Benefits of Sesame Seeds For Skin And Health

Sesame seeds, available in black and white varieties, add a nutty and crunchy flavor and texture to your meals. The many sesame seed benefits help improve your skin, hair, and overall health.

They are commonly added to many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes and are known to increase longevity. With their mildly nutty taste, they not only make your meals more flavorsome but also enrich them with many important vitamins and minerals. There is no doubt these seeds are replete with beneficial properties.

What Are Sesame Seeds?

Sesame seeds are probably one of the first oil seeds known to mankind. The sesame plant is a flowering plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family. These seeds have the highest oil content among all seeds and a delicate, nutty flavor that becomes more pronounced when they are roasted under low temperature for a few minutes. These seeds can be consumed in raw or dried form, or even as roasted snacks. They are used as an ingredient in several cuisines.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a crop grown primarily for the oil in its seeds, which is why it is considered an oilseed. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. Sesame seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are commonly added to certain foods to provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Sesame seeds are also used as ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, lubricants, and medicines.

Sesame Protein

Sesame Protein

Sesame protein is a vegetable protein extracted from sesame seeds after sesame oil has been pressed. Sesame protein is the main component of sesame flour. Therefore, the deep processing of sesame flour actually involves sesame protein. Sesame protein is mainly composed of a-globulin, which accounts for about 80%. Its pH is 3.8-4.0. sesame protein is dissolved with dilute alkali solution, and then the pH is adjusted to precipitate the sesame protein isolate. Protease was used to hydrolyze the sesame isolate to obtain hydrolyzed sesame protein.

Health benefits of Sesame Seeds

There's a reason people have been growing sesame seeds around the world since prehistoric times - they're good for you in many ways. In addition to other health benefits, consuming sesame seeds can help by

Lowering your cholesterol

Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, which are plant compounds that help lower cholesterol. Phytosterols are also believed to boost your immune response and reduce your risk of certain cancers. Researchers have found that sesame seeds have the highest total phytosterol content of all nuts and seeds commonly consumed in the United States, with 400 to 413 milligrams per 100 grams. These and other substances in sesame seeds may also prevent high blood pressure.

Fights infections

The sesamin and sesamin in sesame seeds are known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Antioxidants are important to your health because they protect your body from various diseases by slowing down damage to cells. 

The antibacterial activity of sesame seeds has been shown to fight staphylococcal infections and streptococcal pharyngitis as well as common skin fungi such as foot fungus.

Oral Health

Sesame seeds can also remove the bacteria that cause plaque on the teeth. An ancient practice called oil pulling can improve your oral hygiene and health if practiced regularly and correctly. Sesame oil is one of the most commonly used oils in this practice, and when you wake up in the morning, it will swish a tablespoon of oil around your mouth.

Assists Treating diabetes

Studies have shown that sesame oil can enhance the effectiveness of traditional type 2 diabetes medications.