More than just strong bones: how calcium affects muscle tone

Maintaining muscle tone is one of the body’s essential functions, influencing not only overall well-being but also quality of life and potentially longevity. Muscle fiber contraction and relaxation are complex processes in which calcium plays a key role. This essential mineral is best known for its contribution to strong bones and teeth, but it is also involved in numerous physiological processes that support normal muscle function.

How calcium affects muscle movement

Whenever you perform a movement, the brain sends a nerve impulse to the muscle cells. In response, calcium ions are released into the cytoplasm, where they interact with regulatory proteins associated with actin and myosin. This interaction allows the muscle filaments to slide past one another, resulting in muscle contraction.

For the muscles to relax and return to their resting state, calcium ions are transported back into intracellular storage compartments. Magnesium also contributes to normal muscle and nerve function and plays an important role in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation.

When calcium levels in the body are too low, neuromuscular function may be affected. Symptoms of significant calcium deficiency can include muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, and, in more severe cases, involuntary muscle twitching, often affecting the fingers and other extremities.

Another important role of calcium is regulating the contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. This process helps control vascular tone and influences blood flow throughout the body, as well as blood pressure.

How to increase your calcium intake

The recommended daily calcium intake for most adults is approximately 1,000 mg, although requirements vary depending on age and other factors. Older adults may need up to 1,200 mg per day.

One plant-based source of calcium is sesame seeds, along with sesame seed meal produced after oil extraction.

One tablespoon of sesame seeds can provide a substantial amount of calcium, with the exact quantity depending on the variety, serving size, and whether the seeds are hulled or unhulled. Sesame seeds also contain vitamin E and unique lignans, including sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol, which have antioxidant properties and help protect cells against oxidative stress.

Black sesame seeds, particularly unhulled varieties, can contain considerably more calcium than hulled white sesame seeds because a significant proportion of the mineral is concentrated in the outer seed layers.

Another product worth considering as part of a balanced diet is cold-pressed sesame oil. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-9, which contribute to overall nutritional health. However, sesame oil contains little calcium because most of the mineral remains in the solid seed material after pressing.

Benefits of sesame oil for muscle health

Sesame oil contains fatty acids that support various physiological processes, although their effects on muscle function depend on the overall diet and individual nutritional status.

Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is involved in the production of prostaglandins and other signaling molecules that regulate inflammatory responses. These processes are part of the body’s natural response to exercise-induced muscle stress and microscopic muscle damage following intense physical activity.

Linoleic acid, another omega-6 fatty acid, is essential for normal cell function and must be obtained through the diet. Maintaining an appropriate balance of dietary fats, together with regular exercise and adequate protein intake, can support overall body composition and muscle health. Fat loss and muscle definition, however, depend on total energy intake, training, and other lifestyle factors rather than on a single fatty acid.

Omega-9 fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, are associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health when they replace less favorable dietary fats. They are not a direct muscle-building nutrient, but a balanced diet containing unsaturated fats can contribute to overall health and help support an active lifestyle.

How to use sesame seeds, sesame seed meal and sesame oil

Sesame seeds and sesame seed meal can be consumed on their own or added to salads, smoothies, sweet or savory yogurt, desserts, and other dishes. Sesame seed meal, also known as sesame oil cake meal, is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of recipes.

Sesame oil can be used for salad dressings, sauces, sautéing, and other cooking methods. Its suitability for high-temperature cooking depends on the processing method and whether the oil is refined or unrefined. Unrefined, cold-pressed sesame oil is generally best used for dressings and moderate-heat cooking to preserve its distinctive flavor and nutritional qualities.

You can also produce natural sesame oil at home using a suitable oil press. The process requires an oil extraction press equipped with an appropriate pressing chamber and high-quality raw materials, such as clean white or black sesame seeds.

CraftOil products and equipment for producing natural oils

CraftOil offers a wide range of oil press equipment for home use and commercial oil production. Our catalog includes oil presses with different capacities to meet a variety of production needs. The equipment comes with an official one-year manufacturer’s warranty and the components required for operation.

Our 20-ton channel-frame oil press, 30-ton channel-frame press, 30-ton Italian-style press, and 30-ton Ukrainian modular press are suitable options for home oil production and small-scale applications.

The high-capacity 70-ton Austrian press, 50-ton Ukrainian modular press, and paired 50/50-ton press are designed for customers looking to develop oil pressing into a business with commercial potential.

CraftOil also offers black and white sesame seeds, as well as sesame seed meal produced using our own branded milling equipment.

If you would like to learn more about the potential health benefits of sesame products or explore our oil presses and raw materials, submit an inquiry through the CraftOil website. Our team will be happy to help you find the right products and equipment for your needs.