Sesame during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Eating sesame during pregnancy is fueling controversy between nutritionists around the world. On the one hand, spice is a storehouse of calcium and other beneficial elements. On the other hand, sesame remains a source of esters and extractive components that are difficult to tolerate. The ancient practice of Ayurveda even attributed the seeds to “hot” dishes that can create heat in the abdomen, thereby provoking a miscarriage or premature birth.

Modern medicine has not found evidence of the danger of sesame, however, it is necessary to use it in reasonable dosages and only in the absence of contraindications.

Chemical composition

Tiny seeds carry a lot of useful components for the health of mother and baby:

• vitamins of various groups (B, E, A, K, riboflavin, as well as ascorbic acid);
• organic acids;
• triglycerides;
• minerals (calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, sodium and others);
• amino acids;
• glycerol esters;
• phytin;
• dietary fiber;
• lecithin;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• sesamine and sesamol.

Sesame is most valuable in that it is a natural source of copper. Only 100 g of seeds 40% fill the need of the future mother in this rare trace element.

Sesame also contains calcium - 30% of the daily value. This trace element supports the health of the bone system and teeth of a pregnant woman, and ensures the formation of the musculoskeletal system of the embryo.

Seeds 50% fill the need of the female body for iron. Using only a couple of tablespoons of sesame per day, a woman prophylactic iron deficiency anemia, provides a synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which are important for oxygen transport.

Magnesium strengthens the health of the nervous system of the mother and the child (removes anxiety, nervousness, irritability, emotional overexcitation). It also reduces muscle contractions, helping to effectively combat uterine tone.

Sesamine and sesamol are natural antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cells, prolonging their youth. Also, these components reduce the concentration of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, due to which the blood flow to the internal organs is normalized. Antioxidants bind and remove pathological cells from the body, and prevent the onset of benign and malignant neoplasms in the female part.

Glycerin esters cleanse the blood and help gently lower blood pressure, which is important for the prevention of eclampsia. Also, essential oil is useful for diseases of the joints.

Vitamin C provides general and local immunity, the body's resistance to bacteria, infection and the common cold.

The benefits of sesame in pregnancy

What are the benefits of small seeds for the future mother and child.

1. Promotes oral health. Antioxidants, esters and calcium favorably affect the condition of teeth and gums, strengthen enamel, kill pathogenic microflora, and promote healing of the mucosa.
2. Help overcome chronic constipation. Seeds produce a mild laxative effect, soften the stool, facilitate the passage of feces without straining.
3. Improve digestion: prevent upsets and constipation, stimulate peristalsis, enhance the absorption of beneficial components.
4. Remove harmful substances from the body: free radicals, poisons, metabolites, salts, radionuclides, etc.
5. Remove excess fluid and salt from the cells, reducing swelling. Normalize the water-salt balance, due to which good blood circulation is restored.
6. They clean the kidneys due to the diuretic effect.Small stones in the kidneys and bladder are broken and excreted from the body. Normalize the frequency and volume of urination.
7. Cells regenerate, due to which rejuvenation of the whole organism occurs.
8. Provide oxygen transport to the tissues and cells of the future mother, baby. Prevent fetal hypoxia.
9. They cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol, tone and strengthen their walls. They also positively affect the work of the heart, helping to pump blood through the extra placental circle.
10. Prevention of inflammatory processes of the mammary glands and mastopathy is performed.
11. Prevent iron deficiency anemia.
12. Positive effect on the endocrine system, restoring hormonal levels. Sesame contains natural phytoestrogens.
13. Prevention of uterine fibroids, cysts, polyps and other formations that adversely affect pregnancy are carried out.
14. They reduce the depression and anxiety of the expectant mother, energize the body, improve mood.
15. Reduce uterine tone, prevent premature birth.
16. Bleeding is prevented, ensuring normal blood coagulation.
17. Excellent interrupt appetite. A handful of seeds reduces the feeling of hunger and cravings for sweets, characteristic of the "interesting position".

Sesame oil is used by pregnant women and for cosmetic purposes. When applied topically, it moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis, reducing the likelihood of stretch marks and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Thanks to the nutritional properties of a mask and cream based on sesame oil, they rejuvenate and tone the skin, reduce oily sheen, tighten pores, stimulate collagen production and increase resistance to negative environmental factors.

Features of use and harm

Many doctors do not recommend administering sesame and its oil in the first trimester of pregnancy and immediately before birth. The abundance of extracts, sulfur, vitamin C and esters can cause individual reactions, severe food allergies, up to anaphylactic shock.

Abuse of oil leads to fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can cause uterine contractions and, as a result, premature birth. With a history of unsuccessful pregnancy and miscarriages, sesame seeds are strictly prohibited.

With frequent and plentiful use of sesame, there is a risk of thrombosis, the development of varicose veins, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, which, combined with edema, will extremely complicate the woman's movement in the third trimester.

Doctors recommend eating no more than 30 grams of sesame seeds per day. Of course, then the promised daily requirements of vitamins cannot be met, but you can diversify the menu with vegetables and fruits, cereals, meat and fish products.

Also, excess dosage is fraught with weight gain, because sesame seed is high in calories and contains fatty acids.

Oriental spice is not only tasty and satisfying, but also beneficial for the health of a woman, her unborn child. Enter sesame in the menu wisely and follow the recommended dosage.

Video: healing properties of sesame seeds