Black sesame seeds are very nutritious and are often eaten for health benefits. However, they are also added to shampoos and soaps due to the benefits they provide. This article will explore the benefits of using black sesame seeds on gray hair.
Research suggests that black sesame seeds may help combat gray hair due to high levels of nutrients and antioxidants that fight cell damage which can cause aging. Therefore, black sesame seeds can be consumed or used as a topical ingredient in order to combat gray hair.
Why Are Black Sesame Seeds Good For Hair?
Black sesame seeds are small black seeds rich in oil, which are held in high esteem by traditional Chinese and Ayudervic medicine for their anti-aging properties and antioxidant content.
They come from the Sesamum indicum plant and have been cultivated for centuries.
Sesame seeds come in a variety of colors including black, red, brown, and tan and they all have a similar nutritional profile.
Black sesame seeds are brimming with nutrients known to promote healthy skin and hair.
Regular consumption of these ingenious little seeds provides us with copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B1, amino acids, selenium, and antioxidants. These are vital for a nourished scalp and hair.
Furthermore, they promote healthy hair growth and help stimulate strong hair full of vitality.
Are Black Sesame Seeds Good For Gray Hair?
Studies suggest that the antioxidants found in black sesame seeds can help combat damage to cells in your body which causes gray hair, hair loss, and wrinkles.
These antioxidants include sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol and have many anti-aging benefits.
Applying creams, oils, and hair masks with black sesame seeds as an ingredient can therefore be beneficial for fighting the signs of gray hair.
As well as this, a regular tablespoon of black sesame seeds as part of your diet could help combat the problem.
Another benefit of black sesame seeds is that they contain nutrients that are nourishing for the scalp.
These nutrients boost the activity of melanocytes to produce melanin which is the pigment in your hair that determines hair color. So, in theory, they can help maintain our natural hair color.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, hair and skin are considered to be an external reflection of the body’s internal state of health.
It is thought that the hair is nourished by the blood and the skin is moisturized from the body’s Yin.
When the Yin is adversely affected it is believed to cause dry or itchy skin. Hair loss and grey hair can be a result of the blood being deficient.
Black sesame seeds provide nourishment for the organs of the body, the blood, and the Yin. This in turn brings nutrition to the hair and skin.
So while these little seeds of goodness may not be able to reverse the signs of aging, they can be used as a preventative measure.
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How To Use Black Sesame Seeds For Gray Hair
There are two ways you can benefit from adding black sesame seeds to your hair care routine: Through diet or applied topically.
Add Sesame Seeds To Your Diet
Black sesame seeds have a rich nutty flavor and an exceptionally high oil content. They are widely available at grocery stores or can be purchased online.
Culinarily speaking, black sesame seeds are extremely versatile, and here’s a few ways to add them to your diet:
- Sprinkle onto dishes such as salads, soups, vegetables, rice and noodles. You may want to dry roast the seeds slightly to bring out the flavour.
- Bake into bread and other baked goods. in India for example, black sesame seeds are used to make a traditional sweet dish known as Til Ke Laddu
- Use in milk or process into tahini paste
- Add to soups
- Eat the seeds on their own as a snack
Black sesame seed oil can be used as you would use any other oil in cooking, baking, or dressings. Black sesame seed extract is also available as a supplement in capsule form.
Soaking and roasting the black sesame seeds can help the body to better absorb certain nutrients. This also improves the flavor of the seeds and makes them easier to digest.
How Much To Eat
To achieve the greatest impact, it is recommended that you eat 10-15 grams of black sesame seeds daily, or one level tablespoon.
Allergy Awareness
Be aware of any allergic reactions to black sesame seeds. This can manifest as diarrhea or fever. If this occurs, stop eating black sesame seeds.
Apply Sesame Seeds Topically
The other way to enjoy the benefits of black sesame seeds for gray hair is to incorporate them into your hair care routine.
Combine sesame seeds or sesame oil with natural ingredients like aloe vera, yogurt, or oil to create your very own DIY hair products.
As A Hair mask
- Mix half a cup of sesame seeds with 4 tbsp of yoghurt and 1 tbsp of honey.
- Apply to hair and leave for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and use your favourite conditioner.
As A Sealant
It’s great to use oils as a sealant to protect against environmental or heat styling damage. This is also great if you color your gray hair on a regular basis.
- Simply mix 1 tbsp of sesame oil with 3 tbsp of coconut oil and warm up in a microwave or sauce pan. Be careful to not apply oil when hot! The oil should be allowed to cool before using.
- Apply to hair either before shampooing (this is called a pre-poo) and coloring or use after conditioning or coloring as a protective layer.
- Add essential oils for fragrance if you like.
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How To Store Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds should be stored in an airtight container and in a cool dark place. This avoids them becoming bitter and rancid.
Other Health Benefits Of Black Sesame Seeds
It’s not only hair that can benefit from the nutritionally rich black sesame seeds. Below are some of the other health benefits which can be enjoyed courtesy of black sesame seeds.
Better Sleep
The stress-busting minerals, magnesium, and calcium are found in black sesame seeds. On top of this, it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that produces serotonin.
This promotes better sleep by restoring the normal sleep pattern through assisting moods.
Promotes Bone Health
Black sesame seeds contain calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. These minerals are an excellent source of bone-forming minerals.
A spoonful of the seeds unhulled contains approximately 88 mg of calcium which is more than a glass of milk. Added to this, the seeds have a high zinc content which increases bone mineral density.
Replenishes Skin
Black sesame seed oil contains oleic acid which softens skin and has cell regenerating properties. It also prevents moisture loss in skin.
The seeds are also bursting with phytosterols which are beneficial for reducing redness and itching and helps weather-damaged skin.
Liver Protection
Black sesame seeds promote healthy liver function as a result of the antioxidants. They help protect the liver from oxidative damage.
Arthritis Relief
The swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis can be alleviated by the high copper content found in black sesame seeds.
Furthermore, copper supports flexibility in joints and bone health.
Cancer Prevention
Black sesame seeds contain phytic acid, magnesium, and phytosterols which are anti-cancer compounds.
The phytosterol content is exceptionally high when compared with other nuts and seeds commonly consumed.
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Improves Cardiovascular Health
The lignans (sesamin and sesamolin) found in black sesame seeds are thought to reduce levels of blood cholesterol and stabilize blood pressure.
Furthermore, they contain magnesium and calcium which are important essential minerals that help regulate blood pressure.
Alleviates Oxidative Stress
Black sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants which can help reduce oxidative stress. Long-term oxidative stress can contribute to the development of certain chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Help Anemia Sufferers
Black sesame seeds are highly recommended for those suffering from anemia due to their high iron content.
Prevents Asthma
Black sesame seeds contain the mineral magnesium which can help reduce airway spasms in people with asthma.
Good For Eyesight
In Chinese Medicine, the belief is held that eye health is closely related to liver health.
When the liver is adversely affected, eyes may become dry and tired, and even the vision can become blurry. Black sesame seeds nourish the liver, which in turn promote good eye health.
To conclude, black sesame seeds are versatile seeds brimming with nutrients and antioxidants. Their nutritional profile means they can be used to combat the emergence of gray hair by nourishing the body from the inside out.
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