One of the oldest known condiments to man, sesame seeds have been used in many parts of the world for more than 5,000 years. The seeds have been a part of a variety of cuisines as they impart a nutty flavour to the food and a slight crunch as well. But more than its taste, the sesame seed is well known for its nutritional value – they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoids, vitamins, fiber and a large number of other nutrients.

The seeds can be sprinkled on top of a lot of dishes as seasoning or ground into a paste (tahini) to avail its wonderful health benefits. Organic Sesame Seeds have a great many nutritive and preventative properties, some of which we’ve compiled in the following list:-

1. Promote a healthy heart

Sesame seeds are rich source of the compound sesamol, which has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Sesamol has been linked to preventing the formation of atherosclerotic lesions (thickening of the walls of arteries), thereby greatly improving the health of the heart.

2. Help to fight against cancer

Sesame seeds contain a chemical compound known as phytate which is known to possess anti-cancer properties. Moreover, the magnesium present in sesame seeds is also helpful in preventing several kinds of cancers, including colorectal cancers and tumours.

3. Improve bone health

Sesame seeds can be a life-saver for people suffering from poor bone health. The zinc found in sesame seeds has the ability to improve bone mineral density and boost overall bone health. This is especially helpful for older people who regularly suffer fractures due to poor bone health.

Moreover, sesame seeds are also a source of calcium which is essential in maintaining good bone health.

4. Lower bad cholesterol

Phytosterols are chemical compounds found in plants that are structurally very similar to cholesterol found in the body. Upon ingestion, these phytosterols are thereby able to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and unleash a variety of health benefits, including prevention of cancer and heart diseases.

As it turns out, sesame seeds are one of the richest sources of phytosterols in nature. Their phytosterol content (about 400 mg per 100 g) is nearly four times that of the widely consumed walnut (95 mg per 100 g). It is therefore clear to see the dramatic effect that sesame seeds can have in lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the body.

5. Help patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis

Sesame seeds are also rich in copper, a mineral that is well known for alleviating the pain and stiffness in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Copper has the capacity to provide relief to such patients due to the fact that it is an important component of a number of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant enzyme systems.

Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and provide relief from pain, sesame seeds also boost the strength and provide more elasticity to bones and joints.

6. Support respiratory health

Sesame seeds and its constituents (most notably magnesium) are also supportive of good respiratory health. By preventing airway spasms, they can help in preventing asthma attacks.

7. Lead to healthy skin

Another wonderful property of zinc present in sesame seeds is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps in improving the elasticity of the skin. This means that the skin is more likely to be free from wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Also, zinc helps in the quick repair of damaged tissues in the body.

8. Good for expectant mothers

Sesame seeds are a great source of folic acid – 100 g of sesame seeds will satisfy 25% of your body’s daily folic acid requirement. Folic acid is an important compound for the body as it is one of the essential components required for DNA synthesis. Therefore, in expecting mothers, sesame seeds can help in the prevention of neural tube effects in the new born baby.

Sesame seeds have long been used in many cultures and have a rich history. You too can become a part of an age-old belief by consuming sesame seeds on a regular basis.

To know more about sesame seeds, click here.