Sesame Seeds

Seeds, sesame seeds, whole, dried

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Sesame seeds FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are sesame seeds gluten free?
• Are sesame seeds low FODMAP?
• Are sesame seeds keto?
• Are sesame seeds high in protein?
• Are sesame seeds high in fiber?
• Are sesame seeds high in potassium?
• Do sesame seeds contain omega-3?
• Are sesame seeds a good source of calcium?
• Are sesame seeds high in iron?
• Are sesame seeds high in lectins?
• Are sesame seeds high in histamine?
• Are sesame seeds vegan?
• Do sesame seeds increase estrogen?
• Is sesame seed good for fertility?
• Are sesame seeds paleo?
• Are sesame seeds high in arginine?
• Are sesame seeds Whole30-compliant?

Are sesame seeds gluten free?

Yes, sesame seeds are naturally gluten-free. They contain no wheat, barley, rye or any other gluten-containing grains. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, ensure they’re not processed in a facility that also processes gluten containing grains to avoid cross-contamination.

Are sesame seeds low FODMAP?

No, sesame seeds are not low FODMAP. FODMAP is an acronym for a group of carbohydrates that are known to potentially trigger digestive symptoms. According to the Monash University, more than 1½ tablespoons of sesame seeds are high in FODMAPs and should be avoided in the restriction phase of the low FODMAP diet.

Are sesame seeds keto?

Yes, sesame seeds are keto-friendly. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains around 1 gram of net carbs (total carbs minus fiber), which makes them suitable for a ketogenic diet that typically limits total carb intake to 20-50 grams per day.

Are sesame seeds high in protein?

No, sesame seeds are not high in protein. They only contain 2 grams of protein per a 1-tablespoon serving, which contributes roughly 1% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for protein. For individuals following a typical 2,000 calorie diet, the DV for protein is 50 grams.

Are sesame seeds high in fiber?

Yes, sesame seeds are high in fiber. A one-tablespoon provides approximately 1 gram of dietary fiber, which is around 4% of the recommended Daily Value. Thus, in moderate quantities, sesame seeds may contribute significantly to the achievement of your daily fiber requirements, which is 25 to 38 grams depending on your gender.

Are sesame seeds high in potassium?

No, sesame seeds are not high in potassium, but do contain some. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contain around 42 milligrams of potassium, which is about 1% of the recommended daily intake for adults (4700 milligrams).

Do sesame seeds contain omega-3?

While sesame seeds do contain a good amount of healthy fats, they do not contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. For a good source of omega-3, consider incorporating fatty fish into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body cannot produce on its own.

Are sesame seeds a good source of calcium?

Yes, sesame seeds are a very good source of calcium. Just one tablespoon of unhulled sesame seeds contains approximately 88 milligrams of calcium, which is around 7% of the recommended daily intake of 1000 milligrams for adults.

Are sesame seeds high in iron?

No, sesame seeds are not high in iron. A tablespoon of sesame seeds contains about 1.3 milligrams of iron. This is approximately 7% of the recommended daily value (DV) of iron. 

Are sesame seeds high in lectins?

While sesame seeds do contain some amount of lectins, they are not considered high in lectins compared to foods like certain legumes and grains. Cooking or baking with sesame seeds can help reduce their lectin content. However, if you have a sensitivity or intolerance, it’s still advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming them regularly.

Are sesame seeds high in histamine?

While sesame seeds do not naturally contain histamine, people with histamine intolerance might experience a reaction from them. That’s because sesame seeds, like other seeds and nuts, can stimulate the release of histamine in certain individuals.

Are sesame seeds vegan?

Yes, sesame seeds are indeed vegan. They are a plant-based food source and do not contain any animal products or by-products.

Do sesame seeds increase estrogen?

Sesame seeds contain lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen, or plant compound that has similar effects to estrogen in the body. However, the phytoestrogens in sesame seeds don’t appear to significantly increase estrogen levels but rather, due to their slight structural similarity to estrogen, they tend to balances estrogen activity in the body.

Is sesame seed good for fertility?

Sesame seeds can be beneficial for fertility due to their high content of zinc. Zinc is a critical nutrient for reproductive health. For men, it can help boost sperm quality, and for women, it can promote good ovarian function. A tablespoon of sesame seeds contains around 1.4 mg of zinc, out of the Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women.

Are sesame seeds paleo?

While different sources may give different opinions, they can be considered paleo-friendly. This means they fall within the principles of a paleo diet, which is focused on foods that supposedly were available and eaten by our prehistoric ancestors, including nuts and seeds.

Are sesame seeds high in arginine?

Yes, sesame seeds are quite high in arginine. One ounce of sesame seeds, about 28 grams, contains approximately 1.4 grams of arginine. There’s no set recommended daily value for arginine, but for adults, the daily dietary intake is typically around 4 to 7 grams. Therefore, sesame seeds can provide a significant portion of this amount.

Are sesame seeds Whole30-compliant?

Yes, sesame seeds are Whole30-compliant. The Whole30 diet encourages the eating of whole foods and generally permits seeds, including sesame seeds. However, always be sure to check ingredients if sesame seeds are processed or part of a product, as some may contain added sugars or additives that are not Whole30-compliant.