Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Emily

Sesame seeds are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. In fact, adding gound sesame seeds to salads helps the body absorb the fat-soluble phytonutrients in greens. They also contain lignans, anti-cancer compounds, which may reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have been found to have anti-inflammatory compounds.  A two-month study, which added one-quarter cup of sesame seeds per day to standard treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee showed a significant decrease in pain levels in participants.

Heart Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds, as well as nuts and legumes, are a great source of phytosterols.  Phytosterols maximize cholesterol reduction.  Sesame seeds specifically provide the most benefit of all nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. The sesamin in sesame seeds also was shown to help lower blood pressure a few points within a month, enough to lower stroke and heart attack risk by five percent.

For substantiation of any statements of fact from the peer-reviewed medical literature, please see the associated videos below.

Image Credit: Petra / Pixabay. This image has been modified.