Excerpt from: Exercise and Nutrition
|
 |
| December 02, 2005 | | A nutrient found in sesame seeds proves effective for its blood pressure and lipid-lowering effects, antioxidant effects, and immunoregulatory actions. | |
Numerous phytonutrients (phyto = plant) have been linked to health and
disease regression. Sesamin is the most abundant lignan found in
sesame seeds and sesame oil that imparts and supports health. In
addition, research suggests that sesamin had numerous disease fighting
properties.
Lignans are antioxidants and phytoestrogens found in a variety of plants
including berries, broccoli, flaxseed, soybeans, ... and sesame seeds and oil.
Studies have looked at a variety of diseases ranging from hypertension to
heart disease and found benefits from sesamin intake including reduced LDL-,
total-cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels along
with increased HDL-cholesterol, nitric oxide, and fatty acid
oxidation levels. These changes improved disease markers for hypertension,
cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Other studies have linked sesamin to
improved immune function and stroke reduction.
To gain the benefits from sesame seeds, and sesamin, think about adding them
to your next stir-fry, using sesame oil in your cooking, or try choosing a
sesame bagel the next time you visit a Starbucks or bagel shop. | | |
|
|
