10 Unbelievable Health Wonders of Sesame Seeds

Lisa Franchi November 11, 2014

Sesame seeds are a staple to most household and commercial kitchens. These tiny flavourful seeds can really spice up a whole range of dishes and goodies, from breads and pastries to spreads, soups, pastas, salads, stir-fries, meat, and so on. But apart from its valued culinary properties, sesame seeds are also known for their amazing health wonders.

Diabetes Prevention

Sesame seeds are rich in magnesium. According to a recent study published in the journal Diabetes, low levels of magnesium play a key role in insulin resistance and diabetes. Aside from this, magnesium also plays a role in your body’s detoxification processes and therefore is important for minimising damage from environmental chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins.

Lower Cholesterol

Sesame helps lower cholesterol levels, because it contains phytosterols that block cholesterol production. Black sesame seeds are especially high in phytosterols.

Skin Health

Sesame seeds contain zinc which is important in the production of collagen – one of the secrets to healthful, young-looking skin. Collagen is the substance that gives the skin more elasticity and repairs damaged body tissues. Furthermore, sesame oil prevents harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging your skin, thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.

Cancer Prevention

In addition to magnesium, sesame is also rich in phytic acids which are considered as anti-cancer compounds.

Arthritis Relief

Sesame seeds are high in copper which offers protection against and relief from arthritis. This essential mineral also plays a role in strengthening the bones, joints and blood vessels.

Bone Health

A handful of sesame seeds contain more calcium than a glass of milk. Its high zinc content also boosts bone mineral density.

Anxiety Relief

Sesame seeds contain the stress-relieving minerals magnesium and calcium. Sesame also contains thiamine and tryptophan which boost mood, eases pain, and calms the mind by helping produce serotonin.

Lower Blood Pressure

A 2006 research published in the Yale Journal of Biological Medicine reported that sesame seed oil has a beneficial effect in hypertensive patients on either diuretics or beta-blockers. These tiny delicious seeds also contain lignan – an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to help prevent the formation of atherosclerotic lesions that often lead to heart disease.

Oral Health

Sesame seed oil has been used for oral health for thousands of years in the traditional Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda in a process known as "oil pulling." This technique involves swishing sesame seed oil in the mouth, and is thought to prevent teeth decay, halitosis, bleeding gums, dry throat, and other oral health problems.

Respiratory Health

The magnesium in sesame seeds helps prevent respiratory disorders by preventing airway spasm and asthma.

Isn’t it amazing? So make sure your kitchen has these essential, health-promoting seeds too!