Sesame: Health, Heart and Skin Benefits : Your online pharmacy selection

What is sesame?
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an oleaginous plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years in Africa and Asia, mainly for its nutrient-rich seeds and oil. Known for their delicate flavor and crunchy texture, sesame seeds are widely used in cooking, traditional medicine and cosmetics.

Sesame is an exceptional source of plant proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants, making it an ideal superfood for cardiovascular, bone and digestive health.

What are the benefits of sesame?
Sesame seeds offer numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium and magnesium → Promotes bone and dental health.
• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids → Protects the heart and blood vessels by regulating cholesterol.
• Powerful natural antioxidant → Contains lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) that combat cellular aging.
• Improves digestion → Thanks to its high fiber content, it promotes regular intestinal transit.
• Source of plant proteins → Ideal for vegetarians and athletes, helping to maintain muscle mass.
• Regulates blood sugar → Stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces insulin spikes.
• Strengthens hair and skin → Thanks to its oil rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it nourishes deep down.
• Anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effect → Supports liver function and helps eliminate toxins.

How to use sesame
Sesame can be consumed in various forms, depending on needs and preferences:

• Sesame seeds (natural, toasted or shelled)
• In cooking → Added to salads, breads, Asian dishes, roasted vegetables and pastries.
• In infusion or decoction → To benefit from its remineralizing properties.
• In paste form (tahini or sesame purée) → Base for hummus and oriental sauces.
• Sesame oil
• As a seasoning → Perfect for raw and cooked dishes, with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• In hair and skin care → Nourishes and protects dry hair, irritated skin and brittle nails.
• In Ayurvedic massage → Soothes stress and muscular tension.
• Sesame flour and protein
• Ideal for enriching culinary preparations → Provides a high protein and fiber content.
• Gluten-free alternative → Suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Is sesame good for cardiovascular health?
Yes, thanks to its unsaturated fatty acid and lignan content, sesame helps to:

Reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and promote good cholesterol (HDL).
Prevent arterial hypertension, by regulating blood pressure thanks to magnesium.
Improve blood circulation, protecting vessels and the heart.
Sesame oil is often recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Is sesame suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets?
Yes, sesame is a valuable ally for those following a plant-based diet:

Rich in complete proteins, it provides essential amino acids.
Source of iron and calcium, often lacking in meat- and dairy-free diets.
Easily incorporated into meals, as tahini, oil or whole seeds.

Is sesame good for hair and skin?
Yes, sesame oil is widely used in natural cosmetics:

Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Protects against external aggressors, notably the sun and pollution.
Stimulates hair growth and prevents scalp dryness.
Prevents skin aging, thanks to its powerful antioxidants.
It is often used as an anti-aging treatment, hair oil and repair balm.

What's the difference between black sesame and white sesame?
Black sesame → Richer in antioxidants and minerals, with a stronger taste.
White sesame (hulled) → Milder and easier to digest, used for tahini and Asian cooking.
Both varieties have similar benefits, but black sesame is often preferred for its medicinal virtues.

Where to buy quality sesame?
Sesame products are available in :

Organic and health food stores → Whole seeds, virgin oil, tahini.
Pharmacies and parapharmacies → Dietary supplements based on sesame proteins or cold-pressed oil.
Asian and oriental grocers → For black sesame seeds and artisanal tahini.
Boutiques specializing in natural cosmetics → Sesame oil for hair and skin care.
Choose organic, pesticide-free and unrefined products for a better concentration of nutrients.

Does sesame have any contraindications?
Although beneficial, sesame consumption should be moderated in certain cases:

Sesame allergies → It is one of the common food allergens, particularly in children.
In excess, it can cause digestive disorders → Bloating, diarrhea, due to its high fiber content.
Avoid in case of kidney stones → Contains oxalates, which can aggravate the formation of kidney stones.
Sesame oil is high in calories → Consume in moderation when on a low-calorie diet.
A balanced intake allows you to enjoy its full benefits without risk.