Often times when one is eating an alternative diet, such as vegan or raw food, it is helpful to have a knowledge base of foods that contain nutrients which mainstream foods typically supply. This is especially helpful when one gets asked questions such as, “Where do you get your -----” (fill in the blank) One mineral that many people have questions about on a vegan path is calcium, since it is so readily found in dairy foods. Well there are many plant based foods that contain loads of calcium (among other bone building minerals like silicon). Of course we have our leafy green vegetables, grasses, and certain herbs like horsetail and nettles that are especially high in bone builders, and we also have a calcium rich seed, the unhulled sesame seed! Sesame seeds make delicious mylk, which is an awesome alternative to cows milk if one is avoiding this. My absolute favorite mylk is made with black sesame seeds and coconut water. The health benefits of black sesame are worth learning about as well.

Black sesame seeds contain up to 60 % more calcium than their white/beige counter parts. They are also high in manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, Vitamin B 1, and copper. They also contain a high percentage of protein and antioxidant rich oils. The antioxidant content in sesame oil gives the seeds an added resistance to rancidity. Copper is a special trace mineral that has some very unique properties and benefits. It is especially great for any inflammation in the joints, for resilient skin and connective tissue, for strong healthy hair, and for strengthening the capillaries and blood vessels.

It is a true beauty mineral. Due to black sesames high levels of copper and nourishing oils, it is revered in Chinese medicine to help keep the hair from turning prematurely grey.  In Chinese Medicine black sesame is also used to bring balance to the liver and kidney meridians, help bring moisture to the intestines, and tonify the blood. The mineral zinc also plays an important role in bone formation. The powerful duo of zinc and calcium found in black sesame is sure to help support the body in maintaining or building strong, dense bones.

Black sesame seeds weren’t something that I was even aware of until I become interested in a raw diet, and i’m so glad that I have knowledge of them now! Hopefully you can give this recipe a try. I hope you enjoy it as much as i do!

Black Obsidian Sesame Mylk by Anna Hays

1 cup black sesame seeds (soak 8-12 hrs, strain and rinse well)
2 cups young coconut water
1 cup purified or spring water
1 handful raw organic shredded coconut
1/4 inch chunk of vanilla bean or 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder (if
using vanilla bean powder, wait to add this until mylk is strained)

Blend this mixture in a high speed blender until smooth, strain through nut milk bag. Pour back into the blender and add:

3 tbs raw organic wildcrafted mesquite pod meal
1/2 tbs raw organic coconut or cacao oil
1/8 tsp Himalayan salt
Optional- cardamom spice to taste

Blend well, chill in fridge or enjoy right away.

Resources-
http://www.black-sesame-seeds.com/
http://www.naturopathydigest.com/nutrition_herbs/herbs/black_sesame_seeds.php