A sweet snack for better sleep, longevity

By Sari Huhtala

Remember those sweet sesame seed snack bars that have been on corner store shelves since the 70s? They’re touted as having all-natural ingredients, but they’re hardly healthy for you. Try this two-ingredient homemade version that actually doubles as a natural sleep aid and is made with “the seed of immortality.”

Store-bought Sesame Snaps are made with only sesame seeds, glucose syrup and sugar. I use to buy them for the kids 30 years ago, as a healthier alternative to chocolate bars, but, since corn syrup can be labelled as glucose syrup by the food industry, the jury is still out on just how “natural” these bars are.

Besides, one 35-gram pack contains the equivalent of three teaspoons of sugar. Although, that’s nothing compared to a Tim Hortons Mocha Iced Capp that has 72 grams of sugar, or, to put it into perspective, 18 teaspoons of sugar, but the sesame snaps still don’t qualify as a health food.

However, homemade ones sure can. Sesame seeds, which are a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and protein, as well as fibre, vitamin B6 and potassium, are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin E to help protect cells from free radical damage. They provide a great source of lignans, a phytoestrogen that may help prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis and reduce menopausal symptoms, according to a 2024 article, Sesame Seeds: A Nutrient-Rich Superfood, which appeared in the journal Foods.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is often called the “seed of immortality,” due to their remarkable health benefits, researchers note.

Plus, sesame seeds are a fabulous source of essential amino acid tryptophan, which is used by the body to create serotonin, which in turn is used to create the sleep-enhancing hormone melatonin.

Couple the seeds with raw honey, which is powerhouse medicine on its own, and is the only sugar that doesn’t promote the growth of bad bacteria in the gut, and you have a recipe for functional food at its finest.

But don’t get carried away eating these sweet treats. As with any seed or nut, moderation is best.

Sweet sesame seed snacks

• 1 cup of sesame seeds
• 2-3 tablespoons of raw honey  
• Optional: add ½ tsp cinnamon, or ¼ tsp cardamom, or other spices such as nutmeg, ginger, cloves

Lightly toast the sesame seeds to bring out the nutty flavour. This is the distinct flavour one can taste in the store-bought sesame seed bars. Toast seeds in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Once cooled, break down sesame seeds slightly to make them easier to digest. Use a mortar and pestle or toss into a blender for a split second to break them up. In a bowl, combine the seeds, and any spices if using. Stir in the honey until combined. Roll into a bite-size ball. Tip: if it seems too sticky, then wet hands slightly to roll the balls. Place in refrigerator to set. Store in fridge in covered container.

(This information is not intended to replace medical advice and treatment from a health care practitioner).

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca