Sesame
Sesame is known scientifically as ( Sesamum indicum ). It is the oldest known seasoning of humans. Its use dates back to about 1600 BC, and is believed to be native to Ethiopia, but is cultivated worldwide in the tropics and warm subtropical regions. India, Burma, China and Sudan are the main countries Producing sesame oil.
Sesame seeds are made up of about 50-60% of the oil and are extracted from it. It is characterized by its high nutritional value and resistance to damage. It is also different from vegetable oils because of its high nutritional value and its therapeutic uses.
Sesame seeds are used in many foods. They give the food a distinctive and tasty taste. It is used to decorate cakes, pies and some types of bread and desserts, but the use of sesame seeds is not limited to many health benefits to which this article will be discussed.
Food composition of sesame
The following table shows the dietary composition of each 100 g of sesame:
| Food ingredient | the value |
|---|---|
| water | 3.30 g |
| energy | 565 calories |
| Protein | 19.96 g |
| Fats | 48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25.74 g |
| Dietary fiber | 14.0 g |
| Calcium | 989 mg |
| Iron | 14.76 mg |
| magnesium | 356 mg |
| Phosphorus | 638 mg |
| Potassium | 475 mg |
| Sodium | 11 mg |
| Zinc | 7.16 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.803 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.251 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.802 mg |
| Folate | 98 micrograms |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.00 μg |
| Vitamin A | 9 universal units, or 0 micrograms |
| Vitamin D | 0 micrograms, or 0 global units |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Benefits of sesame
Sesame gives many health benefits to the human body, including the following:
- Sesame contributes to lowering blood cholesterol and other lipids because of its content of sesamin, which affects fat metabolism, as well as the role of other lignans, which act as antioxidants in lowering cholesterol Also, vitamin E works to enhance the role of cisamine in lowering blood cholesterol, although it alone has no antihypertensive effect.
- Sesamine has been shown to have anti-Alzheimer’s effects by stimulating differentiation of neurons.
- Sesame seeds give vitamin E, which has been found in scientific research to reduce the cognitive decline that accompanies aging.
- Sesame oil reduces blood pressure significantly because of its content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cisamasin and vitamin H.
- Sesame contains many antioxidants that play an important role in preventing LDL from oxidation. Its oxidizing molecules cause atherosclerosis and protect and maintain the body’s tissues.
- The antioxidants found in sesame fight the free radicals that form when exposed to ultraviolet rays, which cause a lot of damage to the skin, such as sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer. Studies have found that the external use of vitamin E
Or eating it protects the skin from cancer, and found that the external use of sesame oil with turmeric and milk on the face makes the skin smooth and smooth and remove pimples.
- Sesame seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber known for their health benefits, which include lowering cholesterol and preventing its rise, and contributing to the sense of satiety, which can play a role in controlling weight, and maintain the health of the digestive system, and reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity and other chronic diseases.
- Sesame is an excellent source of calcium for people who do not eat milk and its products. Calcium plays an important role in bone health and plays a role in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, which is also associated with maintaining a healthy weight.
- Some preliminary studies suggest that eating calcium-high foods, such as ground-sesame seeds, contributes to the treatment of rickets in children.
- Some studies suggest that sesame plays a role in the prevention of heart disease.
- Sesame can work against cancer.
- Sesame is a source of many B vitamins that play many roles in the manufacture of red blood cells, and in energy production processes in the body.
- Sesame is a good source of protein.
- Sesame is used in folk medicine to treat constipation.
- Sesame is popularly used to increase the yield of breast milk.