Sesame is is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, and it has been appreciated for its oily seeds for 5000 years! It is still known for its exceptionally high calcium and magnesium content, but few know that sesame is one of the most promising foods of our times, too.
As a medicinal plant, sesame has been used since the era of the ancient Egyptians, and it is mentioned as a natural medicine most favoured by the people. Women believed that a mixture of sesame and honey may lengthen life, youth and beauty, whereas soldiers ate sesame to obtain strength and energy.
During the last years, studies have proved that sesame has outstanding therapeutic properties, and this seed should be permanently featured and used in our kitchens. Here are some diseases sesame can be used to cure:
- Leukemia
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Besides other natural products such as honey, garlic and turmeric, sesame seeds are easily accessible, and their regular consumption can change your life.
The nutritional content of 36 grams of sesame (11% of daily calorie allowance):
- Copper 73, 5% DZR
- Manganese 44, 5%
- Tryptophan 37, 5%
- Calcium 35, 1%
- Magnesium 31, 5%
- Iron 29, 1%
- Phosphorus 22, 6%
- Vitamin B1 18, 6%
- Zinc 18, 6%
- Selenium 17, 6%
- Fibre 17%
The benefits of sesame
For a beautiful skin – the seeds are full of zinc, which is essential in production of collagen and improves the elasticity of the skin. Zinc repairs tissues – that’s why sesame oil is used to soothe burns and to prevent skin infections.
In a vegetarian diet – sesame seeds offer 4, 7 grams of protein/30 g, making them a perfect food for vegetarians.
For oral health – one of the most important health effects of sesame is removing dental plaque and maintaining the health of the oral cavity. If sesame oil is used to massage the teeth and the interior of the mouth, the amount of streptococcus is reduced in the plaque and the saliva.
It prevents diabetes – due to the fact that it contains magnesium and other nutrients, sesame seeds and especially their oil fight diabetes. A study showed that sesame oil enhanced the effect of anti-diabetes medicine in type 2 diabetes patients.
For an optimal arterial pressure – sesame oil decreases arterial pressure in diabetic patients and people suffering in other diseases that cause blood pressure, so sesame seeds are recommended for treating hypertension as well.
It protects ADN from radiations – sesame oil protects the intestinal tract and spleen of radiations.
It prevents cancer – first of all, sesame contains phytate, an anti-cancer compound; second, magnesium found in abundance in sesame has anti-carcinogenic properties as well. Studies showed that the amount of cancerous colorectal tumors has dropped by 13%, and the risk of colon cancer itself has dropped by 12% for each 100mg of magnesium consumed.
For strong bones – calcium and zinc enhance bone density and they maintain the health of the bones as a whole. In addition, there exists a link between zinc deficiency and osteoporosis; therefore, it is recommended to eat a large quantity of sesame seeds to obtain the necessary quantity of zinc.
In sustaining digestion and prevents constipation – sesame seeds are rich in fiber, which is the crucial agent in maintaining the optimal functioning of the digestive system.
It ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis – copper found in sesame seeds is an important mineral, as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thus reducing the pain and swelling that are typical for arthritis. In addition, copper offers strength to the walls of blood vessels, and also to bones and joints.
It prevents asthma – magnesium found in the seeds prevents asthma and other respiratory problems, and helps avoid the spasm of the airways.