Sesame seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant.
Sesame seeds have many potential health benefits and have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. They may protect against heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Source of fiber
Fiber is well known for supporting digestive health. Additionally, growing evidence suggests that fiber may play a role in reducing your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Three tablespoons (30 grams) of unhulled sesame seeds provide 3.5 grams of fiber, which is 12% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
Lowers cholesterol
Some studies suggest that regularly eating sesame seeds may help decrease high cholesterol and triglycerides which are risk factors for heart disease.
Eating more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat relative to saturated fat may help lower your cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. Sesame seeds consist of 15% saturated fat, 41% polyunsaturated fat, and 39% monounsaturated fat.
Source of plant protein
Sesame seeds supply 5 grams of protein per 3-tablespoon (30-gram) serving.
To maximize protein availability, opt for hulled, roasted sesame seeds. The hulling and roasting processes reduce oxalates and phytates, compounds that hamper your digestion and absorption of protein.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Sesame seeds are high in magnesium, which may help lower blood pressure.
For healthy bones
Sesame seeds, both unhulled and hulled, are rich in several nutrients that boost bone health, though the calcium is mainly in the hull.
Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants,and other beneficial plant compounds.Regularly eating substantial portions of these seedsmay aid blood sugar control, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol.
