Sesame seeds are one of the oldest cultivated oilseed crops, dating back over 5,000 years with origins in Africa and India.
Sesame seeds are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, B vitamins and antioxidants like lignans and phytosterols.
Sesame seeds support bone health, immune function, metabolism, heart health and collagen production. They also help reduce inflammation and LDL cholesterol through their nutrient and antioxidant content.
Organic sesame seeds are recommended to minimize pesticide exposure and heavy metal contamination, with a focus on mechanically dehulled seeds for better nutrient retention.
Used worldwide in various forms (e.g., whole, toasted, as oil or tahini), sesame seeds can enhance many dishes from salads and baked goods to traditional foods like hummus, gomae and halva.
Sesame seeds are tiny yet mighty nutritional gems that have been cherished for centuries. Often overlooked in modern diets, these seeds are packed with essential nutrients, offering numerous health benefits. From their rich historical roots to their culinary versatility, sesame seeds deserve recognition as one of the world’s most nourishing seeds.
Brief history of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are derived from the tropical sesame plant, an annual flowering plant originally native to Africa and India. Recognized as the oldest oilseed crop in human history, sesame cultivation dates back over 5,000 years, with evidence of its early use in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. The plant eventually spread across Asia, where its seeds and oil became integral to traditional medicine, including Ayurveda in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine and culinary practices.
Sesame seeds also held cultural significance, as reflected in phrases like
Sesame seeds: A tiny powerhouse of nutrients that bolster health and wellness
