Sesame seeds: So another calcium... - Bone Health and O...

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Sesame seeds

irishlass-1 profile image
12 Replies

So another calcium related question. I read sesame seeds are really high in calcium, then I read that they hold onto the calcium too tight and it's not available. Is this true, and if so if I eat sesame seeds on my breakfast would it hinder absorbtion of the other things I have on there for calcium intake, like almonds!

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irishlass-1 profile image
irishlass-1
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12 Replies
fenn profile image
fenn

Hi. I have almonds & sesame together with other nuts, seeds and dried fruit with kefir for breakfast. Until recently I was soaking them to ‘remove the phytates’ which were believed to stop them being digested and releasing their calcium. I now read that phytates are beneficial to Osteoporosis, so I’ve stopped soaking them! It’d be great if anybody has any views on this.

Walkingdogs profile image
Walkingdogs

I read that if you grind chai seeds they’re more effective at releasing nutrients. Maybe grinding sesame seeds would be the same

Justme13 profile image
Justme13

I didn’t know this. I take sesame seeds - ground - every morning with my oats and other nuts and almond milk.

Is ground ok?

karmel profile image
karmel

I use a couple of teaspoons of sesame oil when I do stir fry. I didn't know that sesame seeds could hinder the absorbtion of other calcium rich foods. I don't understand why calcium enriched (normally more pricey than not enriched) bread, milk, cereals and yoghurts are recommended to top up your calcium intake - I would have thought that this is a (synthetic) supplement that is an additive - surely the same as taking a calcium supplement with your meal?

Goldencbc profile image
Goldencbc in reply to karmel

I thought the same but my doctor told me it is the equivalent of getting my calcium from food. So I’m not sure either.

irishlass-1 profile image
irishlass-1

So just to clarify, I don't know whether sesame seeds inhibit absorption, I'm hoping some expert will see this and answer the question. And I only read this on one internet site, so don't all rush to change your breakfast habits lol! I'll try to do some more research and see what I can uncover :)

Nanaedake profile image
Nanaedake

Some reasearch

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The article says sesame seeds are high on oxalic acid and phytic acid. They can both interfere with calcium supplement absorption according to the leaflet that accompanies ADCAL. So it sou ds like it's best to keep calcium and sesame seeds apart for best absorption of calcium. Still, it wouldn't prevent you from absorbing some of the calcium so if your diet contains sufficient calcium and your vitamin D levels are good then I wonder how much difference it actually makes?

If it were me I think I would have sesame seeds occasionally but try to keep them separate from calcium supplements if eaten in large quantity.

They are often eaten for lunch along with rice and pickle in Asian countries so maybe only eat them for one meal? They have lots of good things in them according to the article, including reducing cholesterol.

SheilB profile image
SheilB

I have tahini, crushed sesame seed paste....delicious mixed with mashed banana on warm toast!

irishlass-1 profile image
irishlass-1 in reply to SheilB

Love tahini!

I don't usually talk about beauty products, I hate most of them, but speaking of sesame seeds, I must share that I have been using sesame oil on my face because my skin gets dry, red and blotchy looking in the dry winter air. I break out in a red rash with expensive store bought face creams and typically only use Aveeno baby moisturizer...and forget make-up remover - I'll look like I was crying for a week!

After almost one week I am convinced sesame oil is a wonder drug in disguise! I DO see a difference. I checked it out on Google and found only positive stuff, including that it has zinc in it that helps protect from the sun and lessens wrinkles. I don't know about the benefits of the seeds, but I look forward to learning since my arthritis and osteoporosis is a major bother and hindrance to my desired lifestyle.

Is anyone else using sesame oil? Was I the last to hear about this?

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

And I just read that if you want extra iron from your food, best not to eat almonds with your pumpkin seeds or walnuts as almonds are so high in calcium!

mushwee profile image
mushwee

Chia seeds are the highest in vit C youtube.com/watch?v=-mc4VBx... watch and learn

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