Sesame seeds may be tiny, but they have loads of health benefits. In fact, sesame seeds are one of the most ancient foods on earth and sesame plants are the oldest known plant species to be grown primarily for their seeds and oils rather than for their leaves, fruit or vegetables.
Originally, they were native to India and parts of Africa, now however, many other countries are cultivating them as well. Although it is an oily seed, the fat content in it is largely the healthy variety, which is why it is one of the healthier cooking oils used across the globe. One can purchase Sesame seeds shelled or unshelled.
They were truly worth their weight in gold during the Middle Ages, and there many good reasons for that.
One tablespoon of whole sesame seeds has about:
- 52 calories
- 4 grams fat
- 1 gram carbs
- 2 grams of protein
- 4 milligrams copper (18 percent DV)
- 2 milligrams manganese (11 percent DV)
- 87 milligrams calcium (9 percent DV)
- 31 milligrams magnesium (8 percent DV)
- 3 milligrams iron (7 percent DV)
- 57 milligrams phosphorus (6 percent DV)
- 7 milligrams zinc (5 percent DV)
- 1 milligrams thiamine (5 percent DV)
10 Amazing benefits of the sesame seeds
Relieves Arthritis
The high copper content in sesame seeds prevents and relieves arthritis, and strengthens bones, joints and blood vessels.
Keeps the Heart Healthy
Sesamol is a compound found in sesame seeds and their oil. It has been highly praised for its antioxidant properties, and, while found in raw sesame seeds, its potency is increased through the seed roasting process. (21) This particular compound boasts many health benefits, including the prevention of heart disease, by lowering blood pressure and promoting weight loss.
Keeps Wrinkles at Bay
Sesame seed oil prevents harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging your skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.
Lowers Cholesterol
Sesame helps lower cholesterol levels because it contains phytosterols that block cholesterol production. Black sesame seeds are especially high in phytosterols.
Good for the Eye
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a relationship between the liver and eyes. The liver sends blood to the eyes to support functioning. Black sesame seeds are the best for this.
Sesame Seeds Improve the Health of Your Bones
Calcium is essential for healthy bone growth and maintenance. Our bodies continually take calcium out of our bones and replace it with new calcium, a process of bone “remodeling”. We need to continuously intake calcium to prevent the body from taking out more calcium than it can replace. Sesame seeds can help prevent osteoporosis by providing your body with much needed calcium.
Hair Benefits
Sesame seed oil is full of the nutrients needed for a healthy scalp and hair. See how to use sesame oil in your hair here.
Sesame Seeds Aid Digestion with Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content of sesame seeds helps the intestines with elimination.
Help Burn Fat
Fats signal our brain to produce hormones that make us feel satisfied so we stay full for longer between meals. Essentially, various healthy fats turn on your fat-burning switch by reducing ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Certain phytochemicals found in sesame seeds that are part of the lignan family are also known to be beneficial to your metabolism and body’s fat-burning abilities.
Boosts Metabolic Function
Optimum metabolism is key for overall health. It keeps the body strong and gives high levels of energy that can be used externally to perform work and internally for cellular function, sesame seeds enable as they are high in fiber and in addition, it increases mobility and activity, and promotes cellular growth. Further, they are also rich in proteins which are broken down inside the body, and the components are reused in multiple bodily functions.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Sesame Seed
However, like everything else, sesame seeds should also be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption can cause bowel and colon irritation, which is in fact the opposite of what sesame seeds are ideally supposed to do for the human body. Further, due to the presence of THC, they can also show up in drug tests. However, this too is dependent on the amount that is consumed. Moderate consumption can prevent both these things from happening.