How Sesame Seeds Could Save Your Life · Mind and Body Solutions

How Sesame Seeds Could Save Your Life

Even though sesame seed is rarely considered beyond their role in decorating hamburger buns or as an ingredient in tahini, they could be considered a 'lifesaver.' Compelling research shows it is capable of reducing several blood markers of cardiovascular disease risk by 39% within only six weeks.

One of the most promising studies to come through the biomedical pipeline of late was a gem published in the journal Archives of Iranian Medicine, and which looked at a traditional, sesame-based food-medicine known as Ardeh (aka tahini) for its ability to decrease cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetics - a group whose risk of cardiac mortality is greatly enhanced due to unhealthy ratios and quantities of blood lipids associated with chronically elevated blood sugar, glycation and insulin resistance.

Based on these promising observations, the researchers concluded: "Ardeh could have favorable effects in decreasing CVD risk factors in type 2 diabetics." Keep in mind that they found a 39% decrease in the so-called atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), which is no small effect for a relatively small dietary change. It should be noted that the tahini used in this study contained no additional additives or oil. It was ground sesame seed, plain and simple. Were this a drug trial, results like these would be broadcast the world over as the next life-saving (multi-billion dollar selling) blockbuster drug. For a more detailed explanation of the results.

This is not the first human clinical study to find a beneficial effect of sesame on cardiovascular health or diabetes. Here are a few others:

A 2012 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that "Sesame oil consumption exerts a beneficial effect on endothelial function in hypertensive men."

A 2010 study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that "Sesame oil exhibits synergistic effect with anti-diabetic medication in patients with type 2 diabetes."

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medical Food found that " The substitution of sesame seed oil as the sole edible oil lowers blood pressure and glucose in hypertensive diabetics."

A 2006 study published in the Yale Journal of Biological Medicine found that "Sesame seed oil has a beneficial effect in hypertensive patients on iether diuritics or beta-blockers."

Sesame is truly a superstar among medicinal foods. In fact, we recently reported on a study that found that eating 40g of sesame seeds, or the equivalent of 2 tablespoons of tahini, was superior to Tylenol in reducing pain in those with knee arthritis. You can also take a look at the over 40 health benefits of sesame seed and/or its components on our sesame seed health benefits research page to learn more about this remarkable healing food.

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