Oilseeds are particularly interesting from a nutritional standpoint because they contain two polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body: omega-6 and omega-3. They also contain high levels of protein, especially fruits such as sesame or almond, but they should be combined with small portions of legumes rich in lysine, methionine and cystine, three essential amino acids of which they are generally lacking. . Regarding micronutrients, they provide very good amounts of vitamin E (a formidable antioxidant), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid (B9) as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. The oleaginous fruits also contain phytosterols and phytoestrogens, two compounds having a supposed beneficial role on the absorption of cholesterol.

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