Introduction
The following article gives a detailed description of Black vs White sesame seeds and why black sesame is better for health than white sesame.
What is black sesame
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) belongs to the genus Flax and is an important ancient oil crop. The seed coat of sesame seeds varies in color like white sesame, black sesame, and yellow sesame. White and black sesame are the most common types of sesame used. Black sesame seed is one of the most important oilseed crops rich in oil and flavorful and has a strong aroma, which mainly contains fatty acids, vitamins, protein, minerals, and main active compounds such as lignans.
What is the white sesame?
White sesame seeds are considered important material for edible oil (50–60%), foods as they enhance the diet with a pleasing aroma and flavor and are used as an ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Compared with white seeds, black sesame seeds usually have higher ash and carbohydrate content, but lower protein, oil, and moisture ratios. A research study reported that white sesame seeds had relatively higher antioxidant capacity compared to gold sesame seeds and ascribed the possible reason for the differences in the contents of antioxidants.
Black sesame seed vs. White sesame seeds
The comparison of black vs white sesame seeds is as follows anti-oxidative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
1. Methoxycinnamic acid
2-methoxycinnamic acid contains antibacterial activity and inhibits the proliferation of human osteosarcoma.
2. Vitamin B2
Improve eyesight, regulates the metabolism of sugar, fat, and protein, and possesses anti-oxidative and anti-infective properties.
3. Anthrasesamone F
Anthrasesamone F exhibits radical scavenging activity, a higher chelating effect on the ferrous ion, and a stronger inhibitory effect on low-density lipoprotein oxidation than extracts from white seeds (2).
4. High antioxidant capacity
The presence of a high amount of sesaminol diglucoside and phenolic compound in a black sesame seed than in a white sesame seed (small amount) scavenges harmful radicals from the body and protects against various diseases (3, 4).
Therefore, black sesame seeds are more effective as a health food than white or brown sesame seeds.