sesame seeds during pregnancy

[Guest guest]

Namaste, all -

I have heard that it's best to avoid sesame during pregnancy. Is

this true, and if so, why? If I'm trying to get pregnant, should I

stop all usage of sesame products, including using sesame oil

for self-massage? Or just ingesting?

Blessings,

Connie

[Guest guest]

Can't say I ever saw it on the label, and I am a label reader!! If most

products state, do not take if Pregnant or planning to become pregnant, I won't

take it. No, I am not and never will be, but I figure if it isn't safe for the

baby, it isn't safe for me!! Doesn't China use a lot sesame in their diets

They seem to be doing fine.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Dear Connie,

Seasame seeds come in two varieties: light brwonish

and black. Both contain adequate energy (Calories), so

that can be taken in winter to keep vigor. Regulates

irregular/inadequate menses when taken properly, due

to its harmone balancing tendencies. On the other

hand, it is also used (along with other herbs) to stop

premature bleeding of a pregnant lady which sometimes

occurs in a little quantity, especially towards

beginning and end of pregnancy.

 

The seasame oil is vata pacifier when used in massage.

Considered good cooking medium in coastal climate,

reducing acidity related problems. However, despite

all desirable qualities, it would be best to avoid

taking sesame seeds or oil in excess during pregnancy.

Ayurveda recommends country cow ghee (rich source of

vitamins) rather. Excess of anything is undesirable.

 

If you are desiring pregnancy, please use ayurvedic

Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid supplimentary tabs rather

than allopathic tablets/capsules. The allopathic ones

get washed out through kidney mostly, and burden it.

 

Dr. Bhate

[Guest guest]

Yes, but I am speaking Ayurvedically, Bonnie. In Ayurveda, there seems to be a

different perception of the actions of certain foods that we don't even think

about in the West.

Blessings,

Connie

[Guest guest]

sesame in any regular dose is safe in pregnancy. Try to get fresh,

unhulled seeds as most other products will be rancid, which is to be

avoided in all cases, not just pregnancy.

 

traditionally, warming foods like tila are contraindic in pregnancy,

and although I don't have any specific Ayurvedic references on hand,

sesame certainly lacks any teratogenic effects and from a scientific

perspective is completely safe, and a good source of nutrients to boot

[Guest guest]

Oh my, then please explain. This is why I joined the group, in order to get a

better understanding of how Ayurveda works. I do have some products, by

Planetary, but would like to know I am taking in good things.

Bon

[Guest guest]

Namaste Connie,

I am new to the group and your question about sesame seeds was the

first I saw. It intrigued me, so I did some investigation and got

some of the old brain cells working and came up with a possible

answer for you.

It seems there are pros and cons for the use of sesame

products during pregnancy.

The first reference for the pros I came up with was from "

Swiss Nature Doctor" by Dr. h.c. A. Vogel, 1980.

 

" These little oil-containing seeds of the subtropical

sesame plant ……… contain an abundance of minerals such as iron,

potassium and are particularly high in calcium. Vitamins A and B are

represented as well as protein and carbohydrates. If your body lacks

phosphorus, sesame seeds have an ample supply…………

The highly unsaturated fatty acids are easily assimilated by the

cells and thus, oil of sesame finds excellent use in cooking and as

salad oil. The same fatty acids also supply the body with oxygen

necessary for the combustion of calorific foods and contribute to

proper elimination.

Sesame seeds will be found useful in combating constipation,

suppurations, crusta lactaea, eczema and even tumours, as they form

defensive substances in the body. They strengthen the nerves,

stimulate the heart muscle action and, because of their Vitamin E

content, can be taken with assurance during pregnancy."

 

This was the only reference I could find in my private

reference books that speaks specifically of pregnancy, but it is a

bit old and so much has been found in the field of nutrition in

recent years.

One reference I found on the net at the URL given below actually

recommends the use of sesame in pregnancy. Take a look at this site

as it speaks of "Nutrition in Pregnancy: The Best for You and

Your

Baby."

