Sesame seeds may be one of the oldest and indispensable condiments ever known to mankind. They can be versatile, fragrant, and are nutty variants. The seeds add a crunch to a variety of Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Moreover, it might also be used as a cooking oil and to make sauces and dressings. Sesame seeds are known for their food flavor-enhancing abilities too.
The potent nutritional benefits of sesame seeds may include their ability to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, build strong bones, improve male fertility, and manage diabetes. They might also help cure sleep disorders, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost respiratory health, aid in dental care, and chronic stress.
What are Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are tiny edible seeds of a plant of the Sesamum genus, native to both India and Africa. They are considered the oldest oilseed crop in the world and have been cultivated for more than 3,500 years. These seeds have a nutty flavor and they can be purchased either shelled or unshelled. [1]
They are commonly added to salads as a topping for bread and grain products, crackers, sushi, cakes, soups, or as breading for fish and meat. Also, sesame oil, derived from the seeds, is a rich source of nutrients with both laxative and emollient properties.
The seeds themselves are very small, only 3-4mm long and 2mm wide, yet 3.85 million metric tons are produced every year. The seeds are initially found in a black hull inside a pod. Once they are removed, they must be stripped of their shells. They come in a wide variety of colors, depending on the variety or strain of the sesame plant.
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 4.69 |
| Energy | 573 |
| Energy [kJ] | 2397 |
| Protein [g] | 17.73 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 49.67 |
| Ash [g] | 4.45 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 23.45 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 11.8 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 0.3 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 975 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 14.55 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 351 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 629 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 468 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 11 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 7.75 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 4.08 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 2.46 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 34.4 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.79 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.25 |
| Niacin [mg] | 4.52 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.05 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.79 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 97 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 97 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 97 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 25.6 |
| Carotene, beta [µg] | 5 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 9 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 0.25 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 6.96 |
| 14:0 [g] | 0.12 |
| 16:0 [g] | 4.44 |
| 18:0 [g] | 2.09 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 18.76 |
| 16:1 [g] | 0.15 |
| 18:1 [g] | 18.52 |
| 20:1 [g] | 0.07 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 21.77 |
| 18:2 [g] | 21.38 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.38 |
| Phytosterols [mg] | 714 |
| Tryptophan [g] | 0.39 |
| Threonine [g] | 0.74 |
| Isoleucine [g] | 0.76 |
| Leucine [g] | 1.36 |
| Lysine [g] | 0.57 |
| Methionine [g] | 0.59 |
| Cystine [g] | 0.36 |
| Phenylalanine [g] | 0.94 |
| Tyrosine [g] | 0.74 |
| Valine [g] | 0.99 |
| Arginine [g] | 2.63 |
| Histidine [g] | 0.52 |
| Alanine [g] | 0.93 |
| Aspartic acid [g] | 1.65 |
| Glutamic acid [g] | 3.96 |
| Glycine [g] | 1.22 |
| Proline [g] | 0.81 |
| Serine [g] | 0.97 |
| Sources include : USDA [2] | |
Nutrition Value of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds may be a rich source of natural oils, lignans, antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, B-vitamins, and vitamin E according to the USDA. [3]
Additionally, these tiny seeds might also be packed with potent amino acids like tryptophan and fat-burning polyphenols like sesamin and sesamol. Researcher Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi with over 600 published research papers, demonstrated the considerable antioxidant activity of sesame products in one of his studies in the journal Food Chemistry. [4] [5]
Benefits of Sesame Seeds
The wide range of health benefits of these seeds is explained in greater detail below.
