Analysing The Benefits Of Sesame Products
Over 6.7 million tonnes of sesame were produced in 2022. This was a 17.6% increase compared with 10 years prior. It’s not a surprise to hear about this increase, especially with the plethora of benefits to be had with sesame products.
Small but powerful
Several communities across the continents have long recognised the nutritional benefits of sesame. Yet, their true value is being further appreciated today.
Sesame seeds are packed with nutritional benefits. 100 grams of sesame seeds offer 7.9 grams of fibre, helping contribute to a healthy digestive system while potentially lowering the risk of complications such as heart disease. Minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium will also be found in abundance by adding sesame to your diet.?
A publication in Nutrition Today breaks down the composition of sesame:
The seeds are purported to be one of the oldest oilseeds used by humans. The seed colours of this plant vary considerably including white, yellow, grey, brown, and black, depending on the variety and strain of?S indicum. Black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds are the most available worldwide,
Although the chemical differences among the various coloured sesame seeds are not well characterised, it has been reported that the contents of indole-3-carboxylic acid, hesperidin, 2-methoxycinnamic acid, vitamin B2, and hyoscyamine are significantly higher in black seeds compared with white seeds. However, at least for sesame lignans, the seed colour and content of these bioactives are unrelated.
To find out more about sesame’s superfood properties, including their robust nutritional value, check out our previous article on this topic here.?
Sesame oil is often deployed as a cooking oil and as a salad dressing in Europe. The Middle Eastern condiment of tahini is also made from sesame.
Average prices for imports into the European Union varied from € 1,289 to € 1,810 per tonne between 2017 and 2021. In the first 3 months of 2022, the average price reached € 1,842 per tonne. This high average price points to a preference for higher-quality sesame.
Sesame seeds are a staple in bread recipes, most famously on burger buns in North America. Across Asia, seeds are mixed with sugar or honey to make sweets. Moreover, dehulled seeds are often found in condiments, pastries, cakes, and crackers. Additionally, the nutritional aspects allow for sesame to be used as a cost-effective solution for animal feed.
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More than food
The benefits to be had with sesame are not only found by directly consuming the commodity. Its use is increasingly being appreciated across several industries.?
Nutrition Today explains:
Because of the high content of oil, sesame seed is called the queen of oilseeds. Its major use is the production of a notably oxidative rancidity-resistant oil. This oil has numerous uses such as a solvent, a hydrophobic vehicle for drug delivery, and a skin softener, and in the preparation of soaps and margarines. In cosmetics, it can function as a binder, emulsifier, and viscosity-increasing agent.
Companies like True Botanicals , Sonage Skincare , Proudly, and Rejuva Minerals have achieved great success by making oils, cleansers, balms, and powders based on sesame. Researchers have touted that sesame on the skin can help prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from damaging the body. As such, beauty companies have been highlighting the potential to prevent wrinkles and tanning with sesame.
Sticking with cosmetics, sesame can help differentiate oil due to its various properties associated with different fatty acids. Sesame seed oil is high in C18:1 (oleic) and C18:2 (linoleic) fatty acids.
In the pharmaceutical industry, sesame oil is often used as a solvent for drugs injected under the skin and into the muscles. Sesame-based products are also deployed as emollients, skin conditioners, and occlusives. The latter is an agent that helps prevent moisture loss by forming a barrier. The antioxidant properties are also appreciated by companies looking to increase the shelf life of their offerings.
Significant potential
Sesame seed cultivation can be found across the continents, with strong activity in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Sudan is the largest producer, growing over 1.2 million tonnes in 2022. Meanwhile, India, in second place, grew nearly 700,000 tonnes in the same year.
White seeds are set to continue dominating the industry amid their popularity in the Asia-Pacific region. Bakery, confectionary, cosmetic, medicine, and pet food markets will combine to increase the value of the sesame market in this post-pandemic climate.?
After all, the worldwide sesame seeds market grew to more than $5.22 billion in 2022. There are no signs of stopping this expansion. According to Discover Global Insights, the market is set to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.23% to reach over $6.6 billion by 2030.?
The diverse benefits of the asset are undoubtedly contributing to this rise. We can expect sesame to further become a mainstay in everyday meals throughout the remainder of the decade and beyond.