Offering shield against Parkinson's: The key seed uncovered
Sesame seeds, known for their high burn point and nutty flavour, may hold the key to preventing and improving motor function in Parkinson's disease. While the direct link between sesame seeds and Parkinson's has not been definitively established, research suggests that certain compounds found in sesame seeds could offer neuroprotective benefits.
One such compound is sesaminol, a naturally occurring chemical found in the discarded shells of sesame seeds. Sesaminol has been found to regulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, which are crucial in managing oxidative stress—a known factor in neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, sesaminol boosts dopamine levels and improves motor performance and intestinal motor function, according to various studies.
Sesaminol supplements are available, and researchers are planning to move into clinical trials to explore its potential as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, it's important to note that while antioxidant compounds in sesame could theoretically provide neuroprotection, there is currently no documented discovery confirming that sesame seeds can prevent or improve motor function in Parkinson’s disease patients.
People living with Parkinson's are primarily managed with medications that help manage symptoms but do not halt disease progression. Once Parkinson's is developed, dopamine levels in the body plummet, causing issues with pleasure, mood, decision-making, and motor function.
A potential new treatment for Parkinson's discovered in Osaka, Japan, involves the use of sesame seeds. The research suggests that sesaminol, found in sesame seeds, could guard motor neurons and maintain elevated dopamine levels, offering hope for those affected by the disease.
In the meantime, incorporating toasted sesame seeds into your diet could be a simple way to potentially benefit from sesaminol. As research continues, it's exciting to consider the potential role sesame seeds could play in managing and perhaps even preventing Parkinson's disease.
References: 1. Parkinson's disease 2. Sesaminol 3. Antioxidant activity of sesame seed cake
- The antioxidant properties of sesaminol, a compound discovered in sesame seeds, could potentially play a significant role in brain health, specifically safeguarding motor neurons and maintaining elevated dopamine levels, which is crucial for managing symptoms and improving motor function in individuals with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- In the health-and-wellness sphere, supplements containing sesaminol are gaining attention as a potential treatment for medical-conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, following promising results from scientific studies that indicate its neuroprotective benefits.
- Embracing a holistic approach to health, incorporating foods rich in antioxidants like toasted sesame seeds into your diet could be an easy step towards supporting natural health, particularly in the context of managing health-and-wellness challenges like Parkinson's disease, while research continues to explore the full potential of these nutrient-dense foods.
