Sesame seeds seem like tiny and simple pieces of nature's creation. However, they are packed with wholesome nutrition which is essential for each one of us. Take a sneak peek at what sesame seeds can offer you.
Sesame seeds are said to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. They were one of the most primitive sources of oil known to human beings. Evidence shows that, some of the earliest uses of these seeds date back to 2250 BC in the famed Harappa and Mohenjo-daro civilizations.
As trade relations of Harappa civilization flourished, sesame seeds got introduced in western Asia and Africa. Thereafter, these nutty favored and slightly crunchy sesame seeds have been incredibly popular and a prominent cooking ingredient in both hemispheres of the world. Let us understand the nutrients present in sesame seeds.
Open Sesame!
Here is a details of nutrients present in every 100 g of sesame seeds.. It is indeed, an eye-opener for those who underestimated these humble seeds.
Sesame Nutritional Content
Carbohydrates : 26 g
Proteins : 16.9 g
Fats : 47 g
Dietary fiber : 16.9 g
Calcium : 130 mg
Iron : 7.76 mg
Magnesium : 343 mg
Phosphorus : 775 mg
Potassium : 404 mg
Sodium : 38 mg
Copper : 7.75 mg
Zinc : 10 mg
Vitamin E : 40 mg
Vitamin B1 : 1.48 mg
Vitamin K : 30 mcg
Crucial Health Benefits
A regular consumption of sesame seeds and sesame oil has several proven benefits. Some of them are listed here.
☛ A well advertised health benefit of sesame oil is its high antioxidant contents, as compared to other edible oils. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, recommends regular use of sesame oil for curing dental problems.
☛ Sesame seeds contain lignans known as sesamin (phytoestrogens). Sesamin is known to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
☛ They assist in reducing some of the pain and swelling experienced due to rheumatoid arthritis.
☛ They play an important role in a number of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems.
☛ They help to maintenance the structure, strength and elasticity of blood vessels, bones and joints.
☛ They support vascular and respiratory health.
☛ They help to discourage airway spasms in asthma and helps lower high blood pressure.
☛ They help to prevent trigeminal blood vessel spasm that triggers migraine attacks.
☛ They protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals.
☛ They retain bone density and helps to prevent migraine headaches.
☛ They help to prevent osteoporosis.
☛ They have phytosterols, which are believed to reduce cholesterol levels, enhance immune response, and decrease risk of certain kinds of cancers.
On the downside, sesame seeds do not contain any Vitamin C, which is a highly essential nutrient for our body. Also, sesame seeds contain a significant amount of phytic acid, which has anti-nutrient properties.
While sesame seeds have a number of benefits, they are likely to cause allergic reaction in some individuals. People who are allergic to peanuts or walnuts, are advised to be cautious when consuming sesame seeds.