Sesame and blood fats in controlled trials
What it found
In ten controlled trials in people, eating sesame lowered blood triglycerides but did not change total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol or HDL cholesterol.
The authors say there is not enough evidence to support a cholesterol-lowering effect.
What they found
Studies in people
Triglycerides lowered
Sesame consumption significantly reduced blood triglyceride levels. The reduction was seen in both shorter and longer studies.
Total cholesterol unchanged
Sesame did not significantly change total blood cholesterol levels.
LDL cholesterol unchanged
Sesame did not significantly change LDL cholesterol levels.
HDL cholesterol unchanged
Sesame did not significantly change HDL cholesterol levels.
Sesame oil and triglycerides
When sesame was consumed as oil, triglyceride levels dropped significantly. No meaningful effect was seen when sesame was eaten as whole or ground seed.
Weight and BMI
People with a baseline BMI under 30 had a significant reduction in triglycerides. Those with a BMI of 30 or higher did not show a significant effect.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that sesame consumption can significantly reduce blood TAG levels.
- They state that there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects.
- They call for further studies to determine the potential effect of sesame consumption on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors.
How it was done
Sesame contains vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, fibre and lignans, which are thought to be linked to its blood lipid-lowering properties. The authors wanted to summarise the evidence on how sesame affects blood lipid profiles.
They searched three databases for controlled trials from 1960 to May 2015 and found ten trials with 908 participants. The trials lasted 4 to 10 weeks and used different amounts and forms of sesame, such as oil, seeds or capsules.
What it can’t tell you
- The trials were short, lasting 4 to 10 weeks, so the long-term effects of eating sesame are not known.
- The studies used different amounts and types of sesame, so the best dose or form is unclear.
- Most trials did not control for other dietary changes, which could have affected the results.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Griffith University, Australia
The paper
- Title
- Sesame fractions and lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials
- Type
- Systematic review and meta-analysisThe authors follow a set, published method to find every relevant study, then combine the numbers from them into one result.
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Khalesi S, Paukste E, Nikbakht E, Khosravi-Boroujeni H (2016). Sesame fractions and lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. The British journal of nutrition. doi:10.1017/S0007114515005012Free full textPubMed 26758593DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error