Perhaps the most well-known use for whole sesame seeds is to make tahini – a paste of ground sesame seeds that is used to make a number of dishes including humous, baba ghanoush and halva.

They can also be used to make the Japanese seasoning, gomashio, which is used to flavor rice, noodles and vegetables.

When roasted they make a tasty addition to energy bars or cereal bars. Or for something sweeter, they can be mixed with honey to make sesame bars. The good news is that however you consume them, all of the health benefits of whole sesame seeds are accessible.

Dairy-free option

Whole sesame seeds can also be used to make a plant-based, dairy-free alternative to milk. For this, the seeds are blended with water and strained, to make the dairy alternative. Sesame milk has a creamy, nutty flavor which can be slightly bitter, so often sweeteners or flavorings are added.

Whole sesame seeds are packed full of good oils which can do wonders for health. As well as healthy fats, they also contain beneficial levels of fibre, protein, calcium, antioxidants and magnesium.

Their nutritional profile means they can be useful to support healthy bones, immunity and metabolic health, as well as reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

This cholesterol-busting action is thanks to two types of plant compounds found in the sesame  seeds: lignans and phytosterols, which scientists believe have a cholesterol-lowering activity.

And as if that wasn’t enough – they are also a rich source of vitamin A, a type of antioxidant which protects the body from free radical damage.