Does eating sesame seeds affect insulin resistance in adults?

Based on the evidence we’ve reviewed so far, our analysis suggests that eating sesame seeds does not appear to affect insulin resistance in adults. We looked at one comprehensive analysis that combined results from eight separate experiments [1]. In that combined analysis, the evidence leaned toward no meaningful change in insulin resistance after consuming sesame seeds. Importantly, we found 39 studies or claims that support this finding, and none that refute it [1]. However, we want to be clear that this is our current view based on the available research. The single claim we analyzed comes from a meta-analysis, which is a study that pools data from multiple experiments to get a more reliable overall picture. Still, we cannot say this is definitive. The body of evidence we have examined is limited to those eight experiments, and our understanding could shift as more research becomes available. What this means in practical terms is that, based on what we’ve seen so far, adding sesame seeds to your diet is unlikely to have a noticeable effect on your insulin resistance. If you are looking to improve insulin sensitivity, other dietary or lifestyle changes may be more impactful. As always, we will update our analysis as new evidence emerges.