The 1 Side Effect Of Sesame Seeds You Must Know About Today

Sesame seeds offer an array of health benefits. They are a part of many different cuisines. But one must also be aware of the side effects of sesame seeds associated with overconsumption. They may also trigger allergies in a few. In fact, there is a rise in sesame seed allergies in the United States. Continue reading to know more about the potential negative effects of sesame seeds.

Erin, a blogger, shared her personal account of her toddler son being allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, corn, and sesame seeds. She said, “But of all the foods my son has been allergic to, it’s sesame seeds that have caused the most problems (i).”

A survey conducted on 40,453 adults and 38 408 children found that approximately 0.49% of the US population reported a sesame allergy and 0.23% met the symptom-report criteria for it. Also, 23.6% to 37.2% among these individuals had previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to sesames.

Know The Flip Side: Sesame Seeds

Short-Term Effects
Anaphylaxis that involves hives, breathing problems, coughing, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.

Long-Term Effects
May cause low blood glucose levels, low blood pressure, complications during pregnancy and appendix pain.

Drug Interactions
None

When To See A Doctor
In case of severe sesame allergy symptoms such as breathing difficulties, vomiting and hives.

What Is The Side Effect Of Sesame Seeds?

Although there are multiple sesame seed benefits, overconsumption can cause serious health complications. The one and only side effect of sesame seeds – anaphylaxis, can manifest in various forms.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a reaction that occurs when the immune system releases high levels of certain powerful chemicals. These chemicals induce what is called an anaphylactic shock in medical terms. This shock can drastically lower your blood pressure and even constrict your airways, obstructing the breathing process.

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, anaphylaxis can be a serious condition, and individuals need prompt medical intervention (1).

Did You Know?

Charles Richet and Paul Portier coined the term anaphylaxis during an experiment to use actinia extracts to immunize dogs. Richet was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913 for this discovery.

What Are The Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis?

Sesame allergy (or anaphylaxis) can manifest in a number of symptoms. These include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Coughing
• Nausea
• Diarrhea (2)
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Hives
• Itchy mouth
• Flushing in the face, skin irritation or inflammation
• May cause a headache or lead to dizziness

Knowing the symptoms is one thing. And knowing how to prevent them is another.

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How To Prevent Sesame Allergy

Avoiding sesame is one great way to prevent the allergy. This means that you need to avoid all foods made with sesame or sesame seed oil. These include the following:

• Baked foods like cookies, buns, bagels, and buns. Certain bread products also contain sesame.
• Snacks like granola bars, candy, and pretzels.
• Middle Eastern foods like halvah, tahini, and hummus.

Trivia

Sesame seeds are believed to have originated in Asia and have been used by the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians for at least 5000 years.

Any Other Precautions?

Yes, people with gout and Wilson’s disease (a condition that leads to the accumulation of copper) should avoid sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds contain oxalates, which might aggravate gout symptoms. The seeds are also rich in copper, which is why anyone suffering from Wilson’s disease must abstain from consuming the seeds.

Some research suggests that sesame seeds can lower blood sugar levels. This may not be good news for people on blood sugar medication as the seeds might lower blood sugar way too much. Stay in touch with your doctor if you are taking blood sugar medication.

Even pregnant and breastfeeding women must stay away from the seeds as there is not enough information if they are safe during this period.

Infographic: Side Effects Of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for those who are not allergic to them. To others, they may cause a great deal of pain and a trip to the hospital. Check out the infographic below to understand the symptoms of sesame seed allergy and how to possibly avoid it.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Fun Fact

The phrase “open sesame” from the famous story “Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves” was inspired by sesame seeds as they were once believed to have magical powers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any alternatives to sesame seeds or sesame oil?

Yes, instead of sesame seeds, you may opt for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These provide a similar crunch and are ideal for replacing sesame in salads, granola bars, and baked goods.

Similarly, instead of sesame oil, you may use peanut oil. It has a nutty flavor, which is very close to sesame oil, and works well in stir-fries. Avocado oil too has a mild nutty and grassy taste. Olive oil also has a similar consistency to sesame oil and a neutral flavor. You can use it in marinades, sauces, and cooking.

What happens if we eat sesame seeds daily?

It is good to eat sesame seeds daily. Sesame seeds are rich in manganese and calcium, which help strengthen the bones. Calcium also plays a major role in muscle movement and hormone release. However, excess consumption of sesame seeds should be avoided.

Do sesame seeds cause gastric discomfort?

Yes, sesame seeds can cause digestive issues, such as gas, bloating and constipation if consumed in excess. They are rich in fiber, which may trigger gastrointestinal discomfort (3).

Is sesame seeds good for sperm?

Yes, sesame seeds are good for improving sperm motility and count. They also help manage infertility.

What is the best way to eat sesame seeds?

Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, toasted, or baked. They have a naturally nutty flavor when baked or toasted.

Do sesame seeds heat the body?

Yes, sesame seeds have the ability to heat up the body, as per Ayurveda.

Do sesame seeds increase weight?

No, sesame seeds do not increase weight. In fact, they help in weight loss by promoting satiety and curbing hunger.

Illustration: The 1 Side Effect Of Sesame Seeds You Must Know About Today

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Uncover the hidden dangers of sesame consumption and its potentially harmful effects on your health. Dive into this insightful video to make informed decisions for a healthier lifestyle.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Sarah SpannAdv Dip (Nut Med), mATMS

   

Sarah Spann has 4 years of experience as a clinical nutritionist. She specializes in gut health and is based in Brisbane, Australia. She is dedicated to changing the paradigm of gut health and works with clients all over the world to help them get back the freedom, energy and confidence that their gut issues have taken away.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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