Differences between Hulled and Unhulled Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a rich and healthy food. They are very nutritious, possessing vital minerals such as; iron, manganese, calcium, and natural preservatives like sesamolin and sesamin. These nutrients work together to provide optimum nourishment.

Examples of such benefits are repair of body tissues, enhancement of skin glow, development of healthy and strong bones, reduction of cholesterol levels, and reduction of blood pressure, to mention but a few. Sesame seeds grow from a flowering plant, known scientifically as Sesamum Indicum, that is commonly found in Asia and Africa. 

Aside from their nutritional content, there are unique differences between the hulled and unhulled sesame seeds. This article will identify these distinctions between them based on their physical appearance, and the nutrients present in both.

Physical Appearance 

The most obvious difference between the hulled and unhulled sesame seeds is the presence or absence of the husk or hull. Hulled sesame seeds are those that have lost their hulls during the manufacturing or processing stage. On the other hand, unhulled sesame seeds are those seeds that have their hull intact after processing. The hull gives the sesame a golden brown colour. They also turn brown when roasted. 

Amounts of Iron and Calcium present

Different amounts of iron and calcium are present in hulled and unhulled sesame seeds. Unhulled sesame seeds have more iron and calcium content than hulled sesame seeds. A teaspoon of hulled sesame seeds is made up of 0.7 milligrams of iron and 11 milligrams of calcium, while the unhulled variant is made up of 1.3 milligrams of iron and 88 milligrams of calcium. Calcium is important for strong and healthy bones. Iron is essential for the development of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying portion of red blood cells. Therefore, unhulled sesame seeds are better sources of calcium and iron. See 5 health benefits of sesame seeds.

Vitamins

There is a difference in the number of vitamins present in hulled and unhulled sesame seeds. A teaspoon of unhulled sesame seeds consists of 9 micrograms of dietary folate and one unit of vitamin A, while hulled sesame seeds are made up of 8 micrograms of dietary folate, and 6 units of vitamin A. Once more, hulled sesame seeds have a higher amount of vitamins than unhulled sesame seeds. Read whether sesame seeds are gluten free.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients that the body requires in high amounts to carry out specific functions. Examples of macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, and fat. 

The hulled and unhulled sesame seeds offer these nutrients in variable quantities as stated below; 

• A teaspoon of hulled sesame seeds is made up of 51 calories, 1.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fat, and 1.5 grams of fibre. 
• A teaspoon of unhulled sesame seeds consists of 52 calories, 2 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fibre, and 4 grams of fat.

Sesame seeds provide an abundance and a variety of nutrients. Whether you prefer them hulled or unhulled, you are still providing your body with vital nutrients that our typical overly processed diet lacks today. Overall neither of them trumps the other. They're both just as good. Just pick one depending on how you want to use them. See when the harvesting times for sesame seeds are.

Here at KODGAV, sesame seeds are provided sustainably. 

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