There are black and white varieties of sesame. From a nutritional science perspective, both black and white sesame seeds are nutritious foods. If a distinction must be made, the nutritional value of black sesame is slightly higher than that of white sesame. Therefore, black sesame is more commonly used for nourishing and health-preserving purposes, while white sesame, with its attractive color, is more often used as a garnish in daily meals.
Health Benefits
Black sesame is sweet and neutral in nature, with the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and nourishing blood to moisten dryness. In addition to the well-known effect of darkening hair, black sesame also has excellent antioxidant properties. Due to its rich oils and vitamin E, it can moisturize the skin, nourish the blood, and promote bowel movements, making it an excellent product for maintaining a youthful appearance. It also contains substances that prevent weight gain, such as lecithin, choline, and inosine, so eating sesame will not cause weight gain. When dieting for weight loss, consuming sesame can help improve rough skin. Furthermore, black sesame has the benefit of nourishing the brain and marrow. For those experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, and memory loss due to insufficient liver and kidney nourishment, eating more black sesame can be extremely beneficial.
How to Eat
The sesame products we usually eat are mostly sesame paste and sesame oil. Eating whole sesame seeds is not the best way to absorb their nutrients because sesame has a slightly hard outer membrane. Only by crushing it can the nutrients be absorbed. Therefore, it is best to crush sesame before eating it.
Storage Tips
Purchased sesame should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If the sesame seeds are roasted and dried, they will be even easier to store.