Open Sesame: 10 Remarkable Health Benefits Of This Amazing Seeds

The power of the sesame seed dates back thousands of years ago when it was used by the Egyptians as a medicine, while the women of ancient Babylon mixed honey with sesame seeds to prolong youth and beauty.  While we can’t guarantee sesame seeds will keep you looking younger, it can actually be really good for your skin and can often be found in many skin care products.  Healthy skin is just one of the many benefits of adding sesame seeds to your diet.  Below we take a look at the top benefits to adding this seed to your diet.

Sesame Seeds Nutritional Profile

• Manganese – 0.7 mg. 35% RDA.
• Copper – 0.7 mg. 35% RDA.
• Calcium – 277 mg. 28% RDA.
• Iron –  4.1 mg. 23% RDA.
• Magnesium – 99.7 mg. 25% RDA.
• Tryptophan – 93 mg.
• Zinc – 2 mg. 13% RDA.
• Fiber – 3.9 g. 16% RDA.
• Thiamin – 0.2 mg. 15% RDA.
• Vitamin B6 – 0.2 mg. 11% RDA.
• Phosphorous – 179 mg. 18% RDA.
• Protein – 4.7 g.

10 Health Benefits Of Sesame seeds

A protector against cancer

The sesamin found in sesame seeds is found to protect the liver against damages by free radicals in the body. Since your liver is crucial for your body’s detoxification process, protecting your liver also means protecting you against many diseases, including cancer. In addition, the seeds are rich in substances like fiber, lignans (antioxidants) and phytosterol (phytochemicals), which can help protect you against the development of various cancers, like colon cancer.

Heart Health

Further adding to the health benefits of sesame seeds, sesame seed oil can boost heart health by preventing atherosclerotic lesions. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound known as sesamol, which also harnesses anti-atherogenic properties, is thought to be one reason for the beneficial effects.

Strong bones

Sesame seeds are a great source of both calcium and zinc, and both these minerals play a key role in helping to maintain strong, healthy bones.  Eating sesame seeds on a regular basis can help prevent osteoporosis, making sesame seeds a popular part of the diet of older individuals.  In fact, a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a link between low dietary intake of zinc and osteoporosis in the hip and spine.

Alleviates Anemia

Black sesame seeds are particularly rich in iron, so they’re highly recommended for those with anemia and weakness.

Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis

A mineral that is important for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems, copper is known for reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Additionally, this mineral helps provide strength to blood vessels, bones, and joints.

Protects Your Liver from Alcohol
Sesame helps protect you from alcohol’s impact on your liver, helping you maintain healthy liver function.

Helps Lessen Anxiety
Sesame seeds contain the stress-relieving minerals magnesium and calcium. Sesame also contains the calming vitamins thiamin and tryptophan that help produce serotonin, which reduces pain, assists moods and helps you sleep deeply.

Cholesterol Fighters
Black sesame seeds help lower serum cholesterol levels (which contributes to cardiovascular health) in several ways. They contain two unique substances known as sesamin and sesamolin. These substances belong to a group of fibers called lignans (flaxseeds are another rich source of lignans). Lignans are rich in dietary fiber and have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

Respiratory health
Copper is particularly good for rheumatoid arthritis. Magnesium is really good for respiratory healthand calcium helps prevent colon cancer, migraines, osteoporosis and PMS. With all these minerals, sesame seeds are important to get into your diet.

Good for Eye Health

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.