Growing up in Asia, sesame seeds were an important ingredient in many of the meals I enjoyed as a child. Sesame seed oil was added to many delicious local dishes, and toasted sesame seeds were used for meals like Toasted Sesame Ginger Salmon or desserts like Asian-style Maple Sesame Seed Almonds. I love sesame seeds, so was thrilled to find out that they are actually incredibly good for your health.
10 Awesome Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds
- Fights Cancer — Sesame seeds are loaded with a compound called phylate, which helps to prevent cancer. They’re also rich in magnesium, a mineral that is known to fight cancer. Studies have found that eating sesame seeds can help to protect the intestinal tract from colorectal cancer.
- Beautifies Skin — Eating sesame seeds can do wonders for your skin. The seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral that helps your skin produce more of the collagen that keeps it fresh and elastic. Zinc also promotes healing and repair in your body.
- Prevents Diabetes — Magnesium is known to be effective at preventing diabetes, but many of the other minerals in sesame seeds lend a hand. Both sesame seeds and sesame oil will help to reduce your risk of high blood sugar problems.
- Boosts Heart Health — Sesame seeds can ensure that your arteries stay free of damage from atherosclerosis – a problem caused by high cholesterol. The seeds are rich in an antioxidant named sesamol, which can help to prevent atherosclerosis and boost heart health.
- Protects Against Radiation -- Sesamol, the antioxidant found in sesame seeds and oil, has been discovered to be effective at protecting the DNA against damage from radiation. Studies on rats have shown that this antioxidant can even extend the lifespan of mice that have been treated with radiation.
- Lowers Blood Pressure — The magnesium in sesame seeds has been proven to help reduce blood pressure, especially those with hypertensive diabetes.
- Increases Bone Health — Zinc is another one of the minerals that are abundant in sesame seeds, and it is a mineral that is essential for healthy bones. A correlation has been found between a lack of zinc and osteoporosis in your pelvic region and spine. Getting more zinc via sesame seeds – as well as the calcium they contain high doses of – is a good way to keep your bones healthy and strong.
- Improves Colon Health — In addition to reducing your risk of colorectal cancer, sesame seeds can help to improve your digestion – and thereby your colon health. The little seeds are loaded with fiber, a nutrient that is essential for having healthy digestion. By eating more sesame seeds, you ensure that your digestive tract can process and eliminate wastes properly.
- Relieves Asthma — Sesame seeds are rich in many nutrients, but you’ll find that it’s the magnesium that does wonders for your asthma. The magnesium will help to reduce the spasms in your airway that are known to cause asthma, and can relieve a number of different respiratory disorders.
- Provide Relief from Arthritis — Copper is another one of the minerals that is found in sesame seeds, and this mineral is effective at dealing with arthritis – specifically rheumatoid arthritis. It can help to prevent swelling, and it has antioxidant properties. It can reduce swelling present in your joints, thereby reducing the pain that you feel. The mineral will also help to strengthen your joints, bones, and blood vessels.
As you can see, this seed isn’t just absolutely delicious, but it’s wonderful for your health as well!
