Black sesame: properties and benefits of super food from India

What are the properties of black sesame? Let's find out all of them, along with the uses and any contraindications to keep in mind.

Appeared for some time also on the tables of Italians, black sesame is considered a real super food at home. Not only that, these oil seeds have been used since the dawn of time as a natural remedy to counteract various problems: from osteoporosis to bad cholesterol, passing through constipation.

Sesame: properties and benefits

Belonging to the Pedaliaceae family, black sesame is one of the oldest crops in the world. Originally from India, it was once used mainly at home, in China and Japan. Today, however, it is widely spread all over the world. It should be noted that there are three different colors of sesame on the market: white, red and black. The latter are best for extracting black sesame oil.

Rich in calcium, vitamins B and E, magnesium, iron, selenium, potassium and phosphorus, sesame seeds are also a source of omega 6 and omega 3, great allies of the cardiovascular system. Its properties , which have always been exploited by oriental medicine, are different and bring numerous benefits to the whole organism:

• strengthens bones and teeth and helps fight osteoporosis;
• prevents the appearance of tumors and heart diseases;
• treats the digestive system;
• prevents hypertension and helps keep blood pressure levels under control;
• counteracts bad cholesterol;
• fights constipation;
• strengthens the immune system;
• counteracts free radicals.

Compared to other colored varieties, black sesame has a more intense and decisive flavor , as well as crunchy and aromatic, and contains greater quantities of vitamins and minerals.

Black sesame seeds: contraindications

These special oil seeds are widely used for very tasty culinary recipes, both sweet and savory: from appetizers to first courses, passing through second courses, salads and desserts. At home they are used for everything, including as a curative remedy to combat postpartum depression. Even though they are quite tolerated by everyone, it should be noted that black sesame seeds could cause intolerances or allergies in sensitive individuals. For the rest, if consumed in not excessive quantities, they do not present particular contraindications .