Black sesame seeds are also known as black-colored sesame seeds, gingili, til or zi-er bu in Chinese. They come from a specific variety of the “Sesamum indicium” plant and have a mild nutty flavor with a hint of bitterness. They are also quite oily.
Black sesame seeds are used as a substitute for white sesame seeds because they retain their original flavor, texture, and aroma. They are also a great, gluten-free alternative for making flours. In Asian countries, products such as ice cream, pastries, macaroons, and noodles are often made with black sesame seed paste to give them an extra kick of flavor.
These days, however, it is possible to find products containing the whole black sesame seed too! For thousands of years, these little seeds have been an important part of not only Chinese culture but various other cultures all over Asia for their health benefits, use in cooking, and their ability to be used in so many different types of dishes.
In this article, we will be discussing black sesame seeds, their nutritional content, and their importance to our diet as well as how they can improve your health!
Black Sesame Seeds Nutrition Facts
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds contain 100 calories and the following nutrients (1):
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Calcium: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Magnesium: 16% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 11% of the DV
- Copper: 83% of the DV
- Manganese: 22% of the DV
- Iron: 15% of the DV
- Zinc: 9% of the DV
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 grams
Read More: Sunflower Seeds Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, And More
Black Sesame Seeds Health Benefits
Black sesame seeds are rich in nutrients that support optimal health, and regularly eating them may have specific benefits.
May Help Reduce Oxidative Stress
People living with chronic disease often experience oxidative stress, which is damage to cells caused by free radicals. Research suggests that black sesame seeds contain antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress in the body (2).
Promote Proper Thyroid Function
Sesame seeds are a good source of dietary selenium, a trace mineral that supports proper thyroid function and plays an important role in the making of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones stimulate metabolic activity, and a deficiency in them can lead to weight gain. This study shows that participants with mild autoimmune thyroiditis who took selenium supplements had their symptoms improve (4).
Encourage Heart Health
Black sesame seed phenolic extracts have been shown to help reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, thereby possibly reducing the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, sesame seeds are high in fiber which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the bloodstream (2).
Both black and white sesame seeds contain magnesium, which plays a central role in heart health. Eating just one ounce of either kind of seed provides about 20% of the daily value for this important mineral that helps keep blood vessels healthy and lower the risk of heart disease (1).
It also supports general cardiovascular function and helps regulate blood pressure and prevent hypertension. Magnesium can even help muscles relax and reduce muscle cramps.
Nourish Your Skin From The Inside Out
Due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, black sesame seeds are known for helping maintain the health of your skin. Eating them regularly may help promote elasticity, protect against free radicals, and even have an anti-inflammatory effect!
Black sesame seeds are also a good source of protein which helps build collagen in the skin (8). If you’re looking for naturally beautiful skin to show off then try including black sesame seeds into your diet.
Improve Digestion
Black sesame seeds are a good source of dietary fiber, which is well known for its ability to support digestive health.
Boost Your Energy Levels
Sesame seeds contain a good amount of thiamin, which contributes to energy production and cellular metabolism by helping transform food into glucose (i.e., fuel) for the body. If you need a little boost after your morning run or before heading off to work then consider snacking on black sesame seeds – two tablespoons have about 9% of your daily value for this essential B-vitamin (1)!
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Improve Brain Function And Mood
Black sesame seeds are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can help soothe and relax you, improving both mood and sleep quality. They also contain significant amounts of vitamin B6, folate, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc – all of which are important to supporting brain health and function (9).
Boost Blood Sugar Regulation
Black sesame seeds are rich in fiber and protein, both of which are important for regulating blood sugar levels.
Their magnesium content might also help improve insulin sensitivity (i.e., how well the body responds to the hormone that regulates blood sugar) which is helpful for diabetics or pre-diabetics who struggle with insulin resistance due to obesity or metabolic syndrome (3).
However, if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes (glucose intolerance), it’s important to talk with your doctor before consuming black sesame seeds on a regular basis, especially if you are on any medications, because they can impact blood sugar levels.
Fight Cancers
Black sesame seeds contain cancer-fighting compounds like phytosterols, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, selenium and other minerals that act as chelating agents, binding to free radicals and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers (2). The best part is that you can get all these benefits without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Grow Stronger Bones
Black sesame seeds are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc which are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Black sesame seed oil is also used in some cases to help prevent osteoporosis. Consuming black sesame seeds may help prevent fractures by helping you absorb important bone-building nutrients more effectively (2).
Read More: Flax Seeds Benefits: 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat This Superfood
Possible Side Effects Of Black Sesame Seeds
Though they’re generally fairly safe and easy to use, black sesame seeds can have adverse effects for those who have pre-existing medical conditions or low immune systems. Some examples include:
Hypoglycemia
Eating too many black sesame seeds may lower blood sugar, possibly causing hypoglycemic episodes, especially in people with diabetes who are on blood sugar-lowering medications or insulin(5). Therefore, these people should probably avoid consuming these seeds on a regular basis until they talk with their doctor about it first.
