Vietnam has a small but powerful seed, considered a super nutritious "black pearl".

Support heart health

Black sesame seeds contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, especially oleic acid and linoleic acid. These fats have been shown to reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), preventing atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition, black sesame also contains many other fibers, vitamins and minerals that are also beneficial for cardiovascular health. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol absorption from the intestines, vitamin E protects cardiovascular cells from damage, and minerals such as potassium and calcium also play an important role in maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.

Black sesame is extremely good for heart health. Photo: Healthline

Good for digestion

Black sesame is a rich source of fiber. Fiber plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps increase intestinal motility, helping food move more easily through the intestines and preventing constipation. The fiber in black sesame is also a food source for beneficial bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria play an important role in the digestive process, helping to break down food, absorb nutrients and maintain the balance of intestinal microflora.

Increase bone health

Black sesame seeds are a rich source of calcium, a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Calcium helps bones grow and maintain bone density, preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures. In addition to calcium, black sesame seeds contain many other minerals that are important for bone health, including magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese.

Magnesium helps the body absorb calcium better, phosphorus is an important bone building block, zinc is involved in the formation of new bone, copper helps maintain bone density, and manganese helps prevent osteoporosis. Black sesame also contains plant compounds such as sesamin and sesamol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help protect bone cells from damage and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Black sesame is a rich source of calcium. Photo: Getty Images

Improve thyroid health

Selenium is abundant in black sesame, accounting for 18% of both hulled and unhulled seeds, which plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. Selenium is an essential mineral, most concentrated in the thyroid gland compared to other organs in the body. It participates in the conversion of thyroid hormones from inactive form (T4) to active form (T3), while also protecting the thyroid gland from harmful free radicals.

Helps regulate blood sugar levels

Black sesame seeds are high in fiber, which helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize blood sugar, especially after meals. Fiber can also help improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin more effectively to control blood sugar levels.

Black sesame is also a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that is important for blood sugar regulation and insulin function. However, it is important to note that black sesame is not a cure for diabetes. It is just part of a healthy diet and lifestyle that can help support diabetes treatment.

Skin and hair care

The zinc in black sesame seeds plays an important role in the production of collagen, an essential protein that helps build and maintain healthy muscle tissue, skin, and hair. Additionally, the vitamin E in sesame oil has the ability to slow down the aging process of the skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots. So, if you are looking for a natural ingredient to take care of your skin, black sesame is a great choice.