Sesame seeds are a high energy food that help to provide optimum health and wellness.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum), which is an annual herb, is seen to bear small seeds which have a number of uses in the medical and culinary fields.
These seeds which are available in white, red and black colors possess many properties, which make it useful in the treatment of many diseases.
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of high quality protein which is most beneficial for growth, especially in children.
Sesame seeds are high in minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper.
In fact, did you know that just a 1/4 cup of sesame seeds provides MORE calcium than 1 cup of milk?
Calcium is not only vital to bone strength, it is also known to help ease the effects of migraines, aid in weight loss, and provide relief from PMS.
The copper in sesame seeds offers anti-inflammatory benefits which can help to relieve swelling in auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Sesame seeds are rich in Vitamin E, Folic acid and B-complex vitamins such as niacin which enhances GABA activity in the brain, reduces anxiety, and provides for a better night’s sleep.
Sesame seeds contain a special element called “sesame-lignin”, a potent antioxidant, which is an active free-radical scavenger that can also aid in lowering cholesterol and preventing high blood pressure.
Sesame seeds have the unique ability to nourish the nervous system, strengthen hormone production, support the cardiovascular system, benefit the digestive system, and reduce fatigue.
The high Vitamin E content in sesame seeds has been highly prized as an ancient beauty treatment for healthy skin, hair, and nails. The oil is also used in massage treatments.
Sesame seeds are highly valued for their high content of sesame oil, an oil that is very resistant to rancidity.
The culinary oil is used in many recipes for its unique flavors, such as in stir fry dishes.
Sesame seeds are the main ingredients in both tahini (Sesame seed and hull butter) and the Middle Eastern sweet treat, halvah.
Use the traditional macrobiotic seasoning, gomasio, to enliven your food.
You can either purchase gomasio at a health food store or make your own by using a mortar and pestle. Simply mix together one part dry roasted sea salt with twelve parts dry roasted sesame seeds.
Photo of Chinese Sesame Seed Balls ( jien duy), {my favorite!!!} –>
Add sesame seeds into the batter the next time you make homemade bread, muffins or cookies.
Sesame seeds add a great touch to steamed broccoli that has been sprinkled with lemon juice, or used in a salad of green beans and tomatoes.
Spread tahini (sesame paste) on toasted bread and either drizzle with honey for a sweet treat or combine with miso for a savory snack.
Growing
Sesame will grow to a height of approximately 3′, with narrow dark leaves and tubular flowers which can be white, pink, lavender or light blue.
Sesame prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Do not transplant outdoors until the last frost has passed and has reached an average temperature of 60 degrees F or higher.
Seeds can be collected once most of the seed pods have turned green. Collect pods and placed into a paper sack to dry.
Once completely dry, gently break up seed pods to release seeds.
Collect the seeds for saving in the same manner as for harvesting.
Store in a sealed container in a dry, cool location out of direct sunlight for optimum life.
