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Used since ancient times both for culinary and medicinal purposes, sesame seeds are indeed an HFood that deserve a special place in our kitchens and daily nutrition. Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine”, said: “Sesame is a food that can improve mankind’s energy and vitality”. Loaded with essential minerals and a creamy acquired taste, sesame seeds are an important component not just for a plant-based diet, but for the overall health maintenance of the ultimate human machine.

History: The word sesame traces back to the early Egyptian semsent. It was listed in a 65-feet long scroll called the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian compilation of medical texts dated about 1550 B.C, one of the oldest known medical works in existence. The scroll contains 700 magical formulas and folk remedies meant to cure afflictions. Sesame seeds were one of the first crops processed for oil. Around 600 B.C., sesame oil was being used by the Assyrians. Ancient Assyrian myths talk about drinking wine made from sesame seeds, when the gods met to create the world. Also, the seeds are said to have originated in India, as mentioned in Hindu legends, where they represent as the symbol for immortality.

Description: Sesame seeds are tiny, flat ovals, with a nutty taste and light crunch. The seed color varies from black to beige or off white. The seeds are sold dried and whole, or ground, as a creamy paste called tahini.

English name: sesame, beni (Sesamum orientale), beniseed, benneseed, sesame seed, black sesame seed (Sesamum indicum)
Chinese name: hu ma
French name: sésame
Indian name: gingelly, til
Japanese name: goma, koba
Portuguese name: gergelim
Spanish name: ajonjoli, sésamo

Nutritional Info: Nutrient powerhouses, sesame seeds are extremely rich in copper, a trace mineral and essential component in many enzymes that play a role in iron utilization, elimination of free radicals, relief for rheumatoid arthritis, and development of bone and connective tissue. Sesame seeds are a great source of macrominerals  like magnesium (for bone formation, nerve and muscle relaxation, vascular and respiratory health, as well as 300 other body functions), phosphorous, Vitamin B1, fiber, zinc (for bone health), and calcium. They also contain sesamin, which has been found to protect the liver. One tablespoon of unhulled sesame seeds contains about 88 milligrams of calcium. Sesame seeds help nourish the kidneys, prevent senility, improve the eyesight, enable resistance to hunger, and extend lifespan. They have the highest count of phytosterols (plant compounds similar to good cholesterol), which are said to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.

Sesame seeds are about 50% oil (beneficiary oi) and 25% protein.  They are a great source of the essential amino acid tryptophan, a precursor of seratonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate appetite, sleep patterns, and mood.  Sesame oil is 39% linoleic acid and has a wide medical and pharmaceutical application. It contains the antioxidant called sesamol, a potent one that gets in the tissues beneath the skin, and neutralizes oxygen radicals. Another component only found in sesame oil is sesamin, a lignan that has a remarkable antioxidant effect, and has been found to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors, maintain good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Sesamin has the ability to recycle Vitamin E in your body. It also contains phytic acid, which is another potent antioxidant.  Sesame seed oil can provide essential cells nourishment to both the small intestine as well as the colon, and it also nourishes the five mayor organs and improves blood circulation.

Application: To unleash the amazing benefits of sesame seeds like its oil and nutrients, lightly grind them and add them to everyday dishes like your morning smoothie, home-made sushi, salads, soups, sautes and stews. You can make your own gomasio, a macrobiotic seasoning (sea salt and sesame seeds). Tahini is amazing, you can make any kind of bean hummus, make it into salad dressing, mixed into rice, spread on cut veggies for a snack, or simply use a scoop as a small little side of your meal.