Sesame  seeds  contain two special types of  fibre – sesamin  and  sesamolin – which are members of the  lignans group. They can lower ‘ bad’ cholesterol and help prevent high blood  pressure which helps  to protect against cardiovascular disease. Sesamin is  a powerful  is  a   powerful  antioxidant  in its own right and has been shown to protect the liver from damage. Plant sterols  contained in the seeds  also  have a cholesterol-lowering action.

The seeds are particularly rich in copper, which may be  of use to arthritis sufferers because it is thought to have an anti-inflammatory action, reducing pain and swelling. The seeds also contain the minerals iron, zinc, calcium and potassium

Sesame  seeds should be stored in  a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight tin.

15 g  of sesame  seeds contains

• 85 Kcalories
• 7.2 g fat
• 2.5 g  protein
• 3.9 g carbohydrate
• 2.5 g fibre
• 0.8 mg niacin
• 14 mg folate
• 20 mg calcium
• 61 mg potassium
• 52 mg magnesium
• 1.2 mg iron
• 1.5 mg zinc