Sesame paste is generally used as a condiment, and few people eat it regularly. However, eating sesame paste regularly has many benefits. Fish is widely recognized as a "golden food for the brain," but some nutrients in sesame paste are even higher than in fish. Is sesame paste better for brain health than fish? Let's find out together.
1. Brain Health
Fish is rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, known as "brain gold," which is very beneficial for brain health and intellectual development in children. Sesame paste also has excellent brain-boosting effects because, like fish, it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Every 100 grams of sesame paste contains over 13 times the fatty acids of a yellow croaker and 33 times that of a grass carp!
2. Preventing Diabetes and Hypertension
Sesame paste is also high in zinc and potassium. These two minerals play a significant role in preventing and managing diabetes and hypertension: zinc is involved in the synthesis and degradation of insulin; while potassium helps relax blood vessels and promotes sodium excretion, which is beneficial for blood pressure health.
Sesame Paste Sesame Seed Bun
3. Heart Health and Lowering Lipids
Eating fish protects the heart and cardiovascular system, benefits that also come from the rich unsaturated fatty acids in fish. Many studies have confirmed that the unsaturated fatty acids in fish can increase blood vessel elasticity and lower cholesterol. The rich unsaturated fatty acids in sesame paste have the same effect. One tablespoon of sesame paste (about 20 grams) contains more fatty acids than half a pound of grass carp and carp!
4. High in Calcium
The calcium content in sesame paste is also quite high. Every 100 grams of sesame paste contains 612 milligrams of calcium, which is significantly higher than common calcium-rich foods like milk and tofu, and even higher than some cheeses.
Fermented Tofu and Sesame Paste Noodles
5. Blood-Nourishing Superfood
Sesame paste also contains relatively rich iron and folate, both of which are essential materials for blood production. Nearly a quarter of the population in China suffers from iron-deficiency anemia, so it is very necessary to supplement with iron-rich foods.
6. Antioxidant and Preventing Birth Defects
Sesame paste also contains two vitamins that must be mentioned: vitamin E and folate. The former has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, so regular consumption of sesame paste can enhance the body's disease resistance and delay aging; folate is not only a raw material for blood production but also an essential nutrient for the development of the fetal neural tube. Women can consume a small amount of sesame paste daily starting when they are planning to conceive and continuing until the third month of pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube defects.
Sesame Paste
Beef steam
A lasagna fragrance
raisin scon