 

Another good recommendation on "Guidelines for Good Health

during

Pregnancy", URL below, also proposes the use of sesame seeds in

pregnancy. Note, if you see "Tahini" spoken of, this is a

paste made

from sesame seeds used in eastern Mediterranean and middle eastern

countries as a spread and a flavouring.

 

Further references of interest from the net are : -

 

There were a few references that appeared to be a cons, but

the following was rather vague, referring to cell growth: -

"Sesame seed oil is a cell growth regulator and slows down

cell growth and replication."

There was no allegation as to what component makes it a cell

growth regulator. Other parts of the article are very positive.

I also found an allergy warning connected to sesame seed.

This should not affect a foetus, however, as the foetus should be

dependant on the immune system of the mother, and unless she is

allergic to sesame seed, the foetus should not be affected.

 

From my own experience as a pharmacist, I have spent the

last almost 20 years researching the use of nutrition for the

purpose of healing or prevention of disease. I joined this group to

learn more about Ayurveda.

In the past I have recommended that pregnant mothers should use

seeds in their diet, including sesame for the supply of minerals it

gives, especially calcium which is so necessary for foetal

development.

With reference to the use of sesame oil for massage I found

that it should be used in a 1 in 10 dilution with a carrier oil such

as almond oil ( The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood). This

is not only so that it is not so heavy, but also to dilute the

active principles. It also depends on which sesame oil you use.

Black sesame oil is more potent in the main constituents, which I

believe are two lignanes, sesamin and sesamolin. From these two

components two phenolic antioxidants, sesamol and sesaminol, are

formed during refinement. I have assumed (and I stand corrected if I

am incorrect and someone can put me right) that these antioxidants

are the active ingredients required for massage therapy for stress

management and migraine treatment.

Concerning massage therapy, a couple of years ago I had the

pleasure of association with Dr Rajin Kupan, an Ayurvedic

practitioner from Durban, South Africa. I recall him speaking of

massage with black sesame oil and that it should not be used during

pregnancy. Regrettably, he did not elaborate on why.

With my normal curiosity for unanswered questions I set out

to find out why. At the URL that I have listed below I found some

startling information, which suggests you should not use sesame of

any sort in the first trimester of pregnancy.

[url="http://www.indiangyan.com/books/healthbooks/food_that_heal/sesame_see"]See `Abortion'

 

To conclude, you will surely agree that the evidence and

advice is conflicting. If I were to make any recommendation on the

evidence uncovered here I would have to say you should omit their

use until conception has taken place and you are past the first

trimester safely, then use sesame seeds in moderation if you use

them at all. After all, there are other sources of lipids, vitamins

and minerals available from the vegetable world and that is the type

you should be using. I do not recommend the use of alopathic

suplements of minerals and vitamins as they are chemicals, and are

not easily absorbed or utilised in the body. If you are to take a

mineral and vitamin suplement I would advise you use one which is,

Ayurvedic, Foodstate™ or Foodmatrix™, following my associate,

Rajin's recommendation.

 

In Love and Light

Everything is a Miracle!

Hanneica

 

PS I took a look at your website and was much impressed. I would,

with your permission, like to add it to my links on my ,

U

Can Cope Stress Management at

 

ucancope

 

and include a file for recommendation of Counselling, Psychotherapy

and Yoga including information from your site.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dr. Bhate and Todd for your replies - I'm glad i can still enjoy them!

Where can I get those Ayurvedic calcium, iron, and folic acid supplements?

I am currently taking Praval Pishti (it tastes like detergent to me!) and

Pushyanug Churna to help with fertility - do either of these meet some of

those needs?

Blessings,

Connie

[Guest guest]

The reason for avoiding Sesame and other such 'warm

foods is to be found in Indian folklore. It is

believed that heaty foods might lead to a miscarriage

as they directly effect the circulation of blood and

blood pressure. That is also the reason that only

heaty foods and warm water are to be had for atleast

40 days after childbirth as they help to cleanse the

system and contract the enlarged uterus.

[Guest guest]

Thank you!!! This is what I was looking for.

Blessings,

Connie

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all your wonderful research, Hanneica! You sure took a lot of time

to look all this up.

And you certainly may add my site to your links area - I am honored!

Blessings,

Connie