Sesame, in Visit Clinic

In India, sesame is commonly called "til" (Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati). The seed's scientific name is Sesamum indicum. In South India it’s often called "ellu" (Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam) or "nuvvulu" (Telugu). The oil is known as til oil or gingelly oil. Sesame is widely used in sweets, cooking and religious rituals.

Sesame seeds are nutrient-dense: they provide healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein, fiber, and important minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, plus B vitamins and vitamin E. Their lignans and antioxidants (sesamin, sesamol) may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, support bone health, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and aid blood-sugar control. Including sesame in a balanced diet boosts overall nutrient intake.

Sesame seeds and products can be eaten any time as part of meals—sprinkle on cereals/salads, use tahini in dressings, or add to cooked dishes—to boost healthy fats, protein, calcium and iron. Introduce to infants around six months with other solids (consult your GP if severe eczema or family allergies). Avoid sesame if you have a known allergy and eat in moderation because seeds are calorie-dense.

Sesame seeds are called "তিল" (transliteration: til) in Bengali. They may also be described as "তিলের বীজ" (tiler bij) when referred to specifically as seeds. Both white (সাদা তিল) and black (কালো তিল) varieties are common in Bengali cuisine, used in sweets like tilkut and til er ladoo, as well as in savory dishes and for oil extraction.

Sesame, especially sesame oil, can benefit skin. It contains antioxidants (sesamol, sesamin) and vitamin E, moisturizes, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and may support wound healing and UV protection. However, sesame can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people and may clog pores for some skin types. Patch-test before wide use and stop if irritation occurs.

India’s leading sesame-producing states include Rajasthan and Gujarat, with Rajasthan particularly renowned for high-quality "til" cultivation. These regions supply seeds for oil, tahini, and traditional sweets. Sesame is also grown in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, but Rajasthan and Gujarat stand out for production volume and established seed trading and processing networks.