Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crop grown primarily for the oil in its seeds, which is why it is considered an oil seed. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Sesame seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are often added to certain foods to provide a nutty flavour and crunchy texture. 

Sesame seeds are also used as ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, lubricants and medicines.

Health benefits of Sesame seeds

There's a reason why sesame seeds have been grown all over the world since prehistoric times - they are good for you in many ways. 

Amongst other health benefits, consuming sesame seeds can help by

Lowering your cholesterol

Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, which are plant compounds that help lower cholesterol. Phytosterols are also believed to boost your immune response and reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. 

Researchers have found that sesame seeds have the highest total phytosterol content of all nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the United States, with 400 to 413 milligrams per 100 grams. 

Sesame Protein

These and other substances in sesame seeds may also prevent high blood pressure.

Fight against infection

Sesame seeds are known for the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of sesame seeds and sesamin. Antioxidants are important for your health as they protect your body from various diseases by slowing down damage to cells. 

The antibacterial activity of sesame seeds has been shown to fight staphylococcal infections and streptococcal pharyngitis as well as common skin fungi such as foot fungus.

Oral health

Sesame seeds can also remove the bacteria that cause plaque on the teeth. An ancient practice known as oil pulling can improve your oral hygiene and health if practised regularly and correctly. Sesame oil is one of the most commonly used oils in this practice, and when you wake up in the morning it will swish a tablespoon of oil around your mouth.

Assists in treating diabetes

Studies have shown that sesame oil can enhance the effectiveness of traditional type 2 diabetes medications. 

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that doesn't allow your body to make insulin the way it should. One aspect of this condition is high blood sugar, called hyperglycaemia. Eating healthy foods such as sesame seeds can help people with type 2 diabetes reach their target blood sugar levels. In addition, the antioxidants in sesame oil can reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.

Helps prevent and treat cancer

The sesamol found in sesame seeds has the following properties.

Antioxidant

Anti-mutagenic (stops cell mutations)

Anti-hepatotoxic (prevents liver damage)

Anti-inflammatory (fights inflammation)

Anti-ageing

Chemopreventive (prevents disease and infection)

Each of these properties plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Sesamol may also have the ability to regulate apoptosis (cell death), which means it has the potential to target cells at all stages of the cell cycle. However, more research is needed to confirm this particular use of sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Sesame seeds contain a variety of healthy nutrients. As a rich source of protein, they are a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.

They are also rich in copper, which helps produce red blood cells and supports the function of your immune system. In fact, just one cup of dried sesame seeds can provide you with 163% of your daily copper value.

Sesame seeds are an excellent source of manganese and calcium, both of which contribute to healthy and strong bones. Calcium also plays a role in nerve signalling, muscle movement, blood vessel function and hormone release.

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