The nutritional value of sesame seeds and their health effects

Sesame calories

Calories in peeled sesame seeds differ from calories in unpeeled sesame seeds. One ounce of peeled sesame seeds contains 189 calories, while the same amount of unpeeled sesame seeds contains 160 calories.

carbohydrates in sesame

Sesame seeds are sugar-free and most of their carbohydrates are in the form of dietary fiber. Sesame seeds can provide an individual with a good percentage of his daily need for dietary fiber. Three tablespoons of sesame seeds (30 grams) provide the body with 3.5 grams of fiber, which is equivalent to 12% of the daily fiber requirement.

fat in sesame

Sesame seeds are rich in fats, but you do not need to worry about them, as most of these fats are unsaturated fats, which are healthy for the body and of great benefit. One ounce (28.35) of unhulled sesame seeds contains 5.9 grams of polyunsaturated fat and 5.1 grams of monounsaturated fat.

As for the remaining percentage of fat in sesame seeds, it is saturated fat. One ounce of unpeeled sesame seeds contains only 1.9 grams of these fats.

Sesame seeds are also free of cholesterol and unhealthy trans fats.

Vitamins and minerals in sesame

When talking about the nutritional content of sesame seeds, it must also be mentioned that they are also rich in many vitamins and minerals.

The difference between regular sesame and black sesame

There are two types of sesame available in the market, the first is the usual white or off-white type, and the second type is black. There is a difference between these types of sesame, as they differ in terms of nutritional value. For example, black sesame seeds have stronger antioxidant properties than white sesame seeds.

Also, black sesame seeds have a slightly stronger taste compared to white sesame seeds.

The benefit of sesame seeds

Because they contain many nutrients, sesame seeds are of great benefit to the body, as they contribute to maintaining the various organs of the body and reduce the risk of many diseases and health problems.

The benefits of sesame seeds for the body include:

Reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
Reducing high blood pressure.
Maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Supporting bone and joint health, sesame seeds can contribute to reducing osteoporosis and treating arthritis.
Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and reducing sugar levels in diabetics.
Reducing the risk of various types of cancer.
Reducing the risk of anemia.
Maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Maintaining the functions of the immune system and protecting the body from various types of infectious diseases caused by bacteria or fungi.
Maintaining dental health and reducing the appearance of plaque on them.
Supporting thyroid health and maintaining normal hormone levels.
For more: What are the health and aesthetic benefits of sesame?

Do sesame seeds gain weight?

Sesame seeds contain a good percentage of calories, and more than 70% of the calories in sesame seeds come from fats, so eating them too much can cause an individual to gain weight.

Therefore, it is usually recommended to eat moderate amounts of sesame seeds to avoid consuming too many calories per day and the associated weight gain.

Sesame seed damage

In addition to the fact that sesame seeds increase weight, the harms of sesame can also include:

Sesame allergy
Sesame allergy is one of the most common allergies, as it is the ninth most common food allergy in the United States. Sesame allergy can cause many side effects in an individual, including:

a swollen throat
Cough.
Whiz.
Feeling tight in the chest and difficulty breathing.
Vertigo.
Skin redness and swelling.
Nausea and vomiting.
diarrhea.
This harm can occur from the harms of sesame, whether by eating the sesame seeds themselves, or eating the products that contain them, or the oil extracted from them.

Also read: The nutritional value of sesame paste and its harms

diverticulitis

Sesame seeds can cause symptoms in some, but not all, people with diverticulitis. In the event that they cause this, it is important for the individual to consult a doctor, and it is also advised to limit his intake of sesame seeds and their products.

Drug interactions

The possible harms of sesame also include the possibility of causing some drug interactions when taken with some types of medicines. One of the most famous drug interactions of sesame seeds is its interaction with tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer.

Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before consuming large amounts of sesame seeds if the patient is taking any of the different types of medications.