Low Blood Pressure
Sesame might also lower blood pressure, especially when used in medicinal amounts (higher than typical food consumption). If you have low blood pressure or are on blood pressure lowering medications, talk to your doctor about adding sesame to your diet, especially if you are thinking about using supplements.
Food Allergy Reactions
Sesame is a common allergen and can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them (6).
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How To Use Black Sesame Seeds
These seeds are incredibly versatile when it comes to culinary uses. Here are some of the most common uses of black sesame seeds:
As A Topping
These seeds can be sprinkled on salads, over stir-fries, noodles, veggies, rice dishes (like sushi), desserts, and even breakfast cereals. They’re also great when sprinkled onto yogurt or apple slices for an afternoon snack!
In Sauces
Black sesame seeds are commonly added to thicken sauces like teriyaki sauce. They’re also combined with soy sauce and garlic to make black bean sauce which is used in many Asian cuisines – especially Chinese cuisine. These ingredients can be drizzled with oil over cooked vegetables or steamed fish for a simple but flavorful meal anytime of the day!
As A Condiment
Black sesame seeds are unique in that they don’t need to be ground up before consumption. After heating them in water for around ten minutes, they’re ready to eat as-is! You can also sprinkle them on fresh meals like steamed fish or veggie dishes immediately before serving.
Black sesame seeds are wonderful in stir-fries and other Asian recipes!
As A Sweetener
Black sesame seeds make an excellent natural sweetener that is more nutritious than artificial alternatives.
To process the seeds into powder form, just grind them up together with some salt using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until fine , about 5-10 minutes. The result should be a fine powder that is great for sweetening up dishes like porridge, fruit salad, yogurt, cocktails , oatmeal, pancakes , toast – even ice cream
As Tahini Paste
Once you’ve ground the seeds into powder form, it’s also possible to make them into a paste using some oil. The paste can be used as a great alternative to tahini sauce, which is typically made from white sesame seeds.
As Oil
Black seed oil is often used as a natural alternative to ordinary vegetable oil. It adds a deep, rich flavor that is wonderful for wok-fried dishes and it also contains high levels of antioxidants which help preserve the freshness and color of your food.
As A Skin Conditioner
Black sesame seeds can be mixed with olive or coconut oils and applied directly onto the skin to treat conditions like dry, cracked feet, minor burns, psoriasis, and eczema. Black sesame seed oil is also believed to improve symptoms associated with chronic skin conditions when applied topically (8).
Note: The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the application method, type of condition being treated, symptoms, how long symptoms have been present, etc. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying this or any other home remedy.
As A Supplement
Black seed oil is often taken orally in capsule form as a supplement to improve immunity, aid digestion, boost energy levels and help with the symptoms of asthma. More research needs to be done on these effects before they can be recommended to anyone trying them.
Note: Be sure that your product contains 100% pure black sesame seed oil for maximum potency. You may also want to consider using whole roasted seeds instead of supplements because of their high nutrient density compared to processed oils.
What’s The Difference Between Black Sesame Seeds Vs. White Sesame Seeds?
The main difference between black and white sesame seeds comes down to their color. White sesame seeds are viable when they’re unprocessed but turn brown after being roasted. On the other hand, black sesame seeds stay shiny and jet-black after being roasted. They also have a distinct nutty flavor that’s more intense than just regular white or brown varieties. Additionally, it takes around ten minutes to roast black sesame seeds, while it only takes a few minutes to do the same with white ones.
The Bottom Line
Black sesame seeds offer a ton of potential benefits! They’re delicious when added to yogurt or salad dressings, helpful for heart health, good for brain function, potentially cancer-fighting – not to mention their incredible nutrient profile with significant amounts of calcium and iron. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation because too much of a good thing can be dangerous.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
SOURCES:
- Black Sesame Seeds (2019, usda.gov)
- Identification of Nutritional Components in Black Sesame Determined by Widely Targeted Metabolomics and Traditional Chinese Medicines (2018, nih.gov)
- Intracellular magnesium and insulin resistance (2004, pubmed.gov)
- Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment (2017, nih.gov)
- SESAME: Overview, Side Effects, Precaution, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (n.d., webmd.com)
- Sesame-allergy information (2006, manchester.ac.uk)
- The chemical composition and heavy metal content of sesame oil produced by different methods: A risk assessment study (2021, wiley.com)
- Value addition in sesame: A perspective on bioactive components for enhancing utility and profitability (2014, nih.gov)
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation for preventing dementia or delaying cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (2018, nih.gov)
