This form is a less absorbable form of calcium, so although it would seem more likely to get a higher amount of calcium from the seed shell, it would be in a smaller and less absorbable amount, as opposed to consuming whole seeds. This makes sesame an excellent source of calcium for people who can not consume dairy.
Zinc helps bone health. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a clear correlation between low dietary zinc intake with low blood levels of oligoelements and osteoporosis in the hip and spine. So its consumption is very important for prevention of problems in the bones.
Phytosterols from sesame seeds reduce cholesterol. Phytosterols are compounds found in plants and have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol, and when present in sufficient amounts in the diet, reduce blood levels of cholesterol, increase the immune response and decrease the risk of some types of cancer .
Its beneficial effects are so good that they have been extracted from different products like soybean oil, corn and pine and have been added in processed foods. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers demonstrated the amounts of phytosterols present in nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the United States, where sesame seeds had the highest content of phytosterols, containing 400-413 mg per 100 grams.
Sesame oil
Sesame is considered to be the oldest oilseed crop in mankind. Its oil is highly nutritious, enriched with vitamin E, B, D and minerals like calcium, phosphorus and some proteins that help strengthen the hair. It is also used as carrier oil for many cosmetic products. The presence of fatty acids along with linoleic acid, help provide a nice and silky texture to the skin, effectively moisturizing. The presence of vitamin E, D and B makes it effective enough to reduce scars and other rashes on the skin, which is why it is an active ingredient in many cosmetic products.
Due to its high viscosity, it is able to penetrate deeply the pores of the skin, so it is widely used for massage - where the oil helps to work from the surface of the skin and helps regulate blood circulation.
Effects on the skin
1. Prevent Bacterial Infections
Sesame oil is very effective in treating inflamed and injured skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it fight against bacterial infections. As the oil penetrates the skin, it produces a detoxifying effect that keeps the skin warm and fresh. It is used to reduce various infections of the skin and improvements in joint pains.
2. Repair damaged skin cells
It is very effective for repairing damaged cells and helps to improve blood circulation. Massaging with sesame oil strengthens the body tissues and helps improve the appearance of the skin.
3. Aging of the skin
Another characteristic is that it can slow down the aging process of the skin. It improves skin rejuvenation and prevents skin oxidation cells. Sesamol prevents the appearance of wrinkles and small pores in the skin.
4. As a Moisturizer
It can act as a moisturizing and soothing cream for the body's skin without side effects as it is natural. It is an active ingredient in many sunscreens, skin cleansers and moisturizers for the skin and hair.
5. As Massage Oil
Thanks to its proprietary detoxification, sesame oil can help eliminate environmental toxins from the body. It is important to detoxify the skin periodically to stay fresh and healthy. In addition it helps to improve blood circulation, so it not only helps detoxification, it can also improve the elasticity of the skin of the body.
6. As a Natural Sunscreen
Sesame oil is able to form a protective film on the skin to eliminate damage caused by free radicals. If you want to avoid chemical sunscreens, sesame oil is a great choice. The presence of Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
7. As a Source of Nutrients
It is rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and palmitic acids. Linoleic acid is what gives anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the oil. It is rich in minerals like copper, manganese, calcium and magnesium and is rich in antioxidants, which are quickly absorbed by the skin, nourishing it from the inside and softening it. It contains Vitamin E, B complex (niacin) and D. Niacin is a B complex variant that is able to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Sesame oil has a roasted aroma and intense flavor, is ideal for preparing Asian food, is used to eat raw vegetables, soups, salad dressings, sautéed, marinades, marinated and to finish dishes. Its humid point is 232ºC.