Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage. Just a quarter-cup of sesame seeds supplies 74.0% of the daily value for copper, 31.6% magnesium, and 35.1% calcium.

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that have a chemical structure very similar to cholesterol, and when present in the diet in sufficient amounts, are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune response and decrease risk of certain cancers. Phytosterols beneficial effects are so dramatic that they have been extracted from soybean, corn, and pine tree oil and added to processed foods. Sesame seeds have the highest total phytosterol content (400-413 mg per 100 grams) of all nuts and seeds. Of the nuts and seeds typically consumed as snack foods, pistachios and sunflower seeds were richest in phytosterols (270-289 mg/100 g), followed by pumpkin seeds (265 mg/100 g).

Some of the other benefits of sesame seeds include:

• Sesame seeds are a good source of Vitamin E and that is why it can help strengthen the heart and the nervous system.
• Sesame oil can help remove wrinkles and other skin diseases when applied externally. The oil is also used to remove the milk like crust form on the face and head of an infant. Sesame oil rubbed on the skin may soothe a minor burn or sunburn as well as help in the healing process.
• A large amount of sesame seed can help in increasing weight because it is high in calories.
• Half cup of sesame seeds contains 3 times more calcium than half cup of whole milk.
• It is valuable in removing intestinal worm and removing pus formation in the body.
• Sesame seeds help relieve constipation. They're an aid to digestion, stimulate blood circulation, and benefit the nervous system.
• Sesame oil makes ideal massage oil because of its excellent emollient properties. Applied topically, sesame oil is thought to aid in healing chronic diseases of the skin. With its vitamin E content, it's also a benefit to the heart and nervous system.
• Sesame seeds are 25 percent protein and are especially rich in methionine and tryptophan, often lacking in adequate quantities in many plant proteins. One ounce of hulled seeds contains 6 grams of protein, 3.7 grams of fiber, and 14 grams of total fat. When toasted they lose nutrients, scoring 4.8 grams of protein, gaining a little fiber at 4.8 grams, and packing 13.6 grams of total fat. The fat in sesame seeds is 38% monounsaturated, and 44% polyunsaturated which equals 82% unsaturated fatty acids.
• Because sesame seeds are a plant food, there's no need to worry about cholesterol. There simply isn't any to be found within the seeds or the oil.
• Both natural and hulled sesame seeds contain healthy amounts of the B vitamins riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. With the seeds scoring 8.7 mcg of folic acid for 1 tablespoon and plenty of vitamin B6, you can count on sesame seeds for excellent nourishment. One tablespoon of hulled seeds contains .62 mg of iron, 27.73 mg of magnesium, 32.53 mg potassium, and .82 mg of zinc. If you're lacking iron, turn to the sesame seed. Its iron content is equal to that of liver.