Question:”I read in a magazine that sesame seeds/oil is considered a “superfood.” Is this true?”
Sesame is a great, healthy addition to any diet and is considered a superfood by many. Being a “superfood” means that it has added health benefits and often contains high amounts of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Many different cultures use sesame as a “prescription” for everything from improving skin, teeth and hair to helping with digestion. Sesame has compounds called ligans which have cholesterol and blood pressure lowering effects. Also contained in sesame is vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help decrease inflammation in your body. However, keep in mind that to take full advantage of the health benefits of sesame, you would need much more than what you generally find on a menu. You will often see sesame as a garnish or in small quantities as sesame oil. To increase the amount of sesame you get every day, try adding some to your diet by sprinkling sesame on cereal or yogurt, adding it to your salads and stir fry dishes and opting for sesame seed buns.