Today's food in the 'Winter Superfood' series is grandma's favorite Sesame.
You must have eaten a lot of laddus made of sesame and jaggery in winter. It also has special significance in the winter festivals of Makar Sankranti and Sakta Choth. Sesame is actually a winter superfood.
Sesame products are as tasty as they are good for health. Sesame seeds contain nutrients like protein, vitamins and omega 6. It is also a good source of minerals like iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Sesame seeds are hot in nature, so eating them in winter keeps the body warm. It is very beneficial for heart and brain health. This strengthens bones and improves digestion.
So, today' Winter Superfood ' In the series we will talk about Sesame. You will also learn that-
- What nutrients does it contain?
- What diseases can it reduce the risk of?
- Can eating sesame cause abortion? Grandma and Nani make Sesame Ladoo Even today grandmother or nanny makes delicious laddus of sesame seeds and jaggery in winter. It keeps the body warm and also provides the body with plenty of nutrients. The special thing about sesame is that its nutritional density is very high. This means that it contains a lot of nutrients even in very small amounts.
What is the nutritional value of sesame, see in the graphic:
Sesame seeds contain many minerals Sesame seeds are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. It also contains vitamin B6. Let's see in the graphic how many minerals the body needs every day by eating sesame seeds.
Eating sesame seeds is beneficial for health Most of the items present in the Indian kitchen are very beneficial for our health. Cures of many diseases are hidden in the grains and spices kept in our kitchen. Similarly, sesame is also very beneficial for the body.
Sesame contains magnesium which keeps blood pressure under control. Sesame seeds can be very beneficial for people suffering from hypertension. Bones become strong due to the presence of calcium. It also protects against the risk of anemia. What are the other benefits of eating sesame seeds, see in the graphic:
Bones become strong Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. These nutrients are essential for strengthening bones. Apart from this, sesame seeds remove inflammation. So eating sesame seeds relieves joint pain and inflammation.
Improves digestive health Digestive and constipation problems are on the rise all over the world due to busy lifestyles. The fiber present in sesame makes digestion easier. Consuming it relieves problems like constipation and indigestion.
Improves heart health Eating sesame seeds helps in controlling hypertension and high blood sugar. Apart from this, triglycerides and cholesterol levels are also reduced. High BP, high cholesterol levels and triglycerides are responsible for most heart diseases. Keeping it under control leads to good heart health.
Some common questions related to Sesame and their answers
Question: What is the right time and way to eat sesame seeds? Answer: You can eat sesame at any time of the day. However, eating it at different times can have different benefits. If sesame seeds are eaten in the morning, the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium, iron and magnesium becomes easier. Quality sleep can be improved if eaten before bed as sesame seeds are rich in tryptophan. Sesame seeds help digestion if eaten with meals in the evening.
It can be eaten as a ladle with jaggery. Sesame oil is also beneficial. It can be eaten without mixing it with anything.
Question: Can eating sesame cause allergy? Answer: Yes, of course it is possible. Just as eating peanuts and almonds can cause allergies, eating sesame seeds can also cause allergies. Sesame is the 9th most allergenic food in the world. It contains 2S albumin protein and amino acids. Our immune system can overreact with these proteins. Due to this, allergic reactions occur. Eating sesame seeds can cause nausea, itching or difficulty breathing. If you have any such allergy, stop eating sesame seeds immediately and consult a doctor.
Question: Does eating sesame cause miscarriage? Answer: No, this is not true. There is no scientific evidence for this. The truth is that sesame seeds contain essential nutrients like iron, protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are beneficial for the health of both mother and child. However, doctors generally advise women not to eat sesame in the first trimester of pregnancy as it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Question: Does eating sesame cause hair loss? Answer: No, this is not true. On the contrary, sesame prevents hair loss and helps in its growth. The omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids present in sesame seeds improve blood circulation in the scalp. It provides nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots. Sesame seeds are rich in copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, vitamin B1 and magnesium. It keeps the scalp healthy and reduces hair fall.
Question: Can eating sesame cause any side effects? Answer: People who are allergic to sesame may experience vomiting and difficulty breathing. It can cause constipation and appendix pain. Sesame seeds contain the psychoactive compound THC. This can be known when a drug test is done. Therefore, most professional sports persons avoid eating sesame seeds.
Question: Who should not eat sesame seeds? Answer: These people should not eat sesame seeds.
- Those who are allergic to sesame seeds.
- Whose skin is very sensitive.
- People who have low BP or low blood sugar problem.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
