Sesame Seed

Dried whole sesame seeds are 5% water, 23% carbohydrates (including 12% dietary fiber), 50% fat, and 18% protein. In a reference amount of 100 g, sesame seeds provide 2,400 kilojoules and are a rich source (20% of more of the Daily Value, DV) of several B vitamins (24-68% DV) and dietary minerals (50-84% DV) (table). A typical serving would be about one US tablespoon (14.8 g), making the nutrient contents and %DVs per serving about 7% of those shown in the table.

The byproduct that remains after oil extraction from sesame seeds, also called sesame oil meal, is rich in protein (35–50%) and is used as feed for poultry and livestock.

As many seeds do, whole sesame seeds contain a significant amount of phytic acid, which is considered an antinutrient in that it binds to certain nutritional elements consumed at the same time, especially minerals, and prevents their absorption by carrying them along as they pass through the small intestine. Heating and cooking reduce the amount of the acid in the seeds.