Sesame is popularly known as Gingerly and Sim Sim. Its scientific name is Sesamum indium. Most experts believe that it has originated from Africa. Sesame seeds come in white, red, and yellow colors and are a source of nutrition for humans and animals as well. Once the oil is pressed from sesame seeds, farmers use it as animal feed. Sesame seeds are a power food having numerous uses and health benefits. An excellent source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats, sesame seeds pack a punch when it comes to boositing the nutritent profile of vegan diets.
Sesame seeds are pure vegan food. You can use it as a topping or a main ingredient for a variety of different Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. When purchasing sesame seeds, make sure to buy the whole, unlulled ones, as they are more nutritious and healthier.
Culinary Uses of Sesame Seeds for Vegans
Unlike the hulled variety, refined sesame seeds are whiter and shinier. Black sesame seeds have multiple uses. You can use them in organic buns, bread, and cereals. However, they are mostly used to enhance the appearance of curries and pastries. Roasted sesame seeds can give that extra crispiness and crunch to any desired dish.
People practices veganism use them as a healthy garnish for casseroles, salads, dips, pasta, and Asian stir-fried dishes. Similarly, you can use them for baked goods such as croissants, buns, plain bread, savory crackers, biscuits, cookies, etc. You can include some whole or crushed sesame seeds in organic cereals, protein bars, granola bars, and brown rice pilafs.
Why Should Vegans Use Sesame Seeds?
Unlike chia and flaxseeds, people often underestimate sesame seeds in terms of its nutritional value and significance, especially for vegans. Just like other popular super foods, they are packed with numerous vitamins and minerals and tastes equally great. Sesame seeds are also rich in fiber, calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. It also aids in digestion as it is rich in fiber.
Sesame seeds contain 48% fat and have equal amounts of poly and monounsaturated fats. The amount of saturated fat in sesame seeds is very low. They contain around 18% of protein. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains about 55 calories. Sesame seeds are rich in phosphorus, vitamin E, vitamin B, potassium, iron, and zinc.
Vegans who avoid regular milk can use sesame seeds as it also contains calcium. Those who are on a vegan or vegetarian diet are often in search of better alternatives for meat, such as tofu. Sesame seeds can be used as an alternative for tofu, and each ounce of sesame seeds contains around 4.7 grams of protein.
Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are also beneficial for those who suffer from chronic constipation or irritable bowel movements. It is equally helpful for diarrhea, and also helps prevent cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Regular use of sesame oil can aid in reducing the risks of getting diabetes. Since sesame seeds contain high amounts of magnesium, it helps to control high blood pressure levels. Sesame seeds contain zinc, which backs the production of collagen, which is vital for the growth of nails, hair, skin and muscles.
Medical Benefits of Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds also have several calming properties that help to treat symptoms of stress and anxiety. It contains several minerals that aid in the production of serotonin. It is an important brain chemical that allows elevates mood, reduces symptoms of insomnia and other similar sleeping disorders.
Other major physical health benefits of sesame seeds are listed below:
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It strengthens weak muscle tissues
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It maintains good oral health
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It helps to prevent cancer
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It reduces cholesterol levels
However, health experts advise to use it in moderation; otherwise, it can cause an upset stomach as it is high in fiber. Also, they prefer organic sesame seeds over refined ones. Wilmington Foods is one such regarded white sesame seeds exporter and takes pride in providing its clients and consumers sesame seeds of premium quality worldwide. Here, sesame seeds are collected and packed under strict supervision under hygienic conditions and quality control. This guarantees freshness and nutrition to its growing clientele across the globe. The company also produces sesame tahini & delivers in bulk to the food manufacturers, private label brands & end customers in UAE and around the world.
