A superfood for health, black sesame lowers blood pressure, moisturizes hair, and nourishes the skin.

Introduction: Black sesame, commonly known as "Hu Ma," "Zhi Ma," or "You Ma." Black sesame contains a large amount of fat and protein, as well as nutrients such as carbohydrates, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, calcium, iron, etc. Black sesame is both a medicinal and edible food, known for its effects of "nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching the five organs, replenishing essence and blood, and moistening the bowels," and is regarded as a treasured health supplement.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, black sesame is believed to tonify Qi and essence, nourish the liver and kidneys, and moisten the bowels. It can be used to treat conditions caused by deficiency of liver and kidney essence and blood, such as dizziness and blurred vision, premature graying of hair, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, limb fatigue, dry skin and brittle hair, and constipation due to dry bowels. Modern research has confirmed that the Vitamin E content in black sesame is the highest among all plant-based foods. Vitamin E promotes cell division, delays cellular aging, prevents anemia, activates brain cells, and enhances memory, thereby contributing to brain health, intelligence, and longevity.

Three benefits of black sesame:

1. Lowering Blood Pressure

The causes of hypertension are multifaceted, with a high-salt diet being a significant one. Nutrition experts recommend that daily salt intake should not exceed 6 grams per person. However, in real life, most people cannot achieve this. Therefore, a high-potassium diet is highly recommended, as one of the primary functions of potassium in the body is to promote the excretion of sodium. Black sesame is rich in potassium, with high potassium content per 100 grams but much lower sodium content. The potassium-to-sodium ratio is close to 40:1, which is crucial for controlling blood pressure and maintaining heart health.

Black Sesame Toast

 

2. Darkening and Nourishing Hair

Modern research has shown that a decrease in melanin secretion by melanocytes in hair follicles is the main cause of gray hair. A reduction in the amount of tyrosinase is one of the pathological mechanisms. Studies have found that the aqueous extract of black sesame can increase the amount of tyrosinase, thereby increasing the synthesis of melanin, allowing gray hair to turn black again.

3. Nourishing the Skin and Complexion

Research suggests that reducing free radical production, clearing aged metabolic products, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity are effective methods for slowing skin aging. The natural Vitamin E in black sesame is the highest among all plant-based foods. Vitamin E is a good antioxidant, and proper supplementation can help to moisturize the skin and maintain a youthful complexion.

Black Sesame Walnut Crisp

 

Simple Black Sesame Food Remedies

1. Sesame and Rose Cake

Ingredients: A handful of sesame, 1 rose, 1 egg, 1 bowl of flour

Method:

(1) Clean the sesame and set aside. Slice the rose petals into thin strips.

(2) Mix flour with water to form a thin batter. Add the egg and mix well. Then, add the sesame, rose petals, and salt.

(3) Heat a flat-bottomed pan with oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in the batter and spread it into a thin cake, about 0.5 cm thick.

(4) When both sides of the cake are golden brown, remove from the heat. Cut the cake into small pieces and serve on a plate.

Benefits: Regulates Qi, alleviates depression, invigorates blood to dispel stasis, and beautifies the complexion. Additionally, it can help release stagnant Qi in the body, providing a calming and soothing effect.

2. Black Sesame Paste

Ingredients: 70g black sesame, 35g glutinous rice flour, appropriate amount of white sugar, and water

Method:

(1) Rinse the black sesame and drain the water. Pour the black sesame into a dry pan and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant, then set aside. Be careful not to use high heat to avoid burning. Similarly, dry-fry the glutinous rice flour in the pan for a while and set aside.

(2) Grind the black sesame into a powder. Pour it into a small pot, add an appropriate amount of water to mix, ensuring the sesame is just covered.

(3) Place the pot on an induction cooker and heat, while stirring and gradually adding the glutinous rice flour.

(4) Once it comes to a boil, add the white sugar and stir until dissolved. Then, turn off the heat, serve, and enjoy.

Benefits: Nourishes blood, promotes lactation, and nourishes the hair. It is suitable as an adjunct treatment for hypertension, premature graying of hair, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Walnut and Black Sesame Paste

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