Sesame Seeds and its benefits in Diabetes
When we hear “Open sesame,” many of us remember the famous tale of Alibaba and the Forty Thieves. In that story, it opened the door to hidden treasure. In real life, sesame seeds can open the door to better health. These tiny seeds have been valued in folk medicine for hundreds of years and are known for their amazing health benefits, especially for people with diabetes.
Sesame seeds come from the Sesamum indicum plant, which grows in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. They are small, oil-rich seeds available in two main types—white (natural) sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. They can be unhulled, where the husk is intact, or hulled, without the husk. Compared to other crops like soybeans or peanuts, sesame seeds have a much higher oil content and are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.
Nutritionally, sesame seeds provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron, along with vitamins like B1, B3, and B6. They are good for the heart, help lower blood pressure due to their magnesium content, and support healthy bones when eaten unhulled because of their calcium. They also promote healthy blood cell formation, improve metabolism, and help the body fight inflammation.
For diabetics, sesame seeds can be especially helpful. Their healthy fats and protein help control blood sugar, while antioxidants fight oxidative stress—a major concern for people with diabetes. They also help manage blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Black sesame seeds, in particular, are rich in compounds like sesamin, which can be beneficial for joint health and overall well-being.
Including sesame seeds or their oil in your daily diet—by roasting, soaking, or sprouting them—can enhance nutrient absorption and make them even more beneficial. Though small in size, these seeds are packed with powerful nutrients that can make a big difference to your health.
To Read more about this, visit our blog.
https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/sesame-seeds-and-its-benefits-in-diabetes/366
