Sesame (Sesamumindicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods or “buns”. Sesame seed is the oldest oilseed crops known to man, domesticated well over 3000 years ago and ever since then it has been connected to several myths and legend, for example the Assyrian legend says that sesame wine inspired gods to create the earth, The Romans ate the seeds mixed with honey for valor in battle and the women of ancient Babylon ate the same mixture to preserve youth and beauty. Sesame has one of the highest oil contents of any seed and it is rich in several B vitamins and dietary minerals, especially iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. The seeds are more heating (in their properties) then most of the seeds and they are easier for digestion, they nourish the skin and hair, good for oral health, Balance hormone levels and Boost digestive health for their dietary fiber and high nutritional value.
Maintains bone health
Due to high calcium, zinc and phosphorus contents in sesame seeds, they are a great source of improving bone health. The rich mineral content in the seeds help strengthen and nourish the bones and muscles, making them helpful to women suffering from low bone density and osteoporosis. Also, the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties due to their high amounts of copper, which helps reduce inflammation in bone and muscle joints and thus prevents arthritis.
Regulate cholesterol levels
Sesame seeds rank highest in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols of nearly all nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. Phytosterols are a type of phytonutrient or plant sterols structurally similar to cholesterol that act in the intestine to lower cholesterol absorption. Sesame seeds are also rich in lignans, a type of polyphenol that can improve lipid profiles and normalize cholesterol levels. Lignans help naturally lower cholesterol in a few ways and can reduce cholesterol levels in both the blood and liver. Sesamin is the most prominent lignan found in sesame and it can help prevent the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in blood vessels. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the sesame control cholesterol levels and maintain good heart health.
Lowering blood pressure
Sesame oil is considered a strong antihypertensive thanks to its magnesium and natural oils that are known for their ability to help naturally lower blood pressure levels.Â
Properties
Type: Seed
Element: Earth, Fire
Color: White/Black
Taste: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent
Natural Attributes:Â Heavy, Oily, Penetrating
Dosha impact: Kapha -, Pitta +, Vata —
Tissue impact (Vipak): Nourishing
Thermal impact (Virya): Heating
Digestive impact (Agni): Ignites digestion, relatively easy to digest
Moves energy: Downwards
Channels (Srotas): Opens
Strength (Bala): Improves strength and immunity
Sturdiness (Ojas): Builds stamina
Mind (Manas): SattvicÂ
Feces: Mild laxative
Urine: Reduces urine
Occasion: Autumn, Winter
Nutrient: B Vitamins, Iron, Calcium
Chinese medicine syndromes: Nourish Kidney Yin and yang, Nourish Liver blood, Moisten the Lungs and large IntestineÂ
Medicinal propertiesÂ
- Nourishment (rasa): Nutritive tonic, Rejuvenite tonic
- Blood-circulation-liver: Anti inflammatory
- Fat: Weight gain
- Bones-joints-tendon-ligaments: Â Fractures, Anti rheumatic
- Nervous system: Analgesic, Nervine
- Reproductive and hormonal systems: Aphrodisiac, GalactagogueÂ
- Vital essence and strength: Strengthening, Builds stamina
- Skin: Skin tonic, Rubefacient
- Kidney-Bladder: Â Urine inconsistency, Cholagogue
- Digestive system: Ignites digestion, Craminative
Harmful for: Heat conditions of the blood because it’s heating nature.