Sesame (Til) Seeds Health Benefits For Hair, In Pregnancy

Rajan is a botany and chemistry major. He has worked as a poultry breeder for 23 years, breeding layer and broiler parents.

History Of Sesame

Latin Name: Sesamum indicum

Sesame seeds are also known as Gingelly seeds. In India, they are called til.

The sesame plant is a very hardy and drought-resistant plant, it can thrive well where other crops do not. It is therefore rightly called a "survivor crop".

Sesame is the oldest oilseed plant known to us being grown for over 5000 years. The seeds have the highest oil content found in any other seed. The seed has a nutty flavour.

Sesame is native to India and spread to the rest of Asia, the Middle East and Africa from here. The seeds were brought to the US from Africa in the late 17th century.

India, China and Mexico are the largest producers of sesame seeds.

Sesame Plant and Flower

About The Sesame Plant

The plant reaches 4 to 5 feet in height. The flowers are tubular with colours ranging from white, pink, yellow, blue to purple depending on the variety.

The seeds are small, ovate and flat being thinner at the eye than the other end. They are so small that each pod contains up to 100 seeds. The colour of the seeds varies from off white, tan, brown, red, grey to black depending on the plant variety.

The root is well developed and this is one of the reasons the plant is very drought resistant.

The fruit is dehiscent and burst open at maturity to release the seeds. Sesame oil is very resistant to rancidity.

Til or sesame is a strength promoting food of the winter season. However, it should not be consumed by pregnant women as it can cause miscarriage.

The black sesame seeds are the best. Til is good for hair, cleanses the skin, increases mother's milk and is excellent brain food.

Uses Of Sesame Seeds

The seeds are mainly used as food and to extract sesame oil. The oil is used for consumption as well as has many other applications.
The oil extracted sesame meal is used in poultry and livestock feed.

As a food, the seeds are added to bread, bagels, cakes etc. It is also used in various cuisines of Korea, China, Greece, Middle East, USA, East Africa, West Indies, Mexico, other Asian countries including India. In Japan sesame is used in salads and baked snacks.

In India, black and white sesame seeds are used in products like Pinni, til Gachak, til Laddoo etc. Sesame seeds are the main ingredient in Tahini, baba ganoush and halvah. Hummus is a popular spread containing tahini.

Sesame oil is used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products like perfumes, soaps, topical oils, sunscreens, massage oils, skin oils and food products like granola bars, crackers, cookies, spreads etc.

Creative Confectionery With Sesame Seeds

Sesame Nutrition

Sesame seeds are :

• Rich in protein about 18 grams/100 grams delivering about 32% of RDA.
• High in energy.
• Excellent source of the minerals manganese, iron, copper and good source of zinc and calcium.
• Very rich source of folic acid, niacin, B1, B6, B2 vitamins.
• Sesamin and sesamolin - 2 unique substances. They are lignans and are very healthy fibres. They act as antioxidants.
• Extremely rich in oil content. The seeds have about 50% oil content. This oil has about 47% oleic & 39% linoleic acids.
• Rich in omega 6 fatty acids.

Sesame Seeds Nutritional Value

Some Sesame Food Products

sesame cracker

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Health Benefits Of Sesame Seeds

• They are high energy food and especially useful to combat the cold weather.
• The omega 3 fatty acids lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol. It thus helps in preventing atherosclerosis and stroke.
• The good levels of protein help in proper growth of children.
• The many phenolic antioxidants especially sesamol and sesaminol check the damaging activity of the free radicals.
• High folic acid levels prevent neural tube defects in the growing foetus in pregnant women.
• High levels of niacin reduce anxiety and reduce LDL cholesterol.
• The calcium and zinc levels enable in increasing bone strength and density thus prevent osteoporosis, colon cancer, migraine headaches, reduce pre-menopausal symptoms.
• Magnesium is useful in controlling asthma, lowering high blood pressure, prevents blood vessel spasms in migraine and helps in getting better sleep especially in women who are in menopause.
• The high copper levels reduce pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory action. It also keeps the muscles and ligaments elastic thus benefiting the blood vessels and joints.

