Today I would like to share the healing power of Sesame (Ellu in Tamil). Sesame seed and oil are being used in India for several thousand years. But nowadays sesame oil is making rare appearance in Indian kitchen. People have started using sunflower, safflower, corn and canola oil fearing sesame oil might increase cholesterol and weight gain. Before discussing whether these oils are really good as advertised, for now, lets find out whether sesame oil really increases your cholesterol and weight.
Sesame seed is one of the most powerful healing food on earth. It is used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Chinese medicines. It is a known fact that any allopathy medicine will adversely affect our Liver which is called Hepatotoxicity. Sesame seed helps in relieving the epidemic of liver damage from these drugs. That doesn't mean, people can happily take allopathy medicine and sesame oil to compensate :) It is always recommended to stay away from modern medicine whenever possible as I mentioned in one of my earlier articles on how our body can heal itself when fed natural foods.
Here are some amazing benefits of Sesame.
- Anti-cancerous
- Lowers blood sugar
- Lowers Cholesterol
- Immune booster
- Anti-thrombotic
- Anti-ageing
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-depressant
They are a good source of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, Vit B1, Omega-3 fatty acids and Zinc. Sesame oil directly inhibit atherosclerosis lesion formation (build up of plaque in arteries). Sesamol Lignan present in sesame kills the cancer cells and stops cancer growth. Sesame seed ranks highest in cholesterol lowering phytosterols compared to all nuts and seeds. It helps in normalizing blood pressure levels. They have a very low Glycemic Index. Sesame seeds enhance absorption and improves metabolism of bone tissue and also enhances shukra dhatu - the reproductive tissue. Recent research says that black sesame seeds have properties that promote regeneration of brain cells and fights cancer.
According to Ayurvedic Shastras, Sesame seeds give stamina, good for hair, teeth and skin when used externally or internally. It is well known that Sesame oil is very good for Abyanga (whole body oil massage) and oil pulling. Weekly Abyanga with warm sesame oil(with cumin or black pepper or ajwain based on your body type) lubricates your joints, improves circulation, calms the nerves, enhances vision, softens skin, imparts a firmness to the limbs and boosts immunity. Sesame oil helps in relieving antibiotic-induced kidney damage. It also protects against myocardial infraction and helps in decreasing lung edema and injury.
Do you have a sweet tooth kid at home? Give them homemade Sesame Chikki (Sesame seed + Jaggery), a healthy traditional Indian snack. For some variation, you can include dry rose petals (cooling), cardamom(to digest protein), fennel seeds (digestive), dry ginger (heating) or black pepper (heating) suitable to your body type. Remember that Jaggery in large amount increases Pitta (body heat) and also increases pathogenic organism. Even though sesame seeds will act against these pathogens, please listen to your body's need and add the necessary spices accordingly. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds onto your veggies and enjoy its flavor. Sesame pacifies Vata but increases Pitta and Kapha. To counter-balance this effect, using sesame with proper combination will become balancing and beneficial.
Now you know the benefits of our traditional sesame seed and oil. Its time for you to decide whether you really need sunflower/ safflower/ canola/ corn oil or any other genetically modified oil available in the market.
Drug companies and doctors are unnecessarily creating fear among people about the usage of oil and its link with heart disease, cholesterol, obesity etc. People are running away if they are offered any food made with sesame or coconut oil or ghee due to fear. People are not to be blamed. Repeated advertisements on not-so-beneficial oils make people think that only these oil should be consumed for good health. Unfortunately that's wrong. One thing must be kept in mind - intake of bad oil or excess intake of good oil will cause trouble to your body. Enjoy good oils which were used by our ancestors and give your body gentle tasks everyday to digest better. Please don't worry about cholesterol or whatever fancy diseases the doctors name. Your body doctor will take care of it.
Nowadays, in India as well as in US, organic oils are available at reasonable price. Look for cold pressed unrefined organic sesame oil (Chekku ennai in Tamil) and include it in your diet in moderate amount and in an appropriate balancing combination. Your whole body will bless you.
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