Sesame seeds are small, nut-like seeds that are harvested from sesame (Sesamum Indicum), a flowering plant that is grown and cultivated mainly for … you guessed it - sesame seeds. The oil-seed crop is grown mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and is a common ingredient for cooking a lot of cuisines.
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest oil seeds and a lot of dietitians advise their clients to introduce them in their diets, but what exactly is the nutritional value of sesame seeds?
The benefits attached to consuming sesame seeds are endless. They include reducing cholesterol level, lowering blood pressure and supporting healthy muscles and bones. At KODGAV, we produce and sell rich, healthy sesame seeds at affordable prices in line with our goal of providing healthy and sustainable food to our customers.
Now let’s get straight into it, here is a list of the 5 key nutrients found in sesame seeds.
1. SATURATED FAT
Saturated fat in the right proportion is essential to the development of the body, they make up more than 49% of our bodies and are also vital for good bone structure. These fats boost the immune system and have antimicrobial properties that help to fight harmful microorganisms. Eating sesame seeds can really contribute to healthy levels of these fats in your body.
2. PROTEIN
Sesame seeds are a good source of plant protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Plant based protein is a healthy alternative source of protein because it has a reduced percentage of fats. It helps to build muscles and tissues, and it also improves metabolism, making it one of the best options to include in a weight loss diet. Protein also improves your skin and helps it repair itself.
3. CALCIUM
The importance of calcium in the development of strong bones cannot be overemphasised. Muscles, bones and tissues all need calcium to function properly. A deficiency in calcium can affect bone mass, so including a healthy amount of sesame seeds in your diet can enhance your calcium level.
4. MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It is involved in most of the chemical reactions in the body, so the body needs a large quantity of magnesium. Magnesium helps in the formulation of amino acids, the regulation of the nervous system, and the lowering of high blood pressure. Sesame seeds are a go-to food to improve your magnesium intake.
5. IRON
Iron is another mineral found in sesame seeds. It is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein part of red blood cells, that allows oxygen transportation in the body. As such, it is also very important for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers to increase acceleration of oxygen production. Iron also provides energy for the body, so proper and regulated intake of iron can boost stamina. Not just that, Iron is known to maintain healthy skin, hair & nails.
It would be a bit of a miss not to add sesame seeds to one’s diet, in fact, sesame seeds also contain a good amount of fibre which helps to support the digestive system. If you’re like us, and can see how sesame seeds are sounding more and more like a superfood, visit our product page to learn about quality sesame seeds supply at an affordable price!
Check out this article to find out more on how KODGAV is supplying sesame seeds sustainably.