Sesame seeds are fragrant and nutty in flavor; they are used in many Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. Sesame seeds are thought to be one of the first oil seeds known to humans; they have the highest oil content among all seeds and the nutty flavor they are known for being even more delightful when they are roasted. Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, dried, or roasted. So, are there any health and nutritional benefits of sesame seeds? Absolutely, they are one of the healthiest types of edible seeds. Along with their excellent uses in food, sesame seeds also contain curative and preventative properties, such as omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that make them a staple in traditional medicines. Here are some of the Health and Nutrition Benefits of Sesame Seeds.
Healthy Heart
Sesame seeds contain an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound known as sesamol, which also encourages anti-atherogenic properties that are beneficial for improving your cardiovascular health. One of the best health and nutritional benefits of sesame seeds is the fiber they contain, which is excellent for lowering blood pressure and reducing the inflammation that is closely linked to all the stages of atherosclerosis. The oil in sesame seeds also helps to prevent atherosclerotic lesions, in turn making them beneficial for the health of your heart.
Reduces Hypertension
Hypertension is a common health problem for men and women in varying age groups. Roasted sesame seeds are loaded with magnesium, antioxidants, and nutrients that can help you prevent hypertension and as an added benefit the polyunsaturated fats found in sesame seed oil will help to keep your blood pressure in check. The best benefit of maintaining your blood pressure is that it will significantly reduce the risk for strokes and heart disease.
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Eating a healthy diet is critical for maintaining your blood sugar and the health and nutritional benefits of sesame seeds may be the ideal solution. Studies have shown that sesame seeds are rich in proteins, low on carbs, and packed with healthy fats, so they can help control blood sugar to a great extent. Roasted sesame seeds basically act as an organic regulator for your blood sugar and in addition to the healthy fats and proteins; they contain magnesium which can help lower high blood pressure and plasma glucose that are often prevalent in hypersensitive diabetics.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
The oil found in sesame seeds is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it has excellent healing properties. The antibacterial properties are beneficial for getting rid of a range of skin pathogens, such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and common skin fungi, such as athlete’s foot. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of sesame seeds for skin and health of your hair:
- Skin detoxifier-The antioxidants found in sesame seed oil are excellent skin detoxifiers. When you apply sesame seed oil to your skin, the molecules attract the oil-soluble toxins found in your skin, allowing them to be washed away with mild soap and water.
- Relieves sunburn-The oil from roasted sesame seeds can help relieve the pain and itch from sunburn and when applied before going in the sun, it can help protect your skin from the damaging UV rays. Regularly using sesame seed oil or consuming roasted sesame seeds may be beneficial in reducing the risk of skin cancer.
- Glowing skin-Consuming sesame seeds and applying sesame seed oil to your skin can help keep it soft, supple, and glowing. As an added bonus, sesame seed oil heals the areas of scrapes, mild cuts, and abrasions. Consuming sesame seeds on a regular basis will work from the inside out to help tighten facial skin and control enlarged pores.
- Hair growth-Sesame seeds are packed with essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, which are excellent for promoting hair growth. Using sesame seed oil will help stimulate hair growth by promoting a healthy scalp.
- Dry skin-Not only will eating sesame seeds provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, but if you apply sesame seed oil to dry, rough skin, even cracked heels, it will help remove the dry skin and leave you with soft, supple skin.
The Health and Nutrition Benefits of Sesame Seeds are excellent. They are rich in copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, vitamin B1, zinc, and dietary fiber. Although roasted sesame seeds are extremely nutritious and beneficial for your health, like other types of nuts and seeds, sesame seeds may also trigger allergies. The side effects of sesame seeds are often similar to the symptoms associated with other nut allergies, so it’s important to talk with your family physician if you are experiencing symptoms of a nut allergy.
