Sesame Seeds - A Scientific Review

[Harry Hirsute]

Lowering Blood Pressure

Regularly enjoying sesame seeds may also lower blood pressure. Sesame lignans have been shown to favorably affect antihypertensive pathways, which could have profound implications for the millions of people battling hypertension.

A recent human study into the effects of different edible oils in hypertensive patients being treated with nifedipine, an antihypertensive therapy, showed that sesame oil offered better protection over blood pressure, lipid profiles, and lipid peroxidation than either sunflower or groundnut oils. Sesame oil also favorably increased both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants compared with the other oils.3

Other research has shown that the sesame lignans also have a beneficial effect on nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator with anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic properties. Dilation of blood vessels makes it easier for blood to flow through, thereby lowering the pressure within the vessels. In one study, sesamol increased the release of nitric oxide from umbilical vein endothelial cells,20 while another study found that sesamin metabolites enhanced vasorelaxation as well.21 The authors concluded that sesamin’s antihypertensive effects were directly related to this vessel relaxation.

Taken together, these studies are very encouraging. Because sesame seeds are part of our normal diet, future research should further elucidate the mechanisms of action of this food in fighting chronic aging-related diseases.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/..._sesame_01.htm

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