Approximately 77% of Respondents Do Not Know the Nutritional and Health Benefits of Sesame: What Are the Health Benefits That Make You Want to Use It?

A Familiar Ingredient That Remains 'Little Known'

A quick sprinkle on rice or seasoned vegetables—for many households, sesame is a very familiar ingredient.

Since it serves as a flavoring, an accent color, and a source of nutrients, many people likely have the image that it is "somehow good for health." However, how often is it actually used, and how much is known about its nutrition and benefits?

Therefore, we collaborated with Onizaki Corporation, a specialized sesame manufacturer, to conduct a survey among 500 men and women across Japan on "sesame intake frequency and health awareness."

66.6% Answered They 'Use' Sesame in Their Meals

First, we asked how frequently they use sesame in their daily meals.

As a result, 5.4% said "almost daily," 22.2% said "a few times a week," 26.6% said "a few times a month," and 12.4% said "a few times a year," totaling 66.6% who use sesame in their meals at some frequency.

On the other hand, 33.4% said they "rarely or never use it."

This means that about two out of three people incorporate sesame into their daily meals. However, those who use it "almost daily" remain at only 5.4%. For many, sesame may not be a starring ingredient used every day, but rather a "great supporting actor" that occasionally appears on the dining table.

59.2% Cited 'Preference for Taste and Aroma' as the Reason for Incorporation

Next, we asked those who answered they use sesame about their reasons for incorporating it into their meals.

"Preference for taste and aroma" was the most common reason at 59.2%.

This was followed by "Because I think it is good for health and nutrition" at 53.8%, "Because it adds an accent/color to cooking" at 35.7%, "Because it is convenient and easy to use" at 18.6%, and "Because it is a traditional habit/taste of home" at 11.4%.

58.6% Recognize 'Antioxidant Effects of Sesamin' as a Health Benefit

Subsequently, we asked about the health benefits they expect or know of regarding sesame.

"Antioxidant effects of sesamin" was the most common at 58.6%.

This was followed by "Fatigue recovery/anti-aging care" at 23.8%, and "Adjustment of cholesterol/lipid balance" and "Support for intestinal environment/bowel movements" at 19.0% each.

Sesamin is one of the components contained in sesame. It is considered to have the function of suppressing oxidation in the body, suggesting that it is recognized as a representative component of sesame's health image.

76.6% Answered They 'Do Not Know' About the Nutritional and Health Benefits of Sesame

Next, we asked if they felt their own knowledge about the nutritional and health benefits of sesame was sufficient.

As a result, 2.6% said "I think I know enough" and 20.8% said "I think I know to some extent," totaling 23.4% who answered they know about the nutritional and health benefits of sesame.

On the other hand, 37.0% said "I don't think I know much" and 39.6% said "I don't think I know at all," meaning 76.6% in total answered they do not know about the nutritional and health benefits.

26.4% Said They Would Incorporate Sesame More Actively if There Were 'Easy Recipes and Suggestions for Daily Use'

Finally, we asked what kind of information would make them want to incorporate sesame more actively into their meals.

"Easy recipes and suggestions for daily use" was the most common at 26.4%.

This was followed by "Information that allows understanding of the balance between health benefits and price/cost" at 21.8%, and "Explanation of health benefits based on scientific evidence" at 19.4%.