The sesame seeds also called sesame seeds are derived from an unremarkable plant of the genus Sesamum and bear the scientific name of Sesamum indicum. Sesame seeds are considered the oldest oilseed crop in the world and have been cultivated for more than 3,500 years.There is evidence of its native forms in both Africa and India. It is extremely hardy and grows in places where many other crops do not, which is why it persisted throughout the ages. Even though it is a seed, it can still bother people with allergies, and it has a distinctly nutty taste.
Many of the health benefits are derived from the oils, which are found in higher concentrations in sesame seeds than in any other oilseed crop in the world. The sesame plant is no more than 3 feet tall, and the seeds are released from small pods along the axes of the plants.
The seeds are very small, only 3-4 mm long and 2 mm wide, yet 3.85 million metric tons are produced each year. They come in a wide variety of colors, depending on the variety or strain of the sesame plant.
The seeds can be purchased shelled or shelled. They are commonly added to salads, as an ingredient or topping for bread and grain products, cookies, sushi, cakes, soups, fish and meat bread, and a wide variety of other applications. You can find sesame seeds in almost every cultural kitchen in some form.
Health Benefits of Sesame
The seeds are widely spread throughout the world due to their availability and pleasant taste. The wide range of sesame health benefits is explained in more detail below.
1.- Reduce hypertension
The benefits of sesame have been linked to a reduction in hypertension in several research studies, which lowers the stress on your cardiovascular system, and helps prevent various heart conditions.
Additionally, magnesium has long been known as a vasodilator (an agent that lowers blood pressure) and sesame seeds store this essential mineral, which contains up to 25% of your daily need in a single serving.
2.- Prevent cancer
With the wide range of essential vitamins and minerals in sesame seeds, it is no surprise that it is associated with a reduced risk of cancer.
Beyond the role of these common minerals, including the powerful anti-carcinogenic effects of magnesium, another of the benefits of sesame is that it also contains phytate, a rare contraceptive compound that works as an antioxidant and reduces the effects of free radicals.
The dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism have been linked to many forms of cancer and various other conditions such as heart disease, premature aging, and cognitive malfunction.
Sesame seeds have also been linked to decreased leukemia, breast, lung, pancreas, colon, and prostate cancer.
3.- Diabetes Management
Another of the benefits of sesame is that it contains magnesium, and is connected with reducing the chances of diabetes and managing symptoms in patients who have already developed the condition.
Additionally, sesame seed oil has been shown to positively affect the impact of various diabetes medications such as glibenclamide in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
It improves the functionality of this medicine and also regulates the levels of insulin and glucose in the body, thus helping to control the symptoms of diabetes.
Sesame regulates insulin and glucose levels in the body
4.- Increase bone health
The impressive levels of essential minerals like zinc, calcium, and phosphorous found in sesame seeds can be a great boost to your body’s bone health.
These minerals are integral parts in the creation of new bone matter, and the strengthening/repair of bones that can be weakened by injuries or the appearance of conditions such as osteoporosis.
5.- Improve digestion
These little seeds contain a significant amount of fiber. Fiber is an important element in healthy digestion, as it increases bowel movements and helps them move through the digestive tract, as well as stimulating peristaltic movement as food moves through the smooth intestine.
This can reduce adverse conditions like constipation, as well as diarrhea, while simultaneously protecting the health of your colon and reducing the chances of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer.
Fiber also works for your heart, removing dangerous LDL cholesterol from your arteries and blood vessels, thus protecting against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
6.- Improve oral health
Perhaps the most notable effects of sesame benefits are its powerful effects on oral health.
The process is called oil pulling, in which certain amounts of sesame seed oil around the mouth can 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 in your oral cavities and other parts of your body.
Sesame has powerful effects on oral health
7.- Reduce inflammation
The high copper content is another benefit of sesame as it has several valuable functions, including reducing inflammation in the joints, bones, and muscles, thereby reducing pain associated with arthritis.
In addition, copper is an essential mineral for strengthening the walls of blood vessels, bones, and joints.
Finally, copper is necessary for the proper absorption of iron, a key component of hemoglobin. Therefore, adequate copper content in the body maximizes circulation and ensures that the organ systems throughout the body receive enough oxygen to function properly.
8.- Radiation protection
One of the unusual organic compounds in sesame seeds is called sesamol, and it has been associated with protecting DNA from the harmful effects of radiation.
This radiation could come from accidental sources or cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
By protecting DNA from mutation due to radiation, sesame seeds can increase strength and reduce the chances of contracting other forms of cancer due to cell mutation.
9.- Skin and hair care
As mentioned, sesame seeds contain high levels of zinc, a vital component in collagen formation, which strengthens muscle tissue, hair, and skin.
Additionally, sesame seed oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of burns and marks on the skin, as well as the signs of premature aging.
10.- Activate metabolic function
Other benefits of sesame are that they contain a large number of proteins, which are broken down and reassembled as components of proteins that are usable by the human body.
This adds to overall strength, healthy cell growth, mobility, energy levels, and metabolic function.
Words of caution
Consuming too much sesame seeds can cause irritation to the stomach and colon.
They can also show up on drug tests because they contain a small amount of THC. However, both occur when consumed in very large quantities.
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