Sesame seeds are a part of staple dishes in many countries across Asia, the Middle East and certain parts of Africa. These tiny seeds are a chief ingredient in many popular dishes like the Turkish Simit, Jaanese Sushi and IndiaTil ke Laddu. Not only do they bring a unique, mild, nutty and crunchy taste to food, but they are also packed with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium and zinc. And it is because of their full composition that they make a brilliant addition to people looking to prevent Osteoporosis and boost their overall bone health.These seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B6 and magnesium, both of which are essential for maintaining normal bodily functions, including brain health and immune system function. However, one key mineral found in abundance in these tiny seeds is calcium. How Much Calcium Do Sesame Seeds Have?Research has shown that these seeds have at least 96% of the body's daily calcium requirement. According to experts at the National Institutes Of Health (NIH), a healthy person needs 1,000 mg of this nutrient every day. While guidelines by the UK National Health Servcies (NHS) also indicate that adults aged 19 to 64 and above require an average of 700mg of calcium per day. Why Do We Need Calcium?Bone Health: Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, making it vital for their development, growth, and maintenance. During childhood, calcium is crucial for the formation of strong bones. Even after growth has ceased, it continues to play a significant role in preserving bone density and mitigating age-related bone loss.Muscle Contraction: Calcium is essential for muscle contraction. When a nerve activates a muscle, calcium is released, enabling muscle proteins to facilitate contraction. Conversely, when calcium is pumped out of the muscle, relaxation occurs. This regulation is key for overall muscle function.ALSO READ: Yoga Poses That Can Fix Your Kid's 'Slouched' PostureCardiovascular Health: Calcium also plays a significant role in the cardiovascular system, particularly in blood clotting. Additionally, calcium is crucial for the heart's function and helps relax the smooth muscles surrounding blood vessels.Importance of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is indispensable for bone health as it enhances the body's ability to absorb calcium. Together, these nutrients work synergistically to support overall health.Additional Benefits: Studies indicate that adequate calcium intake may lead to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of hypertension during pregnancy, lower blood pressure in adolescents, improved cholesterol levels, and a decreased likelihood of developing colorectal adenomas, which are benign tumours.ALSO READ: Moon Milk With Ashwagandha Is Your Ultimate Solution To Stress Who Should Not Eat Sesame Seeds? Sesame is considered the "ninth" major food allergen, per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2023, the FASTER Act was signed into federal law, requiring all packaged foods and dietary supplements to label sesame as an allergen. If you have a known allergy to sesame, you should always read food packaging labels to identify if it is present.