Sesame Oil (oil) - Health Benefits
Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
April 18, 2024
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Sesame oil has been gaining popularity around the world in recent years, but its production dates back centuries. It is believed to have been first extracted during the Indus Valley Civilization and then transported to other parts of Asia.
Sesame oil has been gaining popularity around the world in recent years, but its production dates back centuries. It is believed to have been first extracted during the Indus Valley Civilization and then transported to other parts of Asia.
Sesame oil is known for its health benefits, nutrients and qualities and is today considered one of the healthiest oils. It is rich in fatty acids, especially Omega-6. Its use helps reduce high cholesterol, triglycerides and protects against cardiovascular disease.
Nutritional composition
Sesame oil contains calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, manganese, as well as vitamin E, vitamin B, protein and lecithin.
The most important part, of course, is the fat - in 100 grams there are 40 grams of monounsaturated fats, 42 grams of polyunsaturated fats and about 14 grams of saturated fats. All cooking oils contain all three types of fats, and the different amounts of them determine how healthy or harmful they are to us. Sesame oil has a relatively low smoking point, which makes it not very suitable for cooking.