*Sesame seeds are the seeds of the flowering plant Sesamum indicum.

*They are flat, tiny, oval seeds with a rich nutty flavor, and add a delicate crunch to the dishes.

*Their color range from creamy white to charcoal black.

*They are grown for their oil rich seeds, which can be consumed raw, on salads, breads, etc and also oil is extracted from the seeds.

*They are extensively used in Asian cuisines and Middle Eastern cuisines.

*They are believed to prolong youth and beauty in women and enhance strength and energy in men.

*The whole sesame seeds have more nutrients than their hulled counterparts, especially calcium.

Are they raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because sometimes sesame seeds at the supermarkets are roasted. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. They are very good sources of mono and polyunsaturated fats, that are very good for the heart. They also have a significant amount of saturated fat.

2. Rich sources of protein and dietary fiber, so they provide good amount of proteins required by the body and also add roughage in the intestines.

3. They have a high amount of phytosterols, these along with dietary fiber reduce the absorption of cholesterol, lowers the LDL cholesterol in the blood and maintain blood glucose.

4. They contain lignans, plant compounds, which are antioxidants that help fight cancer by reducing the damage of cells caused by free radicals.

5. Excellent sources of various useful minerals.

6. High content of calcium and phosphorus helps build the bones, increases the bone density, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and also regulates metabolism.

7. Excellent source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

8. Very good source of magnesium that helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.

9. Zinc helps in wound healing and enhancing the immunity of the body.

10. Iron helps in respiration at the cellular level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.

11. Good source of B group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6 that are vital in enhancing the production of energy and stamina.