What is Sesamin?
Sesamin is a naturally occurring lignan that is present in pure sesame oil. For
your information, a lignan is broadly considered an antioxidant that is present
in unfiltered and unrefined seeds of sesame, pumpkin and flax as well as many
other foods. Besides being a strong antioxidant, sesamin has shown great promise
as a lipid oxidizer as well as to support anti-inflammatory action. Its main mechanism
for fatty acid oxidation (fat burning) is triggered by the enzyme known as PPAR-alpha.
PPAR-alpha (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activator Receptor Alpha) is documented to
exist in muscle, the liver and adipose tissue (fat). Sesamin being a strong activator
of this enzyme (PPAR-alpha) is also involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids
while simultaneously decreasing lipogenesis, or in simple terms, the accretion
of new fatty acids. In other words, PPAR-alpha activation is directly correlated
with increasing fat burning in muscle tissue. Which is a good thing!!!
Sesamin and Insulin Sensitivity
Due to sesamin’s strong beta-oxidizing properties the substance can also
affect leptin levels and is documented to restore insulin sensitivity in obese
rodents. Insulin sensitivity is often impaired in those whose body fat levels
exceed 15% and above. In more simple terms, by providing the necessary substrate;
sesamin is believed to act as a thermostat of sorts that can regulate leptin
as well as insulin levels from within the body keeping both in optimal balance.
Sesamin and Ketosis
Sesamin is a welcomed addition for those who are on ketogenic diets as it is
known to increase ketone production thereby sparing lean muscle tissue that
is otherwise lost through amino acid conversion, usually sacrificed to fuel
the body on low carb diets. Ketogenesis (or the formation of ketones) becomes
a major fuel factor on low carb (Atkins) diets as the brain cannot be driven
by fatty acids and thereby relies on glucose first..and ketones second. So essentially,
without Sesamin in your diet, the body will tap into muscle tissue for its ketone
needs since carbohydrates are obviously kept at bay (at least in those who are
on ketogenic or low carbohydrate diets).
In Closing
Sesamin is an excellent addition to anybody’s workout regimen, not only
to increase fat burning, but also for its overall anti-oxidant and nutrient
partioning properties. Some of the later research even points out that Sesamin
shows great promise in the lowering of LDL (bad) cholesterol while simultaneously
increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels in humans.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Soft Gel
Servings Per Container: 60
Calories 9
Calories from Fat 9
Total Fat 1.0 g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.1 g <1%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 m g 0%
Ultra Pure Sesame Oil
(standardized for 500mg sesamin) 1000 m g †
Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, FD&C Blue # 1, Titanium Dioxide
* Percent daily value based on a 2000 caloric diet.
† Daily value not established.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
