Nutritional Value Of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are the flat, small oval seeds that come from the flowering plant sesame (Sesamum indicum), of the family Pedaliaceae. They have a delicate nutty-like taste, which adds a delightful flavor to a number of dishes. The seeds are especially valued for their high oil content, which is very resistant to rancidity. Since prehistoric times, sesame seeds have been used as ingredients in the cuisine culture of many regions around the world. In fact, they are regarded as one of the oldest condiment known to the human race, dating back to as early as 1600 BC. Sesame seeds come in a host of colors, like white, black, red and yellow and add a mild, delicate crunchy flavor to the dishes. At present, the leading commercial producers of sesame seeds are India, Mexico and China. To know about the high nutritional value present in the seeds, read the Food Rating Chart given below.

Sesame Seeds Nutrition Facts

Amount of Sesame Seeds: 1 cup

Total Weight of Sesame Seeds: 144 grams

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	25.5 g
Carbohydrates	33.8 g
Water	6.8 g
Ash	6.4 g
Calories
Total Calories	3484 KJ
Calories From Fat	2508 KJ
Calories From Carbohydrate Calories From Protein	578 KJ 371 KJ
Fiber
Dietary Fiber	17.0 g
Starch	17.0 g
Sugar	0.4 g
Glucose	0.4 g
Sucrose	0.4 g
Fructose	0.4 g
Lactose	0.4 g
Maltose	0.4 g
Galactose	0.4 g
Fats
Total Fat	71.5 g
Saturated Fat	10.0 g
Mono Fat	27.0 g
Poly Fat	31.4 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	13.0 IU
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)	7.2 mcg
Thiamin	1.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.4 mg
Niacin	6.5 mg
Vitamin B6	1.1 mg
Betaine	36.9 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.4 mg
Vitamin E (Beta Tocopherol)	0.4 mg
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocopherol)	0.4 mg
Vitamin E (Delta Tocopherol)	0.4 mg
Folate	140 mcg
Choline	36.9 mg
Pantothenic Acid	0.1 mg
Minerals
Calcium	1404 mg
Copper	5.9 mg
Iron	20.9 mg
Magnesium	505 mg
Manganese	3.5 mg
Phosphorus	906 mg
Potassium	674 mg
Selenium	8.2 mcg
Sodium	15.8 mg
Zinc	11.2 mg
Saturated Fats
16:0 Palmitic	6395 mg
18:0 Stearic	3009 mg
Mono Fats
18:1 Oleic	26668 mg
Poly Fats
18:2 Linoleic	30776 mg
18:3 Linolenic	541 mg
Other Fats
Omega 3 Fatty Acids	541 mg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids	30776 mg
Amino Acids
Alanine	1335 mg
Arginine	3787 mg
Aspartate	2370 mg
Cystine	516 mg
Glutamate	5695 mg
Glycine	1750 mg
Histidine	752 mg
Isoleucine	1099 mg
Leucine	1955 mg
Lysine	819 mg
Methionine	844 mg
Phenylalanine	1354 mg
Proline	1167 mg
Serine	1392 mg
Threonine	1060 mg
Tryptophan	559 mg
Tyrosine	1070 mg
Valine	1425 mg

Buying & Storing Tips

Sesame seeds can be purchased in both prepackaged containers and bulk bins. While purchasing them in bulk, ensure that the bins are covered properly and the store from which they are being purchased has a good product turnover.
In whichever form you buy sesame seeds, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture.
These seeds are very prone rancidity, due to their high oil content and hence should be checked properly to ensure maximum freshness.
The ideal way to store un-hulled sesame seeds is by placing them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry and dark place.
The hulled varieties, on the other hand, are very prone to rancidity and hence, should be stored inside the refrigerator or freezer.

How to Cite

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'