The Unknown Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Unbeknown to many, the simple sesame seed holds many secrets to good health and well-being. Not only are sesame seeds an excellent source of copper and a very good source of manganese. They are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and dietary fiber. All these make a big difference to your health if part of a balance diet.

Not many people know that sesame seed oil can also help keep a healthy heart by preventing atherosclerotic lesions with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound known as sesamol. 

If you are confused regarding the difference between black and  white sesame seeds let me explain. Black seeds have their shells intact, the white seeds have their shells removed. Black sesame seeds are more flavourful with stronger aroma than the unshelled white.

  

Sesame oil, which is extracted from sesame seeds and used extensively in the skin care industry throughout the world The oil is gentle on the skin and give an array of benefits to the skin including eliminating acne. It compounds within contain vitamins A and E and polyunsaturated fats that help improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging. 

You often see sesame snack in shops. Basically sesame seeds bound together with honey/sugar. you are led to belief these are healthy but because they contain a lot of fat, sesame sticks are also relatively high in calories Although most of the fat found in sesame seeds is heart-healthy unsaturated fat. If you can't resist one and I love them, it is important to eat small amounts to keep your calorie intake under control. 

The sesame oil is rich in antioxidants, hence they are easily absorbed into the skin, nourishes it from deep inside and promotes skin softness. Here is a way to get the benefits to your skin from these humble but effective sesame oil.

For some people sesame oil brings an overwhelmingly strong smell, to get rid of this simply mix it with olive or almond oil this will moderate the scent. You can also mix sesame oil with turmeric. Apply the solution 10 minutes before taking hot bath. If you use this on daily the result is a fantastic glowing skin.

Cinnamon And Cayenne Pepper - An Effective Way to Warm Hands and Feet

How many times have you been in pain from cold feet or hands, despite wearing decent sock and gloves. Being a cyclist all year round this is a big issue personally with wind chill factor combined with bad blood circulation - a combination of extreme discomfort. For many other people without bike this issue is quite common.

What can you do about it?

Cayenne Pepper

Well there are two spices that can help considerably in this problem. It has been tried and trusted by myself and works well. It may seem quite a stronge thing to do, but the benefits are great.

Cinnamon

Ground Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper combined may a perfect compound to sprinkle inside your socks and/or gloves which which will combat the coldness by stimulating and therefore improve blood circulation. With increased blood circulation the body will generate a natural effective warmth from within. This means there is no need for external hand or feet heater gadgets that are on the market. and add the cost into the equation there it the answer.

Get Rid of Coughs With Thyme

A cough is the most annoying thing, it won't go away. Most people just go for an over the counter cough mixture which works but what else is being put in your body, does can make you drowsy and not least THE COST!?

There is an alternative herbal remedy. Purely natural with no additives or preservatives. This is not an old wives' tale but scientifically tested.

If you have upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, or whooping cough this herb can make a difference an put you back on the healthy road again. Thyme has hundreds of minute leaves, these have curing qualities as each leaf's has a compound with cough-suppressant. The inflamed tracheal and ileal muscles are key elements that cause coughs, the flavonoids contained with the thyme leaves relax both these muscles essentially having an anti inflammatory affect. 

There is a bonus with this most natural remedy, it also cures headaches with the same anti inflammatory effect. 

In addition to the positive effects being tested and approved thyme is an officially approved German cough treatment and we know how serious the Germans are.

To administer and intake the cure it can me taken as a simple cup of herbal homemade tea. Recipe given here although you've probably guessed how it is made already it is so simple. (And cheap.)

Ingredients 
2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried crushed thyme leaves
1 cup boiling water

Method
Mix both ingredients cover, wait ten minutes, strain and drink. 
(You can add a little honey if you have a sweet tooth)

Birdseye Chillies - Very Hot But Not The Hottest

The African Birdseye Chile is also known as the African Devil, Mombassa Chilli, African Chilli or Zanzibar Chilli. The Birdseye Chilli is a close relative of the fiery hot tabasco chilli. It has been grown in the African wild for many generations, but now in modern times it is grown and commercially harvested in Australia, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

The African Birdseye chilli leads to a blunt point and are usually between 1 cm. and 2.5 cm. in length. The young fruits are initially green and the chilli turns a bright red when fully ripe.  

The Birdseye Chilli from Uganda, is believed by many to be the hottest chilli outside the legendary category of the C. Chinense species. It registers between 100,000 - 225,000 on the Scoville Heat Scale. These high and potent heat levels give good reason for them to be harvested and processed for commercial and used as a pepper extract. It takes around 350 chillies to make 30 grams of the extract.

With the clean flavour although lacking the character and complexities of more popular chillies, it has been compared to have undertones of dry hay with a distinct bite. 

Caution should be made when handling these peppers due to their heat. Ensure you wash your hands after handling and not rub your eyes or nose as this would lead to irritation. You will find this chilli common place as an ingredient in various soups, stews, chicken dishes and with no surprise, hot sauces!  

The African Birdseye Chile is definitely a hot chilli, but nowhere near the hottest which is registered by the Carolina Reaper. At 1,500,000 - 2,200,000 on the Scoville Heat Scale is the hottest pepper in the world.

Back in Bulgaria - The Herb Oasis!

I am now back living in Bulgaria an oasis for herbs. The passion for using and finding out about new herbs and remedies for illnesses has come back s you cannot ignore what is around you here.

Once I have unpacked my bags and settled in my home I will add to the posts already published on the site.