Enjoy the taste and reap the amazing sesame benefits

Have you ever been amazed by the secrets of nature? Or rather have you stopped being amazed by such secrets and wonders? Haven’t you taken a step back contemplating the small and minute details of different organisms?

The human mind is always in short supply of knowledge when it comes to the natural treasures the earth has to offer. No matter how small a plant is, it must have plenty to offer.

One of my favorite tiny seeds is sesame seeds. Those golden tasty seeds are a pleasure to add to food. Don’t be deceived by their size, they are packed with several nutrients.

If you are wondering what are sesame benefits and what is the best way to eat sesame seeds, then you need to keep scrolling to find satisfying answers.

Sesame seeds: history and types

Sesame is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Sesamum. They are grown to consume their edible seeds, which grow in pods. It originated in India, while other wild species were found in sub-Saharan Africa. The edible types are usually cultivated in tropical regions around the world.

India, Myanmar, and Sudan account for most world production, which reached six million tonnes in 2018.

Sesame is thought to be the first discovered oilseed crop. The ancient Ebers Papyrus, the Egyptian medical archive that dates back to 1550 BC, mentions sesame seeds as having medicinal importance. Excavations at King Tutankhamen’s grave revealed baskets full of sesame. It is evidence of the high value given to these seeds.

There are several types of sesame. The most common varieties are:

The golden or brown seeds: these are a treasure in North African cuisines.

White seeds: these are more expensive and common mostly in the Americas and Europe.

Black seeds: they are more common in Asian countries. Chinese culture believes these seeds have properties that are beneficial to treat several bodily infections.

The nutritional profile of sesame seeds:

Sesame seeds might be small but they are packed with a significant number of nutrients. You will be amazed by sesame seeds' nutrition facts. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one hundred grams of these seeds contains the following:

• Calories: 573Total fat: 50 g
• Saturated fat: 7 g
• Sodium: 11 mg
• Potassium: 468 mg
• Total carbohydrates: 23 g
• Dietary fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Iron: 81 % of the daily value
• Vitamin B 6: 40 % of the daily value
• Magnesium: 87 % of the daily value
• Calcium: 97 % of the daily value

Sesame seeds might be high in calories, but they are also rich in healthy unsaturated fat, dietary fiber, and protein.

These seeds have a distinct nutty flavor, which makes them an excellent addition to various recipes, especially with baked goods.

Sesame benefits

As you have seen above with sesame seeds nutrition facts, these seeds are highly rich in beneficial nutrients. They do add so much to the taste of your food and unexpectedly upgrade it that you wonder which is more important: sesame benefits or sesame taste?

Well, if you are wondering is it good to eat sesame seeds daily then the answer is definitely a yes. These seeds are an excellent source of several minerals, vitamins, fiber, and protein. Regular consumption, such as adding them to salads or baked goods, helps you absorb great nutrients which might have significant effects on your overall health.

For one, a promising animal study has revealed that consuming these seeds helped fight oxidative stress, improve insulin resistance, and protect against obesity.

Sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants; the black variety is particularly very rich. Hence, they are an excellent treatment to prevent chronic diseases by fighting oxidative stress.

Clinical studies have shown that sesame seeds have positive effects on blood pressure and hence possibly protecting against strokes.

What’s more, these seeds have been tested for potential anti-cancer properties. Promising results revealed that certain compounds. Especially in black sesame seeds, have anticancer effects.

For people who are nuts about their looks and bodily appearances, sesame might be the solution for some of your problems. Studies have revealed that these seeds have positive effects on hair and skin. They contain iron, zinc, fatty acids, and antioxidants. These promote healthy hair and skin.

Most people who tried this oil are praising the sesame oil's benefits for hair and skin. It has an incredibly soothing and moisturizing effect.