Just a handful of sesame seeds a day provides us with a wide range of complete substances - antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and proteins.
Sesame seeds are a source of phytonutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic antioxidants, dietary fiber and minerals. They also contain B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, thiamine, vitamin B6 and riboflavin.
The seeds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which helps lower the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL.
100 g of sesame also contains 97 mcg of folic acid, which is about 25% of its recommended daily intake. The vitamin is essential for DNA synthesis. Folic acid intake is important for pregnant women as it helps the uterus to grow, build the placenta and the proper development of the embryo.
Sesame seeds are a rich source of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper. They play a vital role in bone mineralization, in the production of hormones and red blood cells, in the synthesis of enzymes, and in the regulation of cardiac activity.