According to Assyrian legend, when the gods met to create the world, they drank wine made from sesame seeds. In Hindu legends and beliefs sesame seeds are a symbol of immortality and considered as the most auspicious oil next to ghee to be used in rituals and prayers. Black sesame seeds mixed with grains of rice are offered to Hindu Gods. Tamil medicine believes that gargling with sesame oil after brushing one's teeth will reduce gum disease, mouth ulcers and plaque. Taking a sesame oil bath with a simple self massage are considered mandatory in Tamil tradition. Sesame seeds also have 26 per cent more calcium than milk.

Sesame is grown primarily for its oil-rich seeds which come in a variety of colours, from cream-white to charcoal-black. In general, the paler varieties of sesame seem to be more valued in the west and west Asia, while the black varieties are prized in east Asia. The small sesame seed is used whole in cooking for its rich nutty flavour. Sesame seeds are sometimes added to breads, including bagels and the tops of hamburger buns. Sesame seeds can be baked in crackers and often in the form of sticks. Sesame seeds are also sprinkled onto salads and sushi. In north India during the festival of Lohri, or Bihu in Assam, many sesame seeds preparation, mixed with gur are made like Pitha in Assam and Gajjak and rewari in north India. The Maharashtran tilgul is made of its seeds mixed with sugar. In Tamil Nadu sesame oil is used extensively. Milakai Podi, a ground powder made of sesame and dry chili is used to enhance flavour and consumed along with other traditional foods such as idli. Many vegetable preparation are made with sesame seeds. Their nutty flavour imparts a wonderful flavour an texture to he dish

Ground and processed, the seeds can also be used in sweet confections. Sesame seeds are extensively used in Egypt in preparing tahini and humus and halva. In Greece sesame seeds are also used with honey called Pasteli and in Japan a dish called goma-dofu is made from sesame paste. Asian cuisines, including Chinese, use a lot of sesame oil in their preparations of tempuras, dim sims, soups and chicken. It is also used to marinate meats and vegetables. Apart from ghee, sesame oil was the preferred cooking oil in India until the advent of peanut oil. Africans also use a lot of sesame oil and sesame seeds in their cooking.

Sesame seeds protect the liver from oxidative damage. They also provides the body with minerals like calcium, copper and magnesium. A sesame seed oil massage not only improves the texture of the skin but also helps people who have rheumatism and other bone related problems.

www.mydigitalfc.com