We all know that food is medicine. Instead of relying on pills, you can turn to anti-inflammatory ingredients. Inflammation is the root of many health problems, but with the right foods, you can take care of it right at home!
This nutritious snack is the perfect example. Made with sesame seeds, powdered ginger, honey, and lemon juice, the combo is a powerhouse. The anti-inflammatory ingredients also have antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. Here’s how to make a sesame snack and when it comes in handy.
DIY Sesame Seed Snack Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger
- ¾ cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Directions
- In a frying pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat.
- Continue frying until they turn a light brown color.
- In a separate pan, mix honey, lemon juice, and ginger.
- Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
- Add the sesame seeds. Mix it well.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- With a spatula, flatten the mixture.
- Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it hardens.
- Cut it into rectangles.
- Store in an air-tight container in a dry, cool area.
Health Benefits Of The Sesame Seed Snack
1. Significantly Reduces Arthritis
About 54.4 million Americans have arthritis, a disease of chronic joint inflammation. The risk significantly increases with age. Without proper management, daily tasks can be painful.1 2
Eating anti-inflammatory foods is a major part of management. One example is ginger, which has anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Even honey’s properties will help, according to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda.3 4
2. Fights Off Cold
Is a cold sneaking up on you? Snack on this sesame treat instead of sweets. With the right nutrients, you can shorten the severity and duration of a cold.
All the ingredients used here are packed with antioxidants. Yes, even the sesame seeds! Ginger also disrupts cellular pathways that harm the immune system. In turn, the spice enhances immunity function while fighting inflammation.5 6
Honey is another all-star. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory powers. In the body, honey even purifies the blood and stimulates immunity. And the vitamin C content in lemon seals the deal.7
3. Reduces Nausea
It’s hard to do anything when you’re feeling nauseous. Food poisoning, skipping meals, headaches, and motion sickness are all common causes. But sometimes, medicine or allergies may also be at play.8
If hunger is causing your nausea, eat this sesame seed snack. It’s filling yet light. The gingerols in ginger will ease your symptoms. Honey, which is easy to digest, will also sweeten things up and promote hydration.9 10
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Blood pressure affects 1 in 3 American adults. It’s a major risk factor for heart disease, so it should be taken seriously. So, start by eating low-sodium snacks like this sesame recipe.11
Sesame seeds have a surprising hypotensive effect. A 2005 study found that ginger lowers blood pressure, while Ayurveda uses honey as well.12 13 14
5. Treats Constipation
Is it painful to poop? You probably have constipation, which makes the stool hard and dry and difficult to pass. Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week also counts as constipation.15
To treat constipation, eat more fiber. Sesame seeds are a surprising source, with about 17 grams per cup. Research also pegs ginger and honey as constipation home remedies, making this snack a top choice.16 17 18 19
Obviously, this sesame seed recipe isn’t a miracle cure. If you’re in a lot of pain or have a serious health issue, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Major symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
References