Some Uses Of Sesame In Specific Health Conditions

• For Rough skin

Massage sesame oil to make skin softer and smoother.

• For Constipation

~ Eat 60 grams of til/sesame after adding some sugar to relieve constipation.

~ A gruel (khichdi) made of.til/sesame, rice and split green gram (moong dal) cure constipation.

• Haemorrhoids/Piles

~ Eat 60 grams of black sesame seeds and then drink cold water. It cures non-bleeding piles.

~Eat the above amount of black sesame with yoghurt to cure bleeding piles.

~ Apply sesame oil on haemorrhoids regularly for relief.

~ Those who suffer from piles should eat a mixture of black sesame, butter and candy sugar. Mix 1 tsp of each. and take it early every morning.
If there is bleeding, take the above mixture 3 times a day,

• Bleeding Piles

Soak 50 grams black sesame seeds in as much water as the seeds can absorb. Keep soaked for 1/2 hour and then grind them. Add 1 tsp butter, 2 tsp ground candy sugar. This is one dose.
Eat morning and evening. It stops bleeding.

• For Calcium

50 grams of sesame provides the daily requirement of calcium.

• As A Strength Provider

Sesame has protein. The brain needs lecithin for its development and sesame has lots of it. Sesame strengthens the muscles, sinews and nerves. It also has a lot of B complex vitamins.

~ Take til and jaggery in equal quantities and make laddoos. Eat 1 laddoo in the morning and 1 laddoo in the evening. Eat it with milk.
It improves strength, reduces mental weakness and reduces stress. Those who do hard physical labour will benefit much from consuming this. It also delays ageing.

• For Cough

For dry cough due to cold, take 4 tsp each of sesame seeds and candy sugar. Add 200 ml water to this. Boil this mixture till water is reduced to half. Drink this three times a day.

• For Burns

Grind sesame with water into a fine paste. Apply on the burnt area for relief.

• For Vata Problems (Excessive Wind In The Body)

Massage with sesame oil benefits in diseases due to excess of wind in the body.

• For Sprains

Grind some deoiled sesame. Add some water. Make a paste and tie this warm paste on the site of the sprain. It relieves pain.

• For Excess Urination

Eat til laddoos twice a day, in the morning and evening. It normalizes urine output.

• For Bed Wetting

Mix 50 grams black sesame, 25 grams carom seeds and 100 grams jaggery. Mix well. Take 8 grams of this twice a day, in the morning and evening. It stops frequent urination and bedwetting.

• For Hair

Those who have grey hair, suffer from hair loss and baldness should consume sesame daily. It also makes long, black and soft.

• For Dandruff

Massage the hair with sesame oil. After 30 minutes wring a towel in hot water and tie it around the head. Repeat when it cools. Do this for 5 minutes. Then wash hair with cold water.
It removes dandruff.

• For Strong Teeth

Eat 60 grams black sesame seeds early in the morning. Chew them well. Do not add sugar or jaggery. Then drink 1 glass cold water. Repeat this at night if you wish.
This strengthens teeth and makes the body lustrous too.

• To Increase Immunity

In winter, consume 2 tsp sesame seeds every day for 1 to 2 months. or eat til laddoos daily. Also, massage with sesame oil daily. It keeps one healthy.

Sesame Seed Allergies

Some people can develop allergic symptoms like itching, hives and dermatitis or abdominal pains, vomiting, swelling of lips, throat, breathing difficulty, chest congestion or possible death.

Those sensitive should avoid products containing sesame. Also, those allergic to walnuts,
peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews have more chances of being allergic to sesame.
This allergy is either due to a specific protein, Ses i 6 or Ses i 7, in all these foods or the allergy may be due to proteins like oleosins, which are present in many nuts & seeds.

The allergy may also spread through contaminated processing shared equipment, though the actual product may be free of sesame or its components that cause allergy.

Sesame And Oxalates

The hulls of sesame seeds contain oxalates. hulls contain calcium in the form of calcium oxalate.

Therefore, products made with the hulls of sesame seeds will have more oxalates than one without. Normally, products labels do not indicate whether hulls have been removed or not.

