What is black sesame?
Black sesame is a variety of sesame seed, a plant from the sesame family. In contrast to white sesame, black sesame has a dark, almost black color and a strong, nutty taste.
Black sesame is grown in various regions of the world, including India, Africa, China and Japan. It is often used as an ingredient in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japanese and Korean cooking. It is rich in nutrients such as protein, dietary fibercalcium, magnesium and iron. It also contains important vitamins and antioxidants that can help to maintain good health.
Black sesame seeds can be used in a variety of ways, from use in cooking to use in traditional medicine and for external use. It can be used as an ingredient in sauces, dressings, cereals, baked goods and many other dishes.
What is the difference between black and white sesame seeds?
Black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds come from the same plant, Sesamum indicum. The difference lies mainly in the color of the seeds.
- White sesame seeds are the most commonly used variety and have a light, beige color. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are used in many different cuisines around the world.
- Black sesame seeds compared to white sesame seeds slightly smaller and have a dark, black-brown color. They have a slightly more intense flavor and a slightly sweet aroma.
Both varieties are rich in nutrients such as iron, magnesium and calcium. Our vegan shots are also suitable for boosting your iron and magnesium levels. While the Red Powert covers your daily magnesium requirement in a natural way, you can use the Eisen Shot cover your daily iron requirement.
Are black sesame seeds and black cumin seeds the same?
Black sesame seeds are often mistaken for black cumin seeds because they are the same color. But there are serious differences:
Black sesame
Black cumin
Scientific name
Sesamum indicum
Nigella sativa
Color
Black
Black
Shape
Flat drop shape
Triangular
Flavor
Nutty
Use
Asian cuisine, baked goods, salads, desserts
Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, bread, curries
Are black sesame seeds healthy?
Sesame seeds are very healthy. It contains many nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium and iron, as well as important vitamins and antioxidants.
Eating sesame seeds can help improve bone and joint health, lower cholesterol, aid digestion, support liver function, boost the immune system and improve skin health. In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame seeds are also used to treat various health problems, such as relieving joint pain, improving circulation and supporting liver function.
However, it is important to note that like any other food, sesame seeds should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to an increase in fat and calorie content and potentially lead to negative health effects.
Are black sesame seeds suitable for a diet?
Since black sesame seeds contain many nutrients that are important for a healthy diet, they can be well integrated into a diet. For example, it contains healthy fats, fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and iron. However, it is important to pay attention to the portion size, as black sesame is also high in calories.
If you are on a diet and need to reduce calories, it is important to consider the amount of sesame seeds you are consuming. One portion of black sesame seeds (approx. 28g) contains around 160kcal, which is relatively high.
One way to include black sesame seeds in a diet is to use them as an ingredient in a meal or as a snack in small portions - you can add the sesame seeds to salads, smoothies, muesli or yogurt.
It is important that you stick to a balanced diet and do not rely solely on the consumption of black sesame seeds. Combine sesame seeds with other healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein to ensure a balanced diet. On our blog you will find various blog posts as well as tips and tricks on the topic of lose weight quickly, lose weight without sport or also healthy weight loss.
How to use black sesame seeds for external use?
You can use black sesame seeds for external use on your skin and hair. The best way to do this is with sesame oil, which you can easily make yourself - we'll show you how!
You will need:
- 1 cup of black sesame seeds
- 1 cup of carrier oil (e.g. almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil)
Instructions:
- Toast the sesame seeds in a pan at a low temperature until they are lightly browned and you can smell their nutty aroma
- Place the roasted sesame seeds in a mortar or grinder and grind them coarsely
- Heat the carrier oil in a pan over a low heat. Now add the sesame seeds and stir
- Leave the oil and sesame seeds to infuse over a low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Remove the pan from the heat and leave the oil to cool. Then pass the mixture through a sieve or cloth and squeeze the oil out of the sesame seeds
- Pour the sesame oil into a dark glass bottle and seal it tightly. Store the oil in a cool, dry place and use it within 6 months
Here are some ways you can use the seeds or oil for external use:
- Sesame oil for skin careBlack sesame oil can be used as a natural moisturizer for the skin. Simply apply the oil to cleansed skin and massage it in gently.
- Hair care: Black sesame can also be used for hair and scalp care. Apply the oil to the scalp and massage it in gently to promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. Leave the oil on for a few hours or overnight and then wash it out with a mild shampoo.
- Face mask: A face mask made from ground sesame seeds and honey can help to firm and smooth the skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground sesame seeds with 1 teaspoon of honey and apply the mixture to a cleansed face. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.