Dietary consumption of protein isolates from sesame seeds have been found to lower total plasma cholesterol levels while providing significant effects to HDL- and LDL- cholesterol concentrations, triacylglycerol levels and lipid peroxidations.  This is according to a research study which was printed in the Journal of Food Science.

The researchers, led by Dr. Santinath Ghosh from Calcutta University, said that the consumption of protein isolates from sesame seeds has the potential of reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by increasing HDL cholesterol levels and decreasing triacylgycerol and LDL cholesterol.  Since sesame seed has been used in producing oil in different areas of the world, utilizing protein isolates from sesame seeds in different food formulas for its health benefits is entirely possible because of the favourable nutrient composition and availability of sesame proteins.

Sesame Protein Isolates

The authors said that present research studies and product development efforts have been directed towards finding products that helps control or reduce chronic diseases that are mostly related to a person’s diet.  Such conditions include liver failure, many forms of cancer, atherosclerosis and heart diseases.  Furthermore, they noticed that dietary proteins have been observed for its ability to affect the concentrations of cholesterol in the plasma as well as the rate of breakdown of polyunsaturated fats present in the liver.

On the other hand, extensive studies have been conducted regarding soy proteins.  Findings revealed that it helps in reducing weight while effectively reducing cholesterol levels in contrast to dairy proteins like casein.  In addition, soy protein intake has been shown to bring about low insulin/glucagon ratio levels after eating, decreases the amount of triglycerides and lipid peroxide cholesterols present in the blood plasma.

Sesame seeds have been primarily grown because of their oil.  But they can also be promising sources of plant proteins since their protein content is almost 20 percent, but once defatted, their protein content can be increased to 50 percent. Authors of the study have noted that whole sesame seeds, minus their hulls, are generally popular food items due to the fact they are very inexpensive, have adaptable functional properties and have high nutritional value.  However, the health benefits of isolates of sesame proteins are not yet fully known, despite the fact that they contain 90 percent of protein on the basis of dry weight.

According to Dr. Ghosh and his colleagues, no investigations regarding the effects of protein isolates from sesame seeds in the diet have been made with regards to experimental hyperlipidemia. The purpose of their study was to perform an assessment on protein isolates from sesame seeds on liver lipid profile, on the membranes of red blood cells (RBC), plasma and consequent peroxidation of lipids in mice with hyperlipidemia caused by diet.

Reduction in Cholesterol Levels

A significant reduction on the levels of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were observed, brought about by the feeding of isolates of sesame proteins in rats with diets which are high in cholesterol, as compared to the control group of rats fed with casein.

Levels of HDL-cholesterol were also to rise by 41 percent because of protein isolates from sesame seeds intake.  The researchers also observed a drop in the peroxidation of plasma lipids by up to 64 percent; and 56 percent decrease in the susceptibility for lipoprotein oxidation.  Liver lipid peroxidation reduced by 76 percent and RBC membrane lipid peroxidation decreased by up to 68 percent.

The Verdict

The authors of the study have noted that the effectiveness of protein isolates from sesame seeds was higher in terms of preventing lipid peroxides-formation when it is compared to casein.  Dr. Ghosh and his colleagues said that protein isolates from sesame seedswere able to guard plasma lipoproteins versus the effects of oxidation.

The Two types of Cholesterol

There are two common types of cholesterol circulating within the body:  the Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol, and the High-density lipoprotein or the good cholesterol.

The bad cholesterol is termed as such because it causes harm to the body.  The accumulation and continuous build-up of LDL will ultimately injure the blood vessel by causing fatty plaques to deposit in its walls, resulting to hardened arteries.  This impedes proper blood flow and may cause the heart to work harder in order to allow nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to reach distant organs.  Resulting conditions may come in the forms of a stroke, or a heart attack.

Conversely, good cholesterol helps prevent blockages from occurring and this is the type of cholesterol that one needs inside the body.

How to Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels

You do not have to always rely on prescription drugs in order to help you control your numbers.  There are two important changes that you can control which will help you rein in your cholesterol levels:  Lifestyle and Diet.

Exercise

After a stressful day, or week, at the office, it is much easier to kick off those shoes, curl up on the couch and indulge in your favourite bag of potato chips.  Doing this twice or thrice a month is probably acceptable – but to totally indulge in the experience of being a couch potato is a big no-no.

Doing regular exercises and maintaining your ideal body weight are important keys to having a healthy heart.  30 minutes of exercise daily has the potential of increasing the levels of your HDL or your good cholesterol. Performing exercises, even just for 10 minutes upon waking up, have significant effects on increasing your metabolic rate, which can last throughout the day.

Proper Hydration

The importance of drinking water could not be emphasized enough.  Water helps flush out the toxins inside the body, it helps prevent dehydration and it also increases the rate of metabolism for the whole day.

Healthy Diet

• Eat more high-fibber foods such as oatmeal, prunes, barley, pears, apples and kidney beans.  These foods contain significant amounts of soluble fibber which helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption into the blood stream.
  
  
• Fatty fish such as halibut, salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout and mackerel are good for the heart. They contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, popular for its beneficial effects such as reducing blood pressure and preventing the development of blood clots.  
  
  
• Doctors suggest consuming 2 servings of fish per week.  The fish should be baked or grilled to avoid unhealthy fats brought about by frying.
  
  
• Almonds, peanuts and other nuts can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.  Walnuts are abundant in polyunsaturated fatty acids that help in keeping the blood vessels healthy.  The Food and Drug Administration said that consuming a handful (about 42.5 grams, or 1.5 ounces) of nuts may help reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.  Other examples are walnuts pistachio nuts, pine nuts, pecans, and hazel nut.  Remember not to eat salted nuts and those that are sugar-coated.

Sources
mayoclinic.com
all-about-lowering-cholesterol.com
nutraingredients.com