Sesame is something we are all familiar with. When cooking, we use it as an ingredient; a little is enough to significantly enhance the aroma. The reason for emphasizing sesame paste is that it is ground more thoroughly, allowing its nutrients to be more exposed and thus better for our digestion and absorption. Let's take a look at the nutritional value and health benefits of sesame paste below.
Without the grinding process, much of the sesame enters our digestive system whole and cannot be effectively digested and absorbed.
Black Sesame Salt
1. Softens blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure
Professor Peng Jian of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine says: Black sesame nourishes the kidneys and is rich in vitamin E, which can soften blood vessels. It is a well-known life-extending remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Sesame paste is rich in linoleic acid, lecithin, vitamin E, and other nutrients. Its linoleic acid content is as high as 50%, which has the effect of softening blood vessels. Since high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis are related, softening blood vessels can also help lower blood pressure.
2. Antioxidant, anti-aging, and prevents stroke
There are two vitamins in sesame paste that must be mentioned: vitamin E and folic acid.
The former has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while the latter has been shown to help reduce the incidence of stroke. Therefore, regular consumption of sesame paste can enhance the body's disease resistance, delay aging, and reduce the risk of stroke.
3. A high source of calcium: two tablespoons a day for strong bones
In the Chinese diet, apart from dairy products, the main sources of calcium are legumes and vegetables. However, the calcium content in sesame paste is much higher than in legumes and vegetables. Eating 10 grams of sesame paste, which is about two small spoonfuls, provides as much calcium as eating 30 grams of tofu or 140 grams of Chinese cabbage.
Calcium deficiency is particularly prominent among women, the elderly, and children in China. Eating sesame paste can help supplement calcium. It is especially beneficial for children and women around menopause, as it is greatly beneficial for the development of bones and teeth.
4. A great blood nourisher: prevents anemia
Sesame paste is relatively rich in iron and folic acid, both of which are essential for blood production. In daily diets, adding sesame paste can not only help correct picky eating and loss of appetite but also correct and prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
5. Brain-nourishing and prevents premature graying of hair
Sesame paste is rich in lecithin, a substance particularly important for brain nerve activity. It can also nourish hair follicles and prevent premature graying or hair loss.
6. Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements
Sesame contains a large amount of oil, which has a good effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It is suitable for pregnant women troubled by constipation, women around menopause, and children with poor digestion. It can not only moisten the intestines but also supplement blood, calcium, and folic acid. As a long-term therapeutic food for comprehensive supplementation, it is an excellent choice.
Black sesame salt