15-Apr-2012

Open to Sesame

The Seed with Spirit

Sesame seeds are steeped in mystic lore, believed to be worthy as an offering to the gods. Sesame oil was prescribed for weight gain (and loss) and for reducing body heat as well as healing gum disease. Sesame seeds are an excellent source of important minerals as well as Vitamin B1, calcium and dietary fiber. The nutrients in sesame seeds may offer cardiovascular benefits, reduce inflammation and provide protection against colon cancer and osteoporosis.

Ayurvedic teachings promote sesame seeds for virility and to increase mental and physical stamina. In ancient times, sesame seeds represented immortality and were used in Hindu sacred rituals. Sesame seeds can be hard to digest raw, but lose a significant amount of nutrition when cooked. Raw sesame seed butter (tahini) may provide the best nutrition and tastes wonderful in hummus, as a salad dressing or spread on a banana for a protein-filled snack treat. Let these tiny seeds open you up to a whole new world of nutrition!

Try this yummy Lemon-Tahini Salad Dressing by Yogi Bhajan – Blend together 1 C olive oil, ½ C lemon juice, ½ bell pepper chopped, ¼ onion, chopped, 1 C unrefined safflower oil, ½ C tahini, 1 stalk celery, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 2 T tamari and a dash of cayenne. Serve over steamed veggies or with your favorite salad greens.

Sweet Potato Hummus – Food & Flow video

Recommended: Frontier Whole Organic Sesame Seeds and Kevala Organic Tahini