Sesame Seeds

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum. Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods.

Sesame seeds may be the oldest condiment known to man dating back as early as 1600 BC. They are highly valued for oil which is exceptionally resistant to rancidity. "OPEN SESAME" the famous phrase from Alibaba & 40 nights from the stories of Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity.

Not only sesame seeds are very god source of manganese and copper, but also of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances namely: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibres called lignans, and have been shown to have cholesterol lowering effect in humans. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.

RICH IN BENEFICIAL MINERALS:

Sesame seeds are very good source of copper, magnesium and calcium. Just a quarter cup of sesame seeds supplies 74% of the daily value for copper, 31.6% of the daily value for magnesium and 35.1% of the daily value for calcium.

ZINC FOR BONE HEALTH:

Another reason for older men to make zinc rich foods such as sesame seeds a regular part of their healthy way of eating is bone mineral density. Although osteoporosis is often thought to be a disease for which post menopausal women are at high risk, it is also a potential problem for older men. Almost 30% of hip fractures occur in men, and 1 in 8 men over age 50 will have an osteoporotic fracture.

SESAME SEEDS PHYTOSTEROLS LOWERS CHOLESTROL:

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholestrol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce levels of cholestrol. enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. Phytosterols beneficial effects are so dramatic that they have been extracted from soyabean, corn and pine tree oil and added to processed foods such as 'butter' replacement spreads, which are touted as cholestrol lowering foods. but why settle for an imitation butter when Mother nature's nuts and seeds are naturally rich source of phytosterols and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats as well.