Products that made from unhulled seeds are darker and bitter than those without. A colour check and taste enquiry should be made. This issue of oxalates might be of concern to those who are supposed to avoid them due to health reasons.
Hence, the mention.

Some More Info On Sesame

• Sesame: History and Uses
  Sesame has long been associated with magical powers. It was the "password" to great treasures in the story of Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves. It's also pretty magical in cookery with lots of uses in sweet & savoury dishes. Sesame seed paste (tahin
• How to Grow Sesame Seed Plants from Shop Bought Sesame Seeds
  Have you ever wondered how to grow sesame seed plants from shop bought sesame seeds? It is good to know they will grow, and even better to know what to expect and how to take care of sesame plants.

Some of my other hubs on Healthy Foods

• Benefits Of Black Pepper And Black Pepper Corns
  Black Pepper also known as The King Of Spices is also a very good natural health spice. To know more read on.....
• Health Benefits And Uses Of Neem, Neem Oil And Neem Leaves
  Neem, the evergreen tree has amazing healing properties and each part of the plant is used for some benefit or the other. To know more, keep reading.....
• Oats And Oatmeal Health Benefits
  Oats are a nutrient dense food low in calories. Also, a bowl of oatmeal provides more than half of the daily value of omega-3 fatty acids as double the daily value for manganese. To find out many more like health benefits of oats and oatmeal, read on
• 14 Health Benefits Of Green Tea
  Green tea is the least processed of all the teas and contains the maximum concentration of beneficial polyphenols - the catechins. To know the many health benefits of green tea, read on...
• Silverbeet, Swiss Chard Or Chard And Its Health Benefits
  Swiss chard, chard, silverbeet, mangold, spinach beet are some of the many names that swiss chard is known by. This green leafy vegetable is one of the most healthy vegetables available which is a valuable addition to a healthy diet. To know more abo

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or starting a new health regime.

Does Fat Make You Fat - NO. Watch the video below

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Rajan Singh Jolly

Comments

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 02, 2014:

kumar, a tsp of ground sesame seeds can be taken per day but only in winter as it is very heating.

kumar on April 01, 2014:

for hair fall control .. you didn't mentioned how much to eat ..or how many til laddus can be eaten daily..please mention that also

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on November 22, 2012:

Thanks Peggy, I'm glad you enjoyed and gained some info too. Thanks for stopping by and the sharing too.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on November 22, 2012:

I had no idea that the flowers on the sesame plant were so beautiful nor that it was such a hearty plant and grew so tall. Enjoyed reading about the many health benefits of consuming sesame seeds. One of the snacks that my husband and I regularly have is hummus. Will think of adding sesame seeds to our salads after reading this. Up votes and sharing.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 26, 2012:

Sweetie, in the north we have til laddoos every winter. Helps to keep warm. I'm glad you like the info. Thanks for reading.

sweetie1 from India on October 25, 2012:

Rajan we always had till ke laddu but I never knew it had so many health benefits. Thanks for sharing with us.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 24, 2012:

That's great to know Michelle. Chinese food is definitely healthier. Thanks for coming by.

Michelle Liew from Singapore on October 24, 2012:

We use lots of sesame oil in Chinese cooking! Now we know how truly beneficial it is thanks to your hub! Thanks for sharing it, Rajan!

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 19, 2012:

Hi Nell,

Thanks for reading and commenting. I'm sure you will make sesame a part of your regular diet. Have a nice weekend.

Nell Rose from England on October 19, 2012:

Hi rajan, fascinating look at sesame seeds. I never realised just how healthy and useful to health they were, fantastic info, voted up! nell

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 19, 2012:

Thanks Girish, for the read and comments.

Girish puri from NCR , INDIA on October 19, 2012:

Very useful information on sesame seeds and definitely it adds my knowledge about sesame, useful hub.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 18, 2012:

@ Aurelio - Many thanks for the visit. glad you liked the info. Appreciate the votes and sharing.

@ Kris - Many thanks for the appreciative comments. Thanks also for stopping by and sharing the hub.

Kris Heeter from Indiana on October 18, 2012:

Another great and informative hub! I'm glad you shared a picture of the flowering plant (I've never seen one before!). Looking forward to sharing this one with my followers and some other friends!

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on October 18, 2012:

I actually like sesame seeds for its flavor and crunch. The fact that it offers health benefits is a nice bonus. Voting this Up and Useful. SHARED.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 18, 2012:

@ Eiddwen - thanks for your visit and comment.

@ Harsha - Glad to note you found the hub informative . Thanks for reading.

Harsha Vardhana R from Bangalore on October 16, 2012:

Thank you, Rajan.

A few snacks with Til + jaggery have always been attractive for me. Nice to know that it is good source of magnesium which is often neglected in most of the blood analysis

Voted up!

Eiddwen from Wales on October 16, 2012:

A brilliant read and thank you so much for sharing.

Eddy.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 16, 2012:

@ Nithya - thank you for the read and sharing.

@ linda - Glad to see you. Thanks for the visit.

@ DDE - thank you.

@ Mycee - thanks for the input.

Life Under Construction from Neverland on October 15, 2012:

Great hub again Rajan! I really love sesame seeds.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on October 15, 2012:

Awesome benefits thanks for sharing such valuable information!!!

Linda Crist from Central Virginia on October 15, 2012:

Wow, I sure learned a lot from this hub. I had no idea sesame seeds had so much value or so many uses. A wonderful hub. Voted up, up, and up.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on October 15, 2012:

Til seeds taste great with jaggery, I use til seeds a lot. Great hub useful and interesting. Voted up and shared.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 15, 2012:

@ vocalcoach - Thank you so much, Audrey. Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.

@ chrisinhawaii - Chris, hanks so much for your input, appreciation and passing on the hub.

@ Gypsy Rose Lee - Thanks for the visit and sharing, Rasma. Always appreciated.

@ JaimePage - Thank you for coming by.

@ ehealer - Thanks Deborah. Your input is very useful and will motivate a lot of readers. I appreciate the visit and compliments.

Deborah from Las Vegas on October 15, 2012:

Great hub Rajan, as usual your research is exhaustive. I use sesame seed oil on my skin as well. It works great on wrinkles and just as you said, it smooths rough and dry skin. Thanks for more uses that I can apply, great hub!

Jaime from New Jersey on October 15, 2012:

Thanks for the article - very informative!

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on October 15, 2012:

Another wonderful and informative hub. Now you're talking my seeds. Love these little gems. Passing this on.

chrisinhawaii on October 15, 2012:

This is such a great hub, Rajan. I'm impressed. Did you make that table listing the nutrient content yourself, as well? Excellent and very professional.

I absolutely LOVE sesame seeds on my poke (raw fish with onions and other little goodies) and in seasoning mixes like furikake...sprinkled on just about anything that has rice!

Voted up and shared! Welcome to a beautiful new week! Aloha

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on October 15, 2012:

rajan - I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your hubs on health. I save them in a special folder. Sesame seeds are so good. Thanks for sharing the many benefits. Sharing.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 15, 2012:

@ carol - Thank you. I'm glad the info has made you think of increasing its consumption. Thanks for the visit/vote/share.

@ Angelo - Good to know you will be consuming it now. Thanks for reading/apprecaiting/sharing.

Angelo52 on October 15, 2012:

Thanks for all the good information on Sesame seeds and their benefits, Rajan. It's good to know they are worth buying and good for the body.

carol stanley from Arizona on October 15, 2012:

We eat sesame seeds often. I know of the calcium content but not all the other great vitamins and minerals. Thanks as always for sharing great health information. I will seriously think about eating these little seeds more often. VotedUP and share

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 15, 2012:

Hi Bill, Thanks and have a wonderful week ahead.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 15, 2012:

Hi SommerDalton , Thank you.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on October 15, 2012:

Interesting my friend; I had never seen a sesame plant until this hub. Great information as always and very helpful.

Have a great week and keep churning out this important health information.

Sommer Dalton on October 15, 2012:

I love sesame seeds, thanks for the great hub! Voted up as always