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Black Sesame Seed is a very popular diet therapy food for the TCM and Traditional Chinese culture. In the shops and in restaurants you can buy many products or foods with Black Sesame Seeds, such as Black Sesame cake, Black Sesame porridge, Black Sesame sweets. Black Sesame Seed is even found in some Traditional Chinese Herbal formulas.
Black sesame seeds connect with the Kidney and Large Intestine system in the TCM theory. Kidney system govern bones, hair, reproduction and concentration power in mind while the Large Intestine works in emptying waste and absorbing Water energy . They function to tonify Yin energy and blood, moisten the intestines, and help build the spirit, or shen.
Research on black sesame seeds
Sesame consumption produces reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.1
Studies on sesame seeds report a reduction of oxidative stress markers and lipid peroxidation.2
The Benefits of Black Sesame Seed
Anti-aging with Nourishing & Balancing energies Many Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine books mention Black Sesame Seed is very good for the middle and older age group. It can increase energy, tonify the brain and slow aging. Regularly eating certain amounts of Black Sesame Seed can help to reduce and prevent the following symptoms: low back ache, painful or tight and stiff joints, weakness in the joints and constipation.
Reverse Greying & Promote Healthy Hair In traditional Chinese Medicine black sesame seeds are considered as one of the best anti-aging foods. Along with nourishing the scalp and stimulating hair growth, black sesame seeds can promote melanocyte activity to produce melanin – the pigment responsible for hair and skin colour.
Encourages Bone Health Sesame seeds are a good source of bone-forming minerals (calcium, phosphorous, magnesium). One tablespoon of unhulled seeds contain about 88mg of calcium, more than a glass of milk. Plus the high zinc content increases bone mineral density.
Helps you sleep Better Yin energy represents calming, night, cooling power. People suffers from insomnia are often regarded as weak Yin energy. Sesame contain the stress-relieving minerals magnesium and calcium. It also contains amino acid tryptophan that helps produce serotonin, which assists moods and helps you sleep better by restoring the normal sleep pattern. [Read more about tips for good sleep]
Skin beautifying Chinese Medicine considers the hair and skin to be an external example of the body’s internal state of health. For example, the hair is nourished by the Blood and the skin receives moisture from the body’s Yin. When the Yin and the Blood are deficient, it will affect the hair and the skin. [Read how to achieve younger-looking skin]
Soften stool Black sesame is good source of healthy fats which TCM consider as Yin energy. Sesame seeds make great home remedies for constipation, according to a study published in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology3. The oily composition of sesame seeds works to moisturize the intestines, which can help if dry stools are a problem and provide constipation relief. [Read more about TCM dietary advice]
How to Cook Black Sesame
Put 3 cups of Sesame Seed in a blender and blend into powder form. To make the flavour better, gently pan fry a quarter of the black sesame. Do not over fry them because it would destroy the good oil.
Use a saucepan and put water to the level covering the blended black sesame then cook slowly on low heat with regular stirring for 30 minutes. You can also put some blended walnut for a richer taste. Add some flour or blender rice to make the paste thicker. Season with brown sugar or salt according to your preference.
Cool the Black Sesame paste, store in a container and regrifrate it. Eat 3 teaspoons of the cooked Black Sesame Seed every 1-2 day. It can be added to your porridge, salad, pancakes, drinks or other foods as you like.
If you like to bake your own bread, biscuits or cakes, you can add 2 tablespoons of raw Black Sesame Seeds to the mixture to be baked together.
Precautions
If you have diarrhea avoid eating Black Sesame Seeds.
If you are not sure whether or not Black Sesame Seed is suitable for you, ask your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Reference:
Khosravi-Boroujeni H, Nikbakht E, Natanelov E, Khalesi S (2017). "Can sesame consumption improve blood pressure? A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials". Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 97 (10): 3087–3094. doi:10.1002/jsfa.8361.
Gouveia Lde A, Cardoso CA, de Oliveira GM, Rosa G, Moreira AS (2016). "Effects of the Intake of Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) and Derivatives on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review". Journal of Medicinal Food. 19 (4): 337–345. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0075.
Hisham Mohamed Osman Ibrahim (2019). “A Novel Treatment for Constipation by Sesame Seeds”. International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)