Sesame seeds are very beneficial for physical as well as mental health. Here are the following health benefits of sesame seeds:
1. Develops Stronger Bones
Sesame seeds contain a high amount of calcium that helps in developing strong bones. Besides, zinc content in these seeds helps in strengthening the bone structure.
2. Controls Blood Sugar
Sesame seeds are extremely beneficial for diabetic patients as it helps to maintain blood sugar levels. In the long run, it serves as a natural regulator of blood sugar due to its low content of carbohydrates but high content of healthy fats and protein. Further, pinoresinol, a lignan found in a plant, is present in sesame seeds and plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels.
3. Maintains Blood Pressure Levels
Sesame seeds are high in magnesium content. This mineral assists in preventing blood pressure and hypertension. Additionally, the presence of vitamin E, lignans, and other vital antioxidants prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thereby regulating blood pressure levels.
4. Eases Arthritis Pain and Respiratory Issues
Sesame seeds offer a much-needed amount of essential minerals such as magnesium, copper and calcium to your body. Copper helps in relieving pain suffered in rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, magnesium content helps in easing respiratory problems.
5. Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin
One of the major health benefits of sesame seeds is that they promote healthy hair and skin. This is because these seeds are a rich source of vitamin B complexes, which include niacin, thiamine, folic acid, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. These are the best natural alternatives to get healthy hair and skin. Apart from consuming seeds, you can massage your scalp and body with sesame oil once a week to improve your hair and skin.
6. Improves Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland in your body has the highest amount of selenium. This plays an essential role in producing thyroid hormones. Both unhulled and hulled sesame seeds provide around 18% of the selenium of the RDI or Reference Daily Intake. Thus, these seeds are extremely beneficial in combating thyroid issues. Moreover, the presence of vitamin B6, copper, zinc and iron supports the proper production of thyroid hormones and maintains thyroid health.
7. Boosts Immunity
Sesame seeds are packed with essential minerals like zinc, which strengthen your body's immunity. Consuming zinc develops T-lymphocytes. These are an essential part of your body's immune system and help to fight against microbes.
8. Maintains Mental Health
Oil derived from sesame seeds contains tyrosine and amino acids, which affect the functioning of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood, and any imbalance in it leads to stress and depression. Sesame oil helps to create serotonin which lowers the chances of developing anxiety or other issues and maintains overall mental well-being.
9. Helps to Cure Constipation
You can consume black sesame seeds to cure constipation. These seeds are high in unsaturated fatty acids and fibre. The fibre content and oils in these seeds regular proper bowel movements.
10. Reduces Cell Damage and Inflammation
Oils extracted from sesame seeds contain sesaminol and sesamol. These help in reducing damages caused to cells due to free radicals. These oils have anti-inflammatory properties to cure inflammation in joints, scrapes and toothaches.
11. Hormonal Balance
Sesame seeds are rich in nutrients that support hormonal balance. They contain phytoestrogens, which mimic oestrogen and can help manage hormone levels, particularly during menopause.
12. Antioxidant Properties
Sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These tiny seeds contain sesamin and sesamol, compounds known for their strong antioxidant properties.
13. Heart Health
Sesame seeds are beneficial for heart health due to their high content of healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of heart disease.