7 Interesting Facts about Sesame Seeds ...

By Chelsie

7 Interesting Facts about Sesame Seeds ...

Sesame seeds can seem like a bland culinary addition to a bagel, but there are some very interesting facts about sesame seeds, which include their many health benefits. Sesame seeds are possibly the oldest condiment known to man, so their use goes well beyond the sesame seed bagel. Personally, I like sesame seeds for their slightly nutty flavor and think they make a salad look even more appealing. Beyond their nutty flavor and visual appeal, I never gave sesame seeds much thought. However, I have discovered that there are actually some noteworthy facts about sesame seeds.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1

Excellent Source of Nutrients

Excellent Source of Nutrients One of my favorite facts about sesame seeds is that they are an abundant source of minerals. A quarter cup of sesame seeds provides 73.5% copper, 44.5% manganese, and 35.1% calcium of RDA (recommended daily allowance), and good quantities of phosphorous, zinc, and selenium. The impressive amount of copper in sesame seeds is important for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Copper has been shown to decrease the pain and swelling from RA, and it is important for the enzyme lysyl oxidase that is needed for cross-linking of collagen and elastin. It is pretty impressive that the tiny sesame seed has such large quantities of important nutrients like copper. Certainly, I now feel good about my habit of liberally sprinkling sesame seeds on my salads.

2

Special Fibers

Special Fibers You know that fiber is good for you, but did you know that sesame seeds have two special fibers called sesamin and sesamolin? These fibers are part of a group of fibers called lignans, and they have several important health benefits. Sesamin and sesamolin can lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure, and protect the liver from oxidative damage. These fibers can even increase the Vitamin E that is present in animals! For fiber, I would say all of this is pretty remarkable.

3

Phytosterols

Phytosterols Phytosterols are compounds in plants with a chemical structure that is similar to cholesterol. This may not sound like a good thing, but it actually is. Phytosterols lower blood cholesterol levels, increase immune responses, and decrease the risk for certain cancers. In fact, they are so good for you that they are extracted from soybean, corn, and pine tree oil and added to butter spreads for their cholesterol lowering ability. However, rather than eating phytosterol enhanced butter, it is probably better to eat sesame seeds and sesame seed butter, because sesame seeds have the highest amount of phytosterols with about 400 milligrams per 100 grams!

4

Oxalates

Oxalates Sesame seeds are just one of many foods that contain oxalates. The oxalates in sesame seeds are present in the hulls. Interestingly, much of the calcium that is found in the hull of sesame seeds is bound to oxalates, which decreases calcium absorption. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat sesame seeds for their calcium. They still have enough calcium that you will certainly get a benefit. Aside from binding to calcium, oxalates are also responsible for kidney stones. If you are prone to kidney stones or have kidney disease you will want to stick to hulled sesame seeds, which are oxalate free.

UPD:

Oxalates are small molecules that are found in many foods, including sesame seeds. Oxalates are present in the hulls of sesame seeds and can bind to calcium, making it difficult for the body to absorb. Because of this, many people opt for hulled sesame seeds, which are oxalate-free.

Oxalates can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. People who are prone to kidney stones or have kidney disease should avoid foods that contain oxalates, such as sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, providing up to 5 grams per serving. Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Sesame seeds are also a good source of iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells, while magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure. Zinc is important for healthy immune function, and copper helps to form connective tissue.

Sesame seeds are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation and may even help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

5

Allergy

Allergy Allergies to sesame seeds have risen in the last 10 years. When I first read this it seemed odd to me that sesame allergies have increased, but allergists have explained this fact with three very good reasons. First, the use of sesame in food and cosmetic products has increased dramatically. People are exposed to sesame products much more than in the past, which increases the risk of developing an allergy. The second reason given by allergists is cross-reactivity. People who are allergic to other nuts may react to some of the proteins in sesame seeds, which are the same as other nuts that cause allergies. The third explanation is processing contamination. Sesame seeds are often processed in plants where other nuts are present, which is unfortunate for people who aren’t actually allergic to sesame seeds and are only reacting to dust from other nuts.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

History and Legends

History and Legends Sesame seeds actually have a long standing history in human culture. They have been growing in tropical regions since prehistoric times, probably originating in India. Since they have been around so long, they have found their way into mythical legends. In the Assyrian creation story, the gods drank wine made from sesame seeds when they finished creating the world. In the Hindu culture, sesame seeds represent immortality. Sesame seeds were even featured in Arabian Nights with the phrase “open sesame”, which was a reference to the sesame pod bursting open when it reaches maturity.

7

Culinary Uses

Culinary Uses Obviously, none of these facts would be interesting if sesame seeds did not have any culinary uses. Sesame seeds have long been used to make sesame oil, in part because the oil is very resistant to rancidity. They are also used to make tahini, which is essentially sesame seed butter. Tahini is a very delicious condiment that is used in hummus. Sesame seeds also find their way onto baked goods. Although most people see white sesame used in baking, there are also yellow, black, and red sesame seeds.

Did you know there were so many facts you could learn about the tiny sesame seed? I did not have any idea that they had such a long standing history and were so healthy. Now that I know more about sesame seeds, I am going to try to use them in more ways. Maybe I can even get my hands on red sesame seeds, which would be a colorful addition to salads. What is your favorite way to eat sesame seeds?

whfoods.com

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Of one attempts to reduce the oxalate content in sesame seed hulls by sprouting (for example) in order to make the calcium more absorbable, does that not then decrease the calcium content (ultimately defeating the purpose)? Thank you,

#4 how do you know?

Heard of that solution but sprouted plants in general's not for gout patients isn't that so? Issue with this is, too tiny to boil in water compared to vegetables which you could get rid of oxalates easily. It's a hate and love relationship with sesame seeds. Its minerals able to detox most of the heavy metals in our body.

Related Topics

dropbox hacks lupus facts grapefruit fun facts what was ursula based on antioxidant facts truth about high fructose corn syrup fleagram season 4 meaning of otp in chat things that leave you speechless irish dance information

Popular Now