11 Indian Home Remedies That Modern Science Actually Validates

7. Black Sesame Seeds: Lignans, Minerals, and Hormonal Support

Black sesame seeds appear in sweets and morning chutneys across India and carry more than flavor. They’re rich in calcium, healthy fats, vitamin E, and lignans that can influence hormone metabolism. Recent research on sesame lignans suggests effects on estrogen metabolism and lipid profiles, which may be helpful for hormonal balance and cardiovascular health (YouCareLifestyle, 2025). In homes, lightly roasting a tablespoon of black sesame and sprinkling it over porridge or grinding it into laddoos is common practice. For those looking to support hair and skin health, the zinc and vitamin E content is attractive. Still, individual responses vary and the strongest evidence comes from controlled extracts rather than culinary use; nonetheless, eating seeds provides nutrients with low risk. If you use sesame oil topically, do a patch test first to check for sensitivity. Safety note: Food amounts are safe for most people. Avoid large supplemental doses without medical advice, and patch-test topical oils if you have sensitive skin or a nut/seed allergy.