Sesame is a flowering plant original to the Old Word tropics that was first domesticated more than 3,000 years ago. Today, the plant is cultivated in many tropical countries, including Mexico, Nigeria, Turkey, Venezuela, China and India. Sesame is harvested for its seed, which is eaten whole, crushed or pounded into a paste. The seed is also the source of a nutritious oil.
Sesame seed is an abundant dietary source of protein, various trace minerals and omega 6 fatty acids. The seed also contains pinoresinol, lignans lariciresinol, sesamin and sesamolin, estrogen-like compounds that also act as antioxidants.
