How many of us do not remember the fairy tale about Ali Baba and the 40 robbers from The Thousand and One Nights? The exotic of the East is concentrated in it, countless treasures in the cave and the magic words: “Sim, open!” Opening the door to the world of happiness, health and wealth. The fabulous word "sim-sim" or "sesame" in Arabic means a small oil seed - sesame. This seasoning has been known since ancient times in Egypt and China, India and Africa, as well as in the countries of the Middle East.
Sesame seed is the oldest product: the Assyrian legend says that the gods, starting to create the world, sprinkled their lips with sesame wine. Today, this miraculous healing potion is added to a wide variety of dishes and delicious pastries; from it, valuable sesame oil and tahini halva are obtained. In folk recipes, sesame seed and oil are used to treat problems with the gastrointestinal tract, circulatory, respiratory systems, gynecology, with neuralgic diseases and many other ailments.
Sesame plant belongs to the category of annuals with oblong small fruits - pods-boxes, in which the seeds ripen. Sesame seeds come in many different shades - from white, yellow, reddish and brown to black.
Ripe fruits, at the slightest touch, loudly click and sprinkle the SIM. Sesamum indicum is a tasty and healthy “medicine”.
The “rejuvenating” or sesame seed has a nutty, sweetish amber that intensifies during frying. In India, it is believed that the darkest seeds are the most fragrant.
What is more remarkable sesame seeds? The properties of the oil plant (55-60% fat) allowed the ancients to begin production of a valuable dietary product. In the age of civilization, the use of sesame oil - the champion in lowering blood cholesterol - has become very important. A hundred grams of this elixir of immortality contains up to 75% of the daily intake of copper, 35% - calcium, 31% - magnesium.
Due to the presence of natural antioxidants in sesame oil, it rejuvenates cells, regulates oxygen metabolism in body tissues and significantly strengthens the immune system. Zinc, calcium and phosphorus, contained in sesame seeds, contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis, since with their help bone formation occurs. In addition, sesame has long been a favorite among products that contain a large amount of calcium (up to one and a half grams per 100 g of SIM), iron - about 15-16 mg, magnesium - 540 mg.
Sesame seed also has a therapeutic effect in case of respiratory diseases - bronchitis, pulmonary diseases and asthma. It is recommended to consume one teaspoon of sesame seeds daily to normalize the female reproductive system. At the same time, the risk of mastopathy and other gynecological problems is reduced.
The Chinese consider sesame seed a means of strengthening and maintaining the fighting spirit of warriors. Ayurveda offers
sesame oil as a unique product for the treatment of skin diseases, and in love magic as a powerful aphrodisiac.
In cosmetology, universal sesame oil is used in face and body care. Due to its softening and moisturizing properties, it nourishes the dermis, reduces the risk of dryness and irritation. Known for the ability of this "liquid gold" to reliably protect our skin from negative external influences. Sesame oil is used both in pure form and as a life-giving component of many cosmetics.
In cooking, sesame is often used to sprinkle bread, cookies, rolls and pies. The Japanese cover traditional cakes with a layer of sesame seeds. Sim-sim is added to the breading when frying pieces of fish, meat or vegetables. It also gives an exquisite taste to various salads.
However, nutritionists warn: no matter how healthy and nutritious sesame seeds, its calorie content is almost equal to the calorie content of milk chocolate. If this delicacy has 550 kcal per 100 g of product, then the same amount of sesame will bring 560-580 kcal to the body. Therefore, adherents of a healthy lifestyle prefer to confine themselves to one teaspoon of Sim Sim seeds per day, no more.
Sesame oil and seeds added to food not only improve the taste of food, but also bring significant benefits to your health.