Black sesame seeds: Nutritional value, health benefits, and food industrial applications

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BackgroundBlack sesame seeds (BSS) have been considered a traditional health food with notable nutritional value and pharmacological properties for centuries, particularly in Asian countries like China. The growing demand for natural and functional foods has driven the market development of BSS products. Fully understanding the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of BSS advances its high-value utilization. Scope and approachThis review provides a systematic overview of BSS, highlighting the nutritional ingredients, health effects, and prospective food applications. Additionally, the review addresses current research limitations and proposes strategies for optimizing BSS utilization. Key findings and conclusionsBSS has a diverse nutritional profile, encompassing proteins, lipids, lignans, minerals, black pigments, and vitamins, with their content varying by cultivar and processing conditions. As an excellent nutritional resource of food, BSS exhibits prominent bioactivities demonstrated in animal and in vitro studies, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepato and nephro protective and anti-obesity, neuroprotective, antidepressant, as well as lowering blood pressure and anti-diabetic effects. BSS also holds promise for various applications in the food industry, from nutritional supplements to innovative food packaging solutions. It is widely appreciated for its organoleptic properties and associated health benefits, making it an important ingredient in numerous food formulations, including sauces, bakery and dairy products, and beverages. Finally, the review indicates that better utilization of BSS is hindered by inadequate component analysis, limited health benefits research, lack of clinical studies on biological activities and toxicity, and the need for investigation into the effects of processing conditions on health-promoting properties.