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.
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. 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.
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).
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. Back To TOC
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.
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. 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
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.
