Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds

What is it:

Sesame seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped seeds derived from the flowering plant Sesamum indicium that have a nutty flavor. Sesame seeds are commonly used as a garnish in both sweet and savory dishes, such as salads, baked goods, and Asian cuisine.

Rating:

Sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats and are associated with many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and improving bone health.

Resources:

  1. Physiological properties and health benefits of sesame seeds (review)
  2. Sesame seeds decrease oxidative stress (systematic review)
  3. Sesame seeds positively impact bone health in women with osteoporosis (systematic review)

How we rate ingredients

Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:

Clean

It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.

Caution

It goes into one or more of the below categories

  • It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
  • It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)

We Avoid

It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)

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