
The liver stores blood and since a certain branch of the liver channel goes to the eyes, the liver can also send blood to the eyes to support their functioning.According to traditional Chinese medicine, there is a strong relationship between the internal organs and external parts such as the eyes.Sesame seeds have the highest phytosterol content of all seeds and nuts.Their consumption not only decreases the blood cholesterol levels, but also reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Black sesame seeds also contain plant compounds called phytosterols which have a structure similar to that of cholesterol.Lignans, especially when taken along with stanol esters (chemical compounds known to reduce bad cholesterol levels) have a cholesterol lowering effect ( 11). They contain two substances called sesamin and sesamolin, which belong to a group of fibers called lignans. Black sesame seeds benefit in lowering the cholesterol levels.The inadequacy of serotonin production and transmission in the brain can result in anxiety and depression. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces pain and regulates the sleep pattern and mood.The deficiency of this vitamin can lead to muscle spasms, moodiness, and depression. Thiamin (vitamin B1) has calming properties that aid in proper nerve functioning.Minerals like magnesium and calcium act as an antispasmodic by regulating the muscle function i.e.Sesame seeds contain several nutrients that may have stress-relieving properties.Sesame seeds help the liver to decompose the harmful effects of alcohol as well as other substances that generate poisoning in the body.

, and pro-autophagocytic properties ( 6). , anti-angiogenic i X A substance that prevents new blood vessels from forming to block tumorous growths in the body. , anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic i X A substance that prevents the spread of cancer cells or any disease from one part to another in the body. This could be attributed to sesamin’s anti-proliferative i X A substance that prevents or suppresses sufficient cell growth into the surrounding tissue, especially harmful malignant cells.

The sesamin in sesame seeds also may show anti-cancer action. Sesame seeds have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of colorectal tumors, thus preventing colorectal cancer ( 5). They also contain an anti-cancer compound called phytate. Sesame seeds contain magnesium which has anti-cancer properties.

This prevents the risk of coronary artery disease and strokes ( 4). Sesame seeds are high in the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, which helps in lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol in the body.Do not overwater seedlings, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Tips : Plant into average, well-drained soil. Another way is to collect the green pods off the plant and place them in a paper bag until they are dried. Once the pods have opened collect the seeds by hitting the plants against the side of a container or over a cloth/tarp. In a shorter growing season, you can cut the pod covered stems from the base and dry them indoors on a flat surface. Harvest : Pods start ripening from the bottom of the plant and begin to split when they are ready to harvest.

Sow 5-6 seeds per foot, thin to 6-12" apart when they are 4" tall. Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost when the soil temperature reaches at least 70✯. Do not overwater seedlings, let the soil dry out between waterings. Transplant after last frost, 6-12" apart in rows 12-24" apart. Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Provide 70-85✯ soil temperature. Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85✯. They are ready to harvest when the pods begin to split. Multi-stemmed plants produce 1-2 inch pods with approximately 30 on each stem. This process continues throughout the growing season with each plant growing 3-4 feet. Older flowers, located lower on the plant, produce the first seed pods while newer flowers begin to form above. Begins flowering approximately 2 months from seeding with tubular-shaped flowers growing in clusters around the stem. Tropical like plants thrive in long, hot summers and are easy to grow. An ancient crop dating back thousands of years. Imagine homegrown sesame seed, toasted and sprinkled over your favorite dish or freshly baked rolls.
