As I delve further into my Nutritional Medicine degree, I’m always on the look-out for foods containing ingredients which can provide nourishment and energy specifically for sleep-deprived shift workers.
And the humble sesame seed is one of them.
Sesame Seeds are one of the most underrated foods.
The seeds are very nutrient-dense so you don’t have to eat a lot of them and although they might be small in size – they’re jam packed with beneficial nutrients including copper, magnesium and calcium.
Four Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds:
1. They are a low GI food which means they are a good source of slow release energy, which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Perfect for those of us who have to wait a while for our next meal break!
2. They aid digestion (constipation is very popular amongst shift workers), and help to calm the nervous system. I don’t know about you but I’m all for anything that helps to lower my stress levels and feelings of frazzleness! Not sure if that’s actually a word but anyway :-).
3. The magnesium helps to restore normal sleep patterns (as best they can when you work 24/7), particularly for women going through menopause.
4. The high calcium content can also help in the prevention of migraine headaches and PMS symptoms.
So there you go – lots of benefits for including sesame seeds into your diet!
How To Include Sesame Seeds Into Your Diet:
– Adding a spoonful to your smoothie for an alkalizing mineral boost.
– Throwing some into your homemade bread, muffins or cookies.
– Spreading tahini (sesame paste) on toasted bread with a drizzle of honey.
– Make your own salad dressing by combining toasted sesame seeds with rice vinegar, soy sauce and crushed garlic.
– A great addition to any stir-fry dinner mixed with garlic, soy sauce and ginger.
So never underestimate the power of something small. The humble sesame seed is the perfect example of this!
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