Seeds are one of the smallest superfoods available on the planet. They are rich in fiber, fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and are super tasty, and nutritious. They are quite versatile to use and can incorporate into the everyday diet in various ways. Apart from various seeds available in the market, one such powerhouse of nutrients is the sesame seeds.
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest, domesticated oilseed crops which is small, hard, round in shape. They are extracted from the sesame plant which belongs to the genus Sesamum. It is a flowering plant, which is cultivated across the tropical regions for its edible seeds. They have a nutty flavor and are known to make famous tahini paste in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Please do have a look at our products prepared using Sesame seed:
Idli Podi/ Milagai Podi – Homemade Spices and Sesame Podi
There are 3 common types of sesame seeds are found across the world: Golden/brown, white, and black sesame seeds. As people have been growing them for years and it has been a very common ingredient in various cuisine worldwide. Let’s get to know the 6 major health benefits these tiny superfoods offer if we incorporate them in our daily meals:
1. Moisturizes skin & prevents aging
The fats compounds found in the sesame seeds help to lock moisture into the skin by keeping it soft and hydrated. The presence of vitamin B2, vitamin E, and zinc compounds in sesame seed oil prevents acne and intercepts premature aging by protecting the skin from UV rays respectively. The antioxidant in the oil helps to even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation over time which reduces the appearance of dark spots, freckles, and other blemishes.
2. Sesame seeds for weight loss
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of fiber. As 100gms of sesame seeds contain 8gms of fiber which keeps you full for a longer duration, thus stopping you from grabbing onto snacks between the meals. Fiber also maintains the flow of sugar and fat into the bloodstream and makes you feel less hungry.
They are also high on protein, which increases the body’s metabolism and restrains hunger by avoiding excessive calorie intake.
Please do have a look at our products prepared using Sesame seed:
Idli Podi/ Milagai Podi – Homemade Spices and Sesame Podi
3. Promote hair growth & reduces dandruff
The antibacterial and antioxidant properties found in sesame oil help fight off bacteria that irritate or inflame the hair follicles and reduce dandruff by killing the fungus which causes them.
Vitamin B1 found in sesame oil promotes hair growth by stimulating cell metabolism and blood flow to the scalp. It also provides the hair strands with the essential nutrients to grow long, shiny, and strong hair. The proteins found in sesame seed oil help your hair stay moisturized so that they are less likely to fly out of place. The presence of vitamin B6 in sesame oil prevents hair loss.
4. Lowers cholesterol level
The Lignan compound found in sesame seeds helps the body to release more fat-burning liver enzymes (bile acid). It decreases fat metabolism and hinders the formation and absorption of body cholesterol. These seeds are also rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which are healthy fat and reduce heart disease risk.
5. Reduces morning sickness during pregnancy
The presence of nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B3, copper, iron, etc. in sesame seeds is crucial for pregnant women. The intake of sesame seed keeps the mom healthy helps in the baby’s bone and brain development. It also reduces morning sickness by preventing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Prevents anemia, low birth weight and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes which can lead to preterm birth. The fatty acids found in these seeds are responsible for fetal brain development in the unborn child.
Summary
Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, containing both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The seeds are also very high in many essential nutrients, including copper, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus – just to name a few. With so much to offer in terms of health and nutrition, start today by cooking your meals in sesame seed oil, or just sprinkle them on your morning salad, smoothies, oatmeal, etc. You can also use sesame seed as a topping to garnish your bagel, burger, bread, etc.
Continue reading Top 5 Benefits of Sesame Seeds
