The Health Benefits of Eating Sesame Seeds
Having been cultivated and used by humans for over 3,500 years, sesame seeds are possibly the oldest oilseed crop in the world.
Used frequently in modern cooking, especially in East Asian cuisine, sesame seeds are enjoyed but are rarely spoken about as a foodstuff with a variety of health benefits.
However, these miniscule seeds are so incomparably packed with goodness that you will want to include them as an essential on your next shopping list.
Calcium, iron, tryptophan, magnesium, protein, phosphorous, folate, manganese, vitamin B6, copper, thiamine, zinc and fibre are all found in the nutritional content of sesame seeds. Each of these vitamins and minerals can each offer a different benefits for the human body.
Firstly, due to the vast amounts of calcium, zinc and phosphorous found in sesame seeds, they can be extremely beneficial for your bones. Eating sesame seeds can help strengthen the bones, especially when recovering from injury or if suffering from a debilitation condition relating to the bones, such as osteoporosis.
The natural oils that are found in sesame seeds have been studied and connected to a reduction in the strain on the cardiovascular system. This can help in the prevention of more serious heart conditions. Sesame seeds are also packed with magnesium; almost 25% of your daily allowance in a solitary serving. Magnesium is one of the very best minerals to help reduce blood pressure.
Due to its high content of copper, sesame seeds can also help with the reduction of inflammation in muscles and joints. Therefore, if you are suffering from arthritis, sesame seeds should be considered an essential foodstuff for your diet.
A little-known compound called phytate is found in sesame seeds. This wonderful material has been linked to cancer-prevention. Phytate works as an antioxidant and reduces the by-products of cellular metabolism, which has been linked to the cause of many cancers.
Sesame seed oil has been known to help regulate the insulin and glucose levels in the human body, meaning it can help in the management of diabetes.
Containing a wealth of fibre, sesame seeds can help regulate a healthy digestion as it quickens bowel movements and helps foodstuffs move through the digestive tract. Sesame seeds can also help reduce conditions such as constipation, diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. The amount of fibre in sesame seeds not only helps with digestion but can also removes dangerous cholesterol from arteries and blood vessels, which means it can protect against cardiovascular conditions.
One of the most unknown but nonetheless important health benefits of sesame seeds are their ability to protect oral health. The Streptococcus bacteria is commonly found in the mouth and can be terribly damaging to cavities and teeth. Sesame seed oil has been known to reduce the presence of this bacteria, leaving your mouth extremely clean.
Finally, sesame seeds can help with the protection and health of your skin and hair. Its high levels of zinc help form collagen, which is a vital compound for strengthening hair, skin and muscle tissue.