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.

Bulgarian Homemade Witch Hazel Deodorant

Witch hazel makes a great deodorant and because of its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties is an ideal replacement for commercial deodorants.

This DIY recipe for witch hazel based deodorant was given to me by a friend who works in a perfume shop and of course using locally produced Rakia with a high alcohol content, the higher the better. You can use vodka if you can’t get hold of Rakia. Here is a Bulgarian homemade recipe you may want to try. It makes 100 ml of deodorant.

You need to get a range of essential oils, which can be easily bought from good health shops or online stores. When you buy stocks they last for years so it is a good investment and of course many of the oils have therapeutic benefits in their own right.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp 50% (or more) proof rakia
• 10 drops geranium oil
• 10 drops cypress oil
• 10 drops rosemary oil
• 5 drops neroli oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 40 ml witch hazel
• 25 ml rose water
• 25 ml cornflower water

Method:

1. You need a 100 ml bottle (glass) with a spray attachment to store the deodorant
2. Put the Rakia in the bottle and add the oil one at a time.
3. Give it a good shake so all the oils and alcohol have been thoroughly mixed.
4. The witch hazel should be added into the bottle then the rose and cornflower flower waters.
5. Mix well by shaking the bottle.
6. The deodorant is now prepared and ready for application.
7. You need to shake the deodorant before you apply it each time.

You will feel fresh all day and know that it is doing your skin a world of good.

Image by urtica via Flickr