Artisan Grec Organic Halva Trio (Mixed Flavours) - 3 x 75g

SESAME SEEDS

Sesame seeds are a good source of minerals to support strong bones, healthy hormones and increased immunity.

Sesame seeds are one of humanity's oldest oilseed crops, domesticated well over 5000 years ago. They're an important part of our diet because sesame seeds are high in nutrients and the oil extracted from sesame seeds plays a large role in Asian cuisine.

What are Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds are the tiny seeds we often see on hamburger buns. Interestingly, McDonald's purchases approximately 75% of Mexico's sesame seed crops to use on their sesame buns, which are eaten worldwide. Numerous varieties of sesame seeds exist, varying in size and colour, from tan to black, however the off-white colour is the most common variety.

Even though sesame seeds are small, they are a powerhouse of nutrition! Sesame seeds have one of highest oil contents of any seed and some varieties contain up to 50% oil content, compared to soybeans that contain only 20% oil content. Sesame oil is high in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that is very important for heart health. Sesame seeds are also high in protein and are about 25% protein by weight. While sesame seeds are good source of protein and fiber, they also are rich in essential minerals like copper, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc.

What are Sesame Seeds used for?
A well rounded, healthy diet will include sesame seeds because they are incredibly nutrient dense. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E, which protects against heart disease and aging. vitamin E in particular is a powerful antioxidant that lowers cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular disease, prevents cataracts and Alzheimer's disease. Sesame seeds are rich in minerals that build and strengthen bones, promotes healthy thyroid function, boosts immunity, revitalizes skin and is a good source of iron.

How do Sesame Seeds work?
Sesame seeds can be considered a superfood because they are high in the nutrients our bodies need to maintain a high level of health. They are high in protein and fiber, which regulates blood sugar and supports weight loss. They are a natural source of fat soluble antioxidants like vitamin E. Most importantly, sesame seeds are high in minerals, which support strong bones, healthy hormones and increases immunity. They are a natural source of copper, which is important to balance zinc supplementation. Also, because sesame seeds are a good source of iron, eating them is important for those suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

How do you use it?
You can simply start adding sesame seeds to the foods you're already eating. Sprinkle them on salads, oatmeal, roasted or steamed veggies, stir fries or wraps. They'll add a little nutty crunch to your meal. They are really tasty sprinkled on steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon. Sprinkling them on as a garnish gives your meal a pleasing, more finished look too. Tahini is a sesame seed paste and is the secret ingredient in hummus and many vegetarian dishes. Tahini can also be used as a spread or a dip.

SESAME SEEDS QUICK FACTS

SOURCES
Seeds

APPLICATIONS
Superfood, blood sugar regulation, bones, thyroid, immunity, heart disease, source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium, iron.

DOSAGE
1 tbsp daily

WORKS WELL WITH
Other nuts and seeds, zinc, vitamin C, antioxidants

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Some people are very allergic to sesame seeds, avoid in these cases. 
Insufficient research has been done on high doses of sesame seeds during pregnancy and breastfeeding, however sesame seeds are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as a food.