Sesame Seeds
(Sesamum Indicum)

Sesame 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 seeds, which grow in pods.

Sesame seeds were brought to the United States from Africa during the late 17th century.

Currently, the largest commercial producers of sesame seeds include India, China and Mexico.

History and Folklore

• According to Assyrian legend, when the Gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds.
  
  
• In early Hindu legends, sesame seeds represent a symbol of immortality.
  
  
• A painting discovered in an ancient Egyptian represents a baker adding sesame seeds to bread dough.
  
  
• When the plant reaches maturity, it bursts open, thus the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights "Open Sesame".

Modern Day Use

• Sesame seeds are high in minerals - Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin B1.
  
  
  • Calcium helps prevent Osteoporosis, migraines and colon cancer.
    
    
  • Magnesium supports vascular and respiratory health, lowers high blood pressure, prevents migraines and insomnia, restoring normal sleep patterns.
    
    
  • Zinc ensures bone health and improves the immune system and reproductive health.
    
    
  • Copper provides relief for Arthritis, strength and elasticity in blood vessels, bones and joints.
  
  
• High in Phytosterols - compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol. When present in the diet in sufficient amounts, they reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers.
  
  
• High in monosaturated fats - good for healthy heart.
  
  
• Rich in melatonin, a substance that promotes and sustains sleep. Very effective for treating Insomnia.

From Sesame Seeds to Insomnia
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