Black sesame seeds: what are they and what are the benefits?
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Leesduur: 2 min
Everyone knows them... Those small, black, flat seeds that actually have little flavor. Black sesame seeds have been cultivated for thousands of years in the pods of the Sesamum indicum plant.
Sesame seeds also come in other colors, such as brown, gray, gold, and white. But why is black sesame so popular? In this article, I'll explain why black sesame seeds are so healthy and what their benefits are!
Black sesame seeds are rich in macro and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium and iron, which are essential for your health.
Black sesame seeds support healthy skin and hair thanks to antioxidants, essential fatty acids and minerals such as zinc and iron.
The high concentration of antioxidants in black sesame seeds reduces oxidative stress and supports overall health and cell function.
Why is black sesame healthy?
Black sesame seeds are a very rich source of several nutrients that offer various health benefits. Examples include macrominerals such as calcium and magnesium, but also trace elements such as iron, copper and manganese.
Did you know? Your body only needs trace elements in small amounts, while macrominerals are needed in larger quantities.
The trace elements in black sesame are important for regulating your metabolism, cell function, and immune system. They also play a role in the circulation of oxygen throughout your body.
Finally, black sesame seeds are also very healthy because they consist of more than 50% oil, making them a good source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Benefits of black sesame seeds
As I mentioned, black sesame is rich in nutrients that support optimal health. This gives the seed several important benefits. I'll explain these benefits below.
1. Black sesame seeds are good for your hair and skin
Sesame seed oil has been used for years in hair and skin products such as soap, shampoo, and cream. This is because (especially black) sesame seeds contain many nutrients known to be beneficial for your hair and skin. These include iron, zinc, certain fatty acids, and antioxidants.
There are also studies that have investigated the benefits of black sesame for your hair and skin.
Research has shown that black sesame oil may block up to 30% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) light rays, providing protection for your home.(1)
UV light not only causes you to burn, but can also lead to wrinkles and premature aging of your skin.
2. Black sesame helps with oxidative stress
Antioxidants play an important role in preventing cell damage in your body caused by free radicals. This is also called oxidative stress.
All sesame seeds contain antioxidants and healthy plant compounds, but black sesame seeds are the richest source of antioxidants. The reason black sesame seeds are so good for your health is because of their effect on oxidative stress.
One study showed that the antioxidants in black sesame seeds can protect against oxidative stress. A group of 30 people took 2.5 grams of black sesame seeds per day for 4 weeks, which significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels (one of the most widely used biomarkers of oxidative stress).(2)
Black sesame seeds are healthy
It's safe to say that black sesame has several significant health benefits. It's a nutrient-rich oilseed that has been cultivated and used for thousands of years.
Black sesame seeds can help with oxidative stress and are good for your hair and skin. In short, a well-known product with benefits for your body that many people still don't know about!
