South Korea has very low obesity rates – just 6%, compared to 25% in Britain. Nuts and seeds are a super-important part of a healthy, balanced diet, and Koreans eat five times as many sesame seeds than we do here in the UK.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SESAME SEEDS

These super seeds are a source of B vitamins which are good for keeping our metabolism healthy, and they contain phosphorus, which helps to maintain our bones and teeth. Seeds such as sesame seeds are also high in unsaturated fat, which helps to lower cholesterol. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, such as the kinds found in sesame seeds, could therefore help protect against coronary heart disease.

SIX WAYS TO EMBRACE SESAME SEEDS

STICKY SESAME PRAWNS

Miso, ginger, spring onions, noodles, prawns and sesame seeds come together here in a beautiful, colourful, good-for-you dish.

SESAME SEARED SALMON

Coat salmon fillets in sesame seeds before dry-frying them and serving them up on a bed of noodles, with a zingy tahini and lime dressing.

SESAME-ROASTED KALE

Roast a tray of kale leaves with a handful of sesame seeds for a tasty, healthy snack.

SUPER-SOFT SESAME PRETZELS

Lorraine Pascale’s delicious spelt flour pretzels are perfectly finished off with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds.

SUPER-FOOD PROTEIN LOAF

Pack in extra goodness to your homemade loaf with mixed seeds, including sesame seeds. This protein bread is a brilliant start to the day.

ASIAN SEAFOOD SALAD WITH YUZU & SESAME DRESSING

This bright and fresh salad of squid, prawns and octopus tastes delicious tossed in the sharp yuzu, soy and sesame dressing.