Do you know why sesame seeds are considered auspicious in Hinduism and used in Hindu rituals?
According to Hindu religion sesame seeds are believed to have a higher capacity to absorb spiritual purity and removes spiritually impurity. Sesame seeds are a symbol of immortality in the Hindu religion, and sesame oil plays a key role in the ancient Ayurvedic system of health and natural healing. These seeds were mentioned in early Hindu legends.
From India, sesame seeds were introduced throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Sesame seeds came to the United States from Africa during the late 17th century.
At present, India, China and Mexico are the largest commercial producers of sesame seeds.
Appearance and flavor
Sesame seeds are tiny, flat oval seeds with a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible crunch. They come in different colors, depending upon the variety, including white, yellow, black and red. Forty to 60 percent of the seed is oil—including lots of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (the same type as in olive oil). Sesame seeds are highly valued for their high content of sesame oil, an oil that is very resistant to rancidity.
Health benefits
1. Sesame oil is extensively used in Oil Pulling (Kavala Graha in Ayurveda)
Oil Pulling originated thousands of years back in India. The idea behind this Ayurvedic oil pulling is that oil is whooshed (Kavala Graha in Ayurveda) or held in the mouth for some time. Starting with few mins to 20 mins. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique which is followed for promoting oral health and removing plaque. A tablespoon of oil is taken on an empty stomach and swished around in the mouth for 20 minutes and then spat out. It is believed to remove toxins from the body. Sesame oil is commonly used for this practice because of its medicinal properties.
Benefits of Oil-Pulling:
· You can get rid of your bad breath It removes the bacteria which is the main reason for tooth decay.
· It reduces the presence of plaques which is important for healthy teeth and gums. Even the gingivitis and periodontists disease is cured.
· It reduces the dental cavities.
· It stimulates the lymphatic system and removes the toxins from the vital organs.
· It helps in whitening of the teeth. The oil contains natural antibiotic and antiviral properties which clean your teeth and keeps then whitish.
· It helps to get clearer skin as blood becomes cleaner without any toxic and waste content. By oil pulling, even rashes and scars are reduced.
Digestion is improved, and many stomach and digestive problems are solved.
These are just few of the benefits of oil pulling…. There were so many that I have to stop writing
2. If your kid is choosing the sesame bagel instead of plain one, he is making a smart choice…. literally
Sesame seeds are exceptional for brain health. Since they are good sources of vitamin E and higher levels of vitamin E means with less cognitive decline as you get older.
Sesame seeds are a rich source of the amino acid tyrosine, which is used to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for keeping the brain alert and memory sharp. Sesame seeds also are rich in zinc, magnesium and vitamin B-6, other nutrients involved in memory function.
3. Skin & Hair Care
In Ayurveda, sesame oil is valued for its medicinal properties. It is said to be good for the skin, and often used for massages as it penetrates deep into the skin to provide nourishment and helps relieve stress. It is considered to be good for the hair as well, and also used as a carrier oil for different cosmetics. Sesame seeds contain high levels of zinc, a vital component in the formation of collagen, which strengthens the muscle tissue, hair, and skin. Also, sesame seed oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of burns and marks on the skin, as well as signs of premature aging.
Uses of sesame seeds
· Sesame seeds can be added to almost anything including salads, stir fries, soups, and baked goods.
· Sesame seeds are very commonly used as a topping for breads, biscuits, buns, and bagels.
· Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seed, is used as a dip and spread, and goes with the deep-fried chickpea patty called a falafel, and the seasoned eggplant dish called baba ghanoush.
· Hummus -is mashed chickpeas made with tahini, olive oil, and spices.
· Japanese cuisine also uses white seeds to flavor teriyaki and black and white seeds in sushi.
· Shichimi is a popular sesame-based spice blend and a common Japanese table condiment.
· In both Japan and China, sesame seeds are ground into a paste and served over noodles.
· In Mexico, sesame seeds are used frequently in mole recipes, complex sauces that are the hallmark of many regional cuisines.
Home remedies
1. Chew some sesame seeds before going to bed - It helps control bladder so excellent help for kids with bed wetting or even with older adults who might have issues with bladder control.
2. Chew (preferably black) sesame seeds first thing early morning, this is excellent for all dental health.
3. Skin and hair - Massage skin and hair with sesame oil, once a week.
4. Boil black sesame seeds, Indian basil and ginger in water. Drink this water everyday to get rid of cold, dry cough and mucus.
5. For irregular periods, cramping and painful period, boil sesame seeds in water and drink this water twice a day.
6. For arthritis and joint pain mix turmeric, fenugreek seeds, dry ginger, sesame seeds and ashwagandha. Make powder and eat twice a day. This also helps reduce uric acid levels.