Sesame Seeds: Tips, Health Benefits And Recipes

They are on salads, on desserts, on breads and even in crackers.  They are the main constituent of tahini and are a crown on top of delicious Asian dishes. Yes, we are talking about sesame seeds.  Besides being versatile and crunchy, sesame seeds are little kernels packed with amazing nutritional benefits. They are derived from the sesame plant and grow inside pods.

These seeds are widely grown across India and companies like HL Agro are known for their bulk production of these seeds every year, putting India right on the top of exporters of sesame seeds in the world. Let’s know more about them.

Sesame Seed Power

• Sesame seeds are loaded with calcium and iron and about 2 tablespoons of these seeds contain about 100 calories.  They have 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 8 grams of fat. 

• They are loaded with many kinds of nutrients and minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, copper, tryptophan, zinc and selenium etc. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin B1.

• What makes these seeds even more beneficial for the human health is the fact that they contain fibers called sesamol and sesamin which can protect the liver from damage and also lower cholesterol levels.

• They are laden with antioxidants and also with amino acids.

Sesame Seed Tips

• While it is true that most people like sesame seeds in their toasted form, it is not necessary to toast them before using them in recipes.  But if you wish to toast them anyhow, all you need to do is to spread them in an even layer in a non stick frying pan and put the stove on medium heat. Stir them continuously until golden brown and till they start popping.  Let them cool.

• As far as storing them is concerned, don’t put them in a contained right away. Wait till they cool completely and them put them in a container that is air-tight.

Sesame Seed Recipes And Dishes

• There are many popular and easy to make recipes which incorporate sesame seeds-both the black and white varieties. The most famous recipe which uses them is tahini sauce or dip which is mostly made in Middle Eastern countries.

• You can also make herbed chickpea with sesame crackers as this comes out to be a brilliant combination of textures, tastes and flavours.

• You can sprinkle white sesame seeds on top of salads and on example of such a salad is roasted beets and greens with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

• Even Asian slaw salad with miso ginger dressing can consist of black sesame as the sprinkle on top.

Sesame Seeds: Your Defence Against Cancer

For thousands of years now, sesame seeds have been used in recipes all across the world. These seeds are not only known for their health benefits but also for their taste, crunch and texture. They are loaded with nutrients, some of which are highly essential for human health. From providing a lot of fiber to filling you up with vitamins and minerals, both black and white sesame seeds are absolutely important for all of us. One of their best uses or benefits if that they can help prevent and cure cancer. The following given information will throw more light on the same.

Sesame seeds fight colon cancer

Many cell research and studies have found that black sesame seeds extract helps in the suppression of colon cancer growth.  It compares to the chemoagent 5-fluoruracil but has a far better and higher safety profile.  The oil extracted out of black sesame seeds has proven to have significant inhibitory effects against colon cancer and that too without any major side effects. The presence of calcium in huge amounts in sesame seeds can protect the colon cells from cancer causing chemicals.

Sesame seeds suppress breast cancer growth

Another benefit of sesame seeds as a defence against cancer is that these seeds can help suppress breast cancer growth. A thymoquinone extract from nigella sativa inhibit the growth of the tumour and induces programmed growth of cells in a breast cancer model.

Sesame seeds suppress liver cancer growth

Sesame seeds can also help prevent liver cancer. The nutrients and minerals present in these seeds can inhibit the activity of liver cancer cells and eating them on a regular basis can really prove helpful.

Sesame seeds suppress cervical cancer cell growth

Sesame seeds exhibit anti proliferative, anti invasive and apoptotic properties in cervical cancer cell line and thus they help prevent cervical cancer as well.  This is why they must be eaten on a regular basis for both prevention and cure of this form of cancer.

Sesame seeds kill oral cancer cells

Sesame seeds are also known to cure and prevent oral cancer. What they do is that they kill cell growth in the oral cancer lining.

Sesame seeds kill aggressive brain cancer cells

Sesame seeds are also great for the brain and work against brain cancer. They can kill aggressive brain cancer cells if they are eaten on a regular basis.

Sesame seeds help prevent prostate cancer

Sesame seeds are loaded with zinc and selenium, both of which work collectively to prevent prostate cancer in men. They are also good for the sexual health in both men and women.

Thus one must include white and black sesame seeds in their diet on a regular basis.

How To Use Sesame Seeds To Cure Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a kind of a degenerative joint disease or arthritis which is localised in the knee and can cause pain and discomfort.  Some of the other symptoms which this disease causes are swelling, pain, disfigured cartilage, abnormal growth of the bone and even loss of motion.  In most of the cases, doctors suggest a painkiller called Tylenol which is an over the counter product and is also known as panadol.  It is also called paracetamol on most of the countries.  But since this over the counter painkiller can have side effects in the long term, it is also better to opt for natural remedies of methods to cure the issue and kill the pain. One such natural solution for this problem is sesame seeds. 

Sesame plant is considered to be one of the oldest oil crops in the world and yields seeds out of their pods. These seeds are commonly used these days in many recipes and dishes across the globe and are associated with medicinal benefits as well. According to ancient Chinese people, these seeds could cure number of conditions and prevent many others.  And even till today, the seeds are used to cure several ailments including knee osteoarthritis.

There was a research work done by students of Tabriz University in Iran to study the effects of sesame seeds on the many symptoms of knee arthritis. In this study, a group of 50 patients were divided into a group of two. One group received standard therapy which included giving them 500 milligrams of Tylenol twice everyday with 500 milligrams of glucosamine once every day.  The other group received 40 grams of sesame seeds everyday along with standard drug medications and therapy.  The study went on for two months and after that, both the groups were compared for pain sensitivity.  The group which had received sesame seeds had considerably less pain as compared to the other and this proved that sesame seeds do have an effect on patients with knee osteoarthritis. 

This study also threw focus on the fact that sesame seeds could enhance the effects of prescription based medications. For best results, one must buy raw and organic sesame seeds and grind them with a mortar to enjoy their multiple benefits. These seeds are widely grown in India and are easily available in most parts of the country. One of the largest sesame seeds manufacturers and exporters in India is HL Agro which is a sesame seed processing company based in Uttar Pradesh. The company produces several thousands of tons of sesame seeds on an annual basis and is a known name in the industry.

Healthy Nuts and Seeds You Must Eat Everyday

There is absolutely no denying of the fact that all of us must consume nuts and seeds on a daily basis.  Not only are most nuts and seeds packed full of flavour but also a plethora of nutrients which are essential for human health. Both seeds and nuts can prove to be tasty and crunchy snacks and are a great source of fiber too.

 They are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats and you must make sure you have them every day. The following is a list of the healthiest nuts and seeds that you must have every day.

Healthiest seeds

• Sesame seeds-these seeds are an excellent source of calcium, zinc, magnesium, fiber, iron, B1, phosphorus and fiber. They not only prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure but also protects against liver damage.  They are available easily and can be used in many recipes.

• Flax seeds flax seeds too are the healthiest seeds due to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids, lignans, antioxidants and a lot of fiber. Their regular consumption can prevent diabetes, heart conditions and even cancer.

• Chia seeds-these seeds are a healthy natural source of protein, omega 3s, calcium, fiber and antioxidants and are thus essential for the human health.

• Hemp seeds-hemp seeds are another healthy seed variety which have cancer and heart disease preventive properties.  They are loaded with fiber, protein and loads of omega 3s and omega 6s.

Healthiest nuts

• Almonds-these nuts are loaded with calcium and many other minerals like magnesium, selenium, Vitamin E and fiber. They can help prevent cholesterol and also have cancer preventive properties.

• Brazil nuts-brazil nuts too have several nutrients packed inside them and some of them include selenium, protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber and vitamin E.

• Pecans-pecans have tons of minerals and vitamins including folic acid, Vitamin E and A, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, manganese, zinc, B Vitamins and others. They can prove brilliant in lowering cholesterol and thus are heart healthy.

• Pine nuts/cedar nuts-these nuts are another healthiest ones in the world and must be added to your diet on a regular basis. They consist of several vitamins including Vitamin A, B, P, E and D.  Infact another thing which makes these nuts special is the fact that they consist of your body’s 70% requirement of amino acids.

Now that you know about the best nuts and seeds for your health, you must try and include them in your diet and make sure you get them in sufficient quantities. India is a hub for manufacturing of nuts and seeds including sesame seeds, which are otherwise not grown in many parts of the world.

5 Fantastic Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are one of the most nutrient-rich and tasty seeds in the world which are known for their many health benefits.  These seeds are used in many cuisines across the world, thanks to their brilliant nutty texture and rich flavour.  They are the oldest condiments known to man and are still very popular. The fact that they lend so many amazing benefits to human health makes them even more special. This is one reason why there is no dearth of sesame seeds manufacturers and sesame seeds exporters within and outside the country. The following is a list of the 5 fantastic health benefits of sesame seeds.

1. Presence of magnesium boosts respiratory and vascular health

Sesame seeds are a superb source of magnesium and this is one of the best things about them. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the human body and supports the vascular and respiratory health. It prevents the airway spasm in Asthmatic patients and also helps in lowering high blood pressure which in turn is a contributing factor in stroke, heart attacks and diabetic heart diseases.   It also prevents trigeminal blood vessel spasm.

2. Presence of calcium helps prevent colon cancer, PMS, Migraine and osteoporosis

Sesame seeds are packed with calcium which too is one of the most important mineral for the body. It not only works brilliantly for the bones but also prevents colon cancer and migraines. It reduces the symptoms of PMS and is great for the teeth as well.

3. Presence of zinc is useful for bone health

Another amazing health benefit of sesame seeds is that they are loaded with zinc which is essential for maintenance of the bone health in humans.  Not only does zinc help to maintain the bone mineral density but also prevents osteoporosis at the spine and the hip. This is another reason why you must include sesame seeds in some form or the other in the diet on a regular basis.

4. Presence of copper provides relief from Arthritis

The fact that sesame seeds contain a high amount of copper too makes them one of the healthiest foods in the world.  Copper is known to reduce the swelling and pain which occurs as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. This element is important in a large number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzyme systems. 

5. Sesame seeds lower cholesterol

Sesame seeds contain phytosterols which help in lowering cholesterol levels in the body. These phytosterols are compounds which are derived from plants and reduce risk of high blood cholesterol levels and even some kinds of cancers. This too is a benefit of sesame seeds and a strong reason why they must be present in your diet on a daily basis.