Sesame seeds are the size of poppy seeds, but they're one of the most nutritious food ingredients. In fact, they've been eaten for centuries by people around the world. Sesame seeds are often used as a garnish on salads and other dishes, but they can also be added to bread or used as a spice in curries and other Asian cuisines.
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest foods
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest foods known to man. They were first cultivated in Africa, and have been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used sesame oil as a hair conditioner and facial lotion, while the ancient Romans believed that sesame seeds could help with digestion.
Today, we know that sesame seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants--and can even help prevent cancer! The world's largest exporter of sesame seeds is China; however, India produces about half as much each year as China does (about 3 million metric tons).
They're one of the few seeds that are both tasty and nutritious
Sesame seeds are one of the few seeds that are both tasty and nutritious. They're high in protein, fiber, and calcium; a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, and iron; rich in antioxidants; low in saturated fat; contain omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E; have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis; lower the risks of heart disease and diabetes by reducing cholesterol levels (not to mention they can be used as an effective natural remedy against asthma); they also contain selenium which helps prevent cancer by fighting free radicals. Sesame seeds contain lignans which may help prevent certain cancers like breast cancer or colon cancer while also boosting your immunity system. The best way to get all these benefits is simply by eating them--you should not eat sesame seeds if you have an allergy to them though!
We know for sure that sesame seeds have been consumed in China for about 5,000 years
Sesame seeds have been around for thousands of years. The oldest known sesame seeds were found in a tomb in China, which is estimated to be between 5000 and 3000 years old. The seeds were found in a jar with other food items, including millet and wheat flour.
The researchers sent the specimens to a lab for testing, where they determined that they were sesame seeds from the Sesamum indicum plant--the same plant modern-day sesame seeds come from! This makes them one of the oldest foods known to humans today.
Most of the world consumes white sesame seeds, but some countries prefer black ones
The black sesame seeds are called evil and are popular in India. In fact, they're so beloved that it's said that if you want to make yourself unpopular among Indians, give them white sesame seeds instead of their preferred black variety!
The white sesame seeds are called tahini or halva (which means "oil" in Arabic). They have a milder taste than the black ones--you can actually eat them raw without getting sick from the strong flavor! You'll find this type of seed in many foods like hummus and baba ghanoush (eggplant dip) because it's so versatile: You can grind it up into butter for baking or stir-frying; use it as a topping on salads; add some crunchy texture alongside veggies like carrots at dinner time; even sprinkle some on top of desserts like ice cream!
Both types come with health benefits including healthy fats which help lower cholesterol levels while providing essential vitamins such as folic acid and iron--but since they're so small we recommend eating no more than 1 tablespoon per day (to keep your calorie intake under control).
The ancient Egyptians ground sesame seeds into oil and used it in perfumes, cosmetics, and body oil
Sesame oil was used in perfumes and cosmetics. It was also used as a body oil, hair conditioner, and facial lotion. Sesame oil has been used medicinally since ancient times as well as for culinary purposes.
The Egyptians were among the first civilizations to use sesame seeds for food preparation; they ground them into oil and baked them into cakes or bread called khubz (bread). The Chinese also ate sesame seeds during this time period; however, they preferred roasted sesame seeds over raw ones because roasting removed bitterness from them!
The earliest known recipes for sesame paste date back to 1500 B.C.
Sesame paste is made from ground sesame seeds, and it's used in many different cuisines around the world. It's often used to make hummus--a popular Middle Eastern dish that combines tahini with lemon juice and olive oil--but you can also use it as a facial mask or even as an ingredient in baked goods like cookies!
Sesame paste contains high levels of calcium, iron, and magnesium; all three are essential nutrients for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. These minerals also work together to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels by reducing inflammation throughout your body. Sesame seeds contain significant amounts of protein too--one tablespoon contains about four grams of this macronutrient (the same amount found in one egg). If you're trying out new recipes that require sesame paste but don't want the extra calories from eating straight-up tahini by itself (which has no added fat), consider mixing half a tablespoon into your favorite hummus recipe instead!
Sesame oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants
Sesame oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants which work together to fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer, heart disease, and other ailments.
Sesame oil is a better choice for people with heart disease who need to limit their intake of saturated fats. Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat (the kind found in olive oil) but also contain unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) as well as oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat). The combination helps lower total cholesterol while raising HDL "good" cholesterol levels in the blood. The protein content in sesame seeds makes them an excellent source of complete protein; they also contain fiber which promotes regularity when consumed regularly over time.
Conclusion
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest foods in the world, dating back to 5,000 years ago. They're also one of the few seeds that are both tasty and nutritious, making them a great addition to any diet. The ancient Egyptians ground sesame seeds into oil and used it in perfumes, cosmetics, and body oil. The earliest known recipes for sesame paste date back to 1500 B.C., when it was recorded in Babylonian clay tablets as early as 4,000 B.C., Egyptians used sesame oil as a hair conditioner and facial lotion
