According to Dr. Le Ngoc Tram, a Master of Science in Traditional Medicine from the Faculty of Health Sciences , Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, black sesame seeds are also known as black sesame. Sesame seeds are a food rich in energy and fat, mainly unsaturated fat.
Nutritional value of black sesame seeds
According to nutritional data from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture ), one tablespoon of whole, dried sesame seeds (approximately 9g) provides about 52 kcal, 4.5g of fat, 1.6g of protein, 1.1g of fiber, 87.8mg of calcium, 1.3mg of iron, 0.7mg of zinc, 0.37mg of copper, and 0.22mg of manganese... These are all components that play a significant role in cellular metabolism, skin and hair health, and the body's antioxidant system.
In addition, sesame seeds contain characteristic lignan compounds such as sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol, which play a role in antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism regulation, and several other biological effects.
Black sesame seeds are a highly nutritious type of seed.
PHOTO: LC CREATED from Gemini
"Does black sesame seeds reduce gray hair?"
According to Doctor Ngoc Tram, hair color is determined by melanin, produced by melanocyte cells in the hair follicles. When these cells decline due to age, genetics, oxidative stress, endocrine disorders, or micronutrient deficiencies, hair gradually turns gray. Black sesame seeds are known for their role in supplementing energy, minerals, fiber, and beneficial fats, supporting the nutritional foundation for healthy hair follicles.
According to traditional medicine, hair is nourished by blood and kidney essence. When the liver and kidneys are deficient, and blood and essence are insufficient, hair tends to dry out, fall out, and gray prematurely. Black sesame seeds, with their sweet taste and neutral nature, are often used to nourish the liver and kidneys, benefit blood and essence, and moisturize dryness. They are suitable for people with dry hair, premature graying, dry skin, constipation, and general weakness. Conversely, those with diarrhea, bloating, or weak spleen and stomach should not consume them in large quantities.
"If you ask whether black sesame seeds can reduce gray hair?", the answer is: "Black sesame seeds have a traditional and biological basis for being considered in relation to gray hair, but there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to prove that eating black sesame seeds can reverse gray hair in humans," said Dr. Le Ngoc Tram.
The real value of black sesame seeds lies in their nutritional support, supplementing certain micronutrients related to hair follicle health.
PHOTO: LC CREATED BY Gemini
The real value of black sesame seeds lies in their nutritional support, supplementing certain micronutrients related to hair follicle health and providing antioxidants, rather than being a treatment for gray hair. When experiencing gray hair, it's important to investigate the cause. Cases of gray hair due to genetics, age, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, thyroid disease, or deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, zinc, or copper require evaluation and testing instead of relying solely on black sesame seeds.
"Black sesame seeds are a highly nutritious food and also a medicinal herb with many uses. However, it's important to understand and use them appropriately to maximize health benefits. If used as a daily food, healthy adults can consume about 10-20g of black sesame seeds per day, equivalent to about 1-2 tablespoons. Overconsumption of black sesame seeds can cause bloating and indigestion," Dr. Tram advised.