Description
Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds, which is commonly used as a cooking oil in Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Sesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor and could be considered a healthier alternative to many other cooking oils because of its various health benefits.
Sesame seeds belong to the Pedaliaceae family and are high in proteins, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
4 uses of sesame oil
- Cooking
- Sesame oil can be used to sauté, stir-fry, bake, and dress a salad.
- It can season food with salt, pepper, or sauce.
- Hair
- Apply sesame oil to the scalp and gently massage your hair for two to three minutes.
- Keep it for 20 to 25 minutes, and then, wash your hair with a cleanser and warm water.
- Skin
- It works as a sunscreen, can help treat acne, heals wounds, and acts as an anti-aging treatment.
- It helps erase dark circles and wrinkles.
- Teeth
- Sesame oil can be used for oil pulling.
10 science-backed benefits of sesame oil
- Antioxidants
- Sesame oil contains sesamol and sesaminol (two powerful antioxidants), vitamin E, and phytosterols.
- Antioxidants reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Accumulation of free radicals in the cells can lead to inflammation and diseases.
- It contains lignans, a compound that helps fight free radicals in the body and minimize the cell damage caused by them.
- Good for the heart
- Sesame oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are polyunsaturated fats that help prevent heart diseases and the development of plaque in the arteries.
- It lowers triglyceride levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels, reducing the risk of developing heart diseases.
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Sesame seeds contain zinc, iron, and magnesium that may help produce red blood cells and improve blood circulation and metabolism.
- Polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, sesamol, and sesamin may reduce blood pressure.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Sesamin reduces chronic inflammation and fights various bacteria and fungi from affecting the skin.
- Inflammation can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and kidney ailments.
- Traditionally, sesame oil is used in Taiwanese medicine to treat joint pain, toothaches, cuts, scrapes, and premenstrual cramps.
- Improves bone health and treats arthritis
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Sesame oil may play an important role in long-term blood sugar regulation, especially in people with diabetes.
- A study in 46 diabetic adults found that consuming sesame oil for 90 days significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels (an indicator of chronic blood sugar regulation).
- Promotes hair health
- Sesame oil may help retain natural hair color, improve hair strength and shine, and minimize hair loss.
- The antibacterial effects of sesame oil can help eliminate pathogens or foreign bodies that may attack the scalp or hair.
- Helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
- Sesame oil has an amino acid called tyrosine that has been directly connected to serotonin activity in the brain.
- Sesame oil consumption is linked to reducing stress and enhancing mood.
- Prevents sun damage
- Studies suggest that antioxidants in sesame oil may protect the skin against ultraviolet (UV) damage.
- Sesame oil can resist up to 30 percent of UV rays, whereas other oils only resist up to 20 percent.
- A 2018 study conducted by California State University reported that applying sesame oil topically to the skin may help create a protective layer and protect skin from harmful UV rays.
- Aids in skincare
- Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats that help reduce skin inflammation and damage.
- It helps increase skin elasticity and smoothness and reduce oxidative stress, thereby reducing the appearance of age spots and premature aging.
- In some cases, sesame oil has even been used to treat fungal diseases of the skin.
3 other potential benefits
- May have anticancer potential. Studies suggest that sesame oil may be rich in sesamol, lignan, and sesamin, which might help induce apoptosis and prevent the growth of cancer cells in the case of colon cancer.
- Boost circulation and metabolism. Sesame oil is rich in omega-3 fats that help increase blood flow to the organs and tissues, ensuring a healthier lifestyle.
- May prevent DNA damage. Sesamol has antioxidant properties that may help protect against radiation-induced DNA damage.
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