These small seeds pack a protein punch and produce more oil than most nuts or seeds. They bundle in calcium, manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorous and Vitamin B1. Sesame seeds have properties that protect the liver, reduce inflammation and pain, level out blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. They are purported to be anti-cancer, anti-aging, and are antioxidant.
‘A 2013 study by researchers from the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences reported that 40 grams of sesame seeds were better than Tylenol when it came to alleviating the pain caused by knee arthritis.’
Wow! With that much going on – why not get the wok out and start stir frying with a dash of sesame seed oil, ginger, garlic and some sliced veg right now!
Studies indicate that sesame could be a ‘hepatoprotectant’ or liver protector.
So what does sesame do?
Your liver faces stresses from toxins all around us: pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fumes and particulates in the environment, additives in food and overindulging in alcohol or other toxic stimulants and relaxants. It seems that sesame could be a much needed support for the liver, struggling with modern toxic impacts.
The technical bit: sesame maintains levels of glutathione (a potent antioxidant), reducing free radicals and inhibiting the oxidation of fats. (Antioxidants fight free radicals which damage the cells of your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced because of environmental pressures on your system).
So, in more straightforward terms – sesame helps the good stuff in your body fight off the damage to your body caused by those toxins that we’re swallowing and surrounded by.
Sesame also appears to be safe for you. As sesame can change blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure, then do be careful if you have diabetes or already low blood pressure.
If you want to protect your liver, boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, reduce cancer risk and boost vital nutrients, then adding sesame into your diet is a great choice. Tahini (sesame seed paste) and sesame seed oil, as well as the seeds themselves, are available in all supermarkets, and can be used in cooking, spread on toast, added to dressings, used to make hummus, stir frys and so much more.
To buy :
For recipes try this : ‘the magic of tahini’
Whilst you’re at The Vegan Kind Supermarket, you can stock up on these store cupboard essentials:
Meridian organic sesame oil
Suma organic sesame seeds
Al Fez tahini
Or from Amazon: Hatton Hill 1kg of sesame seeds
For more resources, food and supplements go here: https://gilbertssyndrome.org.uk/resources/
Sources:
https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/sesame-oil-may-heal-liver-damage
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1514/sesame
There is two type seasame black and white which is best?
Hi there, great question! The white ones are more commonly used, as the black ones have a more distinctive flavour. This article discusses whether there are differences in terms of their nutritional value, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-sesame-seeds-benefits#benefits I hope that helps!
Does it matter if the Sesame seeds are hulled or unhulled?
Hi there, there are nutritional differences between them, but they are both excellent! You can read more here: https://kodgav.co.uk/en-gb/blog/differences-between-hulled-and-unhulled-sesame-seeds