May Aid In Skin Care
Sesame seeds may contain zinc, a vital component in the formation of collagen, which strengthens the muscle tissue, hair, and skin. Also, sesame oil may contain vitamin E, which reduces the appearance of burns and marks on the skin, as well as helps avoid signs of premature aging. [6]
May Improve Hair Health
Sesame seeds may be rich in plant polyphenols, which can help promote hair health. Sesame seed oil is often massaged into the scalp which might reduce premature greying and boost hair growth because of the presence of vitamins and minerals. The amino acids and antioxidants in this oil may also help return the shine in dull hair. [7]
Sprinkle sesame seeds on your salads and sandwiches. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Elevate Heart Health
Natural oil-soluble plant lignans present in these seeds may help in the reduction of hypertension, according to several research studies. This, in turn, might help reduce the strain on your cardiovascular system and prevent various cardiac conditions. A research study published in the journal Nutrition Review states that these bioactive phenolic plant compounds are may also be in the highest concentration in flax seeds and sesame seeds. Furthermore, magnesium has long been known as a vasodilator (an agent that reduces blood pressure) and these seeds might be packed with this essential mineral. Sesame seeds can potentially also contain up to 25% of your daily requirement of magnesium in a single serving. [8] [9]
May Be High in Fiber
Sesame seeds may be packed with a significant amount of fiber, an important element in healthy digestion. It may reduce conditions like constipation and diarrhea, while simultaneously protecting the health of your colon and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Fiber also works beneficially for your heart, by scraping out dangerous LDL cholesterol from arteries and blood vessels, thereby acting as a protecting agent against atherosclerosis. [10]
May Manage Diabetes
Sesame seeds may contain magnesium, an important mineral, that aids in reducing the chances of type-2 diabetes. It might also regulates blood pressure and helps improve insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it has been shown that sesame seed oil might positively affect the impact of various medications like glibenclamide in patients suffering from type-2 diabetes. It can also be used to improve the medication’s functionality and regulate the insulin and glucose levels in the body. This process may help manage the symptoms of diabetes, as per a research published in the journal Clinical Nutrition. [11] [12]
May Boost Bone Health
Sesame may be the richest source of most of the inorganic nutrients, says a report published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. The impressive levels of essential minerals like zinc, calcium, and phosphorus can be a major boost for your bone health. These minerals are integral parts in creating new bone matter and strengthening and repairing bones weakened by injury or the onset of debilitating bone conditions like osteoporosis. [13] [14]
May Improve Oral Health
Perhaps the most notable effects of sesame seeds are its powerful effects on oral health. Oil pulling with sesame seed oil may have a strong antibacterial and astringent effect on all aspects of oral health. It is also closely associated with reducing the presence of the Streptococcus bacteria, a common bacteria that can wreak havoc on your oral cavities and other parts of your body. [15]
May Increase Fertility in Men
Sesame seeds, when added to the diet of men, may improve sperm quality and increase male fertility. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences showed that 25 infertile men, aged between 27 and 40 years, were given sesame seeds for three months. They showed a significant improvement in their sperm count and motility. [16]
Sesame seeds contain zinc, a vital component in the formation of collagen.
May Reduce Inflammation
The high content of copper in sesame seeds may help in reducing inflammation in joints, bones, and muscles, thereby contributing to preventing the associated pain of arthritis. Furthermore, copper is an essential mineral for strengthening blood vessels, bones, and joints. Finally, copper is necessary for the proper uptake of iron, a key component of hemoglobin. Therefore, proper copper content in the body maximizes circulation and ensures that the organ systems of the entire body receive enough oxygen to function properly. [17] [18]
May Boost Metabolic Function
Sesame seeds may contain a high amount of protein, which gets broken down and reassembled from its parts into usable proteins for the human body. This adds to overall strength, healthy cellular growth, mobility, energy levels, and a boosted metabolic function. This is confirmed in research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. [19]
Eating Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds can be used in a variety of ways. They can be consumed in the following ways:
- Sprinkled as a topping on salads or stews
- Mixed into bread
- Ground into thin paste-like tahini
- Blended into a powder and mixed with various smoothies
Sesame oil is also very popular and potent for natural health remedies, ranging from topical applications on the body to using the oil as an anti-inflammatory substance. Now, let us have a look at some of the FAQs in detail.
How to roast sesame seeds?
You can roast sesame seeds very easily. Spread the seeds out in a pan (no more than 1 cup at a time) and ensure that they keep moving continuously and don’t burn. You want a nice even brown color on the seeds. If you start to smell an acrid or strong smell, they’ve begun to burn. You can also set them on a baking sheet and cook them at 350 F for about 10-12 minutes.
Where to buy sesame seeds?
You can buy sesame seeds at all major grocery stores and natural health food stores. Basically, sesame seeds are available everywhere, as they are one of the most popular types of seeds in the world. Ranging from GNC and Walmart to the smallest herbalists and natural health practitioners, sesame seeds are easily sourced.
How to eat black sesame seeds?
You should soak the black sesame seeds in water overnight to make them easily digestible. Then, you can sprinkle them on your salads, in your yogurt, or even blend them into a smoothie.
Side Effects
The side effects of sesame seeds occur only when they are consumed in very large amounts. These include:
- Allergy: Excessive consumption of sesame seeds might irritate the stomach and colon.
- Blood sugar levels: People who are diabetic need to be careful, as sesame seeds may increase blood sugar levels. However, more research studies are required to support this claim.
Note: Sesame seeds are not nuts, although many people treat them that way. The reason for this is the presence of similar allergenic chemicals and proteins, which are also found in nuts. Therefore, if you are allergic to some types of nuts, it would be wise to speak to your doctor about sesame seeds.
