Bloating after fatty meals can be a common discomfort, but a simple pantry staple might offer relief. According to a gastroenterologist, sesame seeds can significantly improve fat digestion by boosting bile production. Incorporating these nutrient-rich seeds into your diet can help you feel lighter and more comfortable after eating. Take a look. Most people experience bloating, especially after eating fatty foods. That heavy, uncomfortable feeling and tightness in the stomach after a meal could really affect your day. But what if you can fix it by adding a few seeds to the diet? According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a leading gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, a common seed probably lying in the pantry can help your body to digest fats better, and remove that feeling of fullness in your belly. That’s right! No expensive supplements, no artificial meds, just natural and nutritious seeds.
A seed that helps to digest fats better
Most people struggle with bloating, gas, and indigestion after heavy meals. But a simple seed lying in your pantry can do the job. “If you feel heavy and bloated after eating fatty foods, there’s an ancient seed that could help your body process fats much better,” Dr Sethi said in his recent newsletter. What is the seed? Sesame seeds.
Nutritional profile of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds contain:Calories: 100Protein: 3 gramsFat: 9 gramsCarbs: 4 gramsFiber: 2 gramsCalcium: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)Magnesium: 16% of the DVPhosphorus: 11% of the DVCopper: 83% of the DVManganese: 22% of the DVIron: 15% of the DVZinc: 9% of the DVSaturated fat: 1 gramMonounsaturated Fat: 3 gramsPolyunsaturated Fat: 4 grams
How do sesame seeds help your gut?
Sesame seeds can help alleviate belly heaviness. “They’ve been used for thousands of years to support digestion. Sesame seeds are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and fiber that help your body produce more bile. Bile is what breaks down fats in your digestive system. Without enough bile flow, fats just sit in your stomach making you feel heavy and uncomfortable,” the gastroenterologist explained.Sesame seeds can also reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as they lower blood pressure, thanks to their high magnesium content. A 2020 review found that sesamin, a compound found in sesame seeds, lowered systolic ventricular blood pressure in both human and animal studies.
How do sesame seeds help?
Support healthy bile productionHelp your body digest fats properlyReduce that heavy feeling after mealsPacked with minerals your gut needs
How to add sesame seeds to your diet
You can add sesame seeds to your diet in multiple ways. Make them into a paste for tahini. You can also dip whole-grain pita chips in tahini. Or you can sprinkle raw sesame seeds on salads. They are even great to add to stir-fries for extra flavour. Making sesame seeds a part of your diet can really help with the bloating. “When your body can digest fats properly, you feel lighter after meals. No more that sluggish, heavy feeling that makes you want to take a nap. Try adding sesame seeds to your diet this week and see how much better you feel after eating,” the doctor said. Sesame seeds aren’t a magic fix to a poor diet, but adding them to your diet can help you feel lighter. They are also nutritious and could be a great addition to your diet. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.