Sesame (til) is one of the oldest cultivated seed crops and has been valued as a highly nutritious food in Asian cultures since ancient times.
Types of Sesame Seeds
There are three main types of sesame seeds – black, white, and red:
- Black sesame seeds – Known for producing the best quality oil and are also highly valued for medicinal purposes due to their rich iron content.
- White sesame seeds – Rich in calcium, making them beneficial for people with calcium deficiency.
- Red sesame seeds – High in iron, which helps improve blood health.
Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits
Sesame seeds are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits:
- They act as a tonic, helping to improve overall strength and nourishment.
- They have laxative and diuretic properties, which aid digestion and help remove excess water from the body.
- Sesame seeds also help soften the skin due to their natural emollient properties.
Sesame Oil – A Healthy Choice
The oil extracted from sesame seeds is considered to be of high medicinal quality. It has a fine flavor and a high boiling point, which means it undergoes less chemical change when heated, making it healthier than other seed oils.
Uses and Remedies
- For burns and wounds – A paste of sesame seeds can be applied to burns and scalds for quick healing.
- For anemia – Black sesame seeds are rich in iron. A mixture of ground sesame seeds soaked in warm water, strained, and mixed with milk and jaggery is helpful for treating anemia.
- For respiratory issues – An infusion of sesame seeds mixed with linseed, salt, and honey acts as an expectorant and helps relieve respiratory problems.
- For hair care – A decoction of crushed sesame leaves and roots can be used as a hair wash to treat dandruff, prevent premature greying, and promote hair growth.
Culinary Uses
Sesame seeds are widely used in cooking. Gingelly oil, extracted from the seeds, is a common substitute for olive oil in salad dressings and cooking. Fried sesame seeds are often added to soups, and when mixed with sugar or jaggery, they become a popular sweet treat in Asia.
Sesame seeds are not just a tasty addition to meals—they offer significant health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
