Nutrients and anti-nutrients contents of white beniseed caltivar (Sesamum indicum L.) in Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Dehulled white variety of beniseed (Sesame indicum) was randomly bought from at least five different stores in Ubani Ibeku Umuahia Main Market Abia State Nigeria. The proximate composition shows that dehulled sesame flour contains 19.71% crude protein, 6.18%, ash 3.54% crude fiber, and 37.61% crude fat. The carbohydrate and energy values of sesame were 21.64 g/100g and 1412 KJ, respectively. The potassium and sodium contents (mg/100g) of the sesame were 418.0, 235.74, while the values for magnesium, calcium and iron were 184.12, 428.78, and 5.27 respectively.  The vitamin contents of sesame seed were 0.68 mg/100g, Thiamin, 0.33 mg/100g Riboflavin, and 0.57 mg/100g, Niacin. The β-carotene, vitamins C and E were 5.89 mcg/100g, 3.94 mg/100g, and 2.77 mg/100g respectively. Phytate, hydrogen cyanide, tannin and oxalate were found to be 0.84%, 0.54%, 0.93% and 1.29% respectively. The results of the study showed that beniseed is a good source of protein and fat. Also, the result shows that the protein concentrate and the raw seed will be useful in some food formulation.   Macro and micronutrients were comparable to those of other indigenous legume and seed; also the phytate, hydrogen cyanide and tannin composition of beniseed were within permissible level.