El Gomasio: Tasty, Aromatic And Healthy Sesame Salt

The gomasio comes from Japan. In fact the word is Japanese, rubber (sesame) and sio (salt). These two ingredients form a very healthy seasoning that, in addition to being tasty, has a very pleasant aroma. Therefore, it is ideal for your diet.

It is ideal, in the morning, to prepare a toast with tomato, olive oil and gomasio. A delight that also provides a large amount of nutrients to start the day with energy . But it is also used to season all kinds of food such as pasta, soups, vegetables or salads.

Now, first of all, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the health benefits of gomasio. However, we can highlight some properties of sesame that have been corroborated in different studies.

Likewise, it should be remembered that it is essential to consult a nutritionist before taking ingredients of this type. While it is generally safe to use, in some cases it could backfire. Considering this, we invite you to know more about this food.

Nutritional properties of sesame

As highlighted in the publication “Nutritional value of sesame seeds” , sesame seeds contain up to 55% oil and 20% protein. Although their proteins are limited by lysine, they are rich in tryptophan and methionine. It also provides vitamin E and fat-soluble lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin.

Other nutrients in sesame are:

• Vitamin B complex
• Dietary fiber
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Selenium

Sesame benefits

Due to its nutritional content, sesame has been the source of various investigations. According to a study published in Health Promotion Perspectives ,  these seeds help improve the lipid profile and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Also, its significant contribution of calcium and magnesium is beneficial for bone health. In addition, it helps fight inflammation and, therefore, reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Among other things, as highlighted by a study in the British Journal of Nutrition , sesame can help lower high cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, its regular consumption reduces the risk of heart diseases associated with the increase in these lipids.

What are the benefits of gomasio?

As we have already mentioned, the benefits of gomasio do not have proper scientific evidence and are based on popular belief and anecdotal data. It is believed that many of its virtues come from the nutritional quality that sesame seeds provide. 

Thus, gomasio seems to be a good way to add extra doses of protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals to the diet. However, it is essential to take it in moderation, since its other base ingredient, sea salt, is counterproductive in excess.

Gomasio, sesame salt

The homemade preparation, although it takes a few minutes, is key for this dietary supplement to maintain its nutritional properties. Do you dare to try it? Below we share the steps for its preparation. Take note!

Gomasio preparation

•  In a colander we wash the organic sesame looking good to remove impurities. After passing through a towel or cloth, we place it in the preheated pan to toast it.
• We will put in the pan 10 to 15 tablespoons of sesame spread over its entire surface. So we will roast it, stirring so that it does not burn, until the nutty aroma or the golden color invite us to remove it. If we want to make sure that it is ready we can take it with two fingers and squeeze it, if it crumbles, it is at the right time. We take out the grains and place them on a plate.

• In a large mortar we will place a tablespoon of sea salt. It is good to toast it before also so that it mixes better with the sesame oils. We spread it with the mallet gently around the contour.
• Add the sesame and stir gently to mix the two ingredients. We will be surprised by the aroma released by the crushed seeds.
• We put everything in a hermetically sealed glass jar, not too much because it loses properties and flavor after a week, and enjoy.

Conclusions about the gomasio

In conclusion, as we have seen, the base ingredient of gomasio, that is, sesame seeds, have nutrients and properties that benefit health. However, the evidence on this ingredient with sea salt is insufficient. 

Therefore, although it seems to be a healthy option to replace the traditional salt in the recipes, it is best to consult the nutritionist before taking it. In addition, if added to the diet, it should be done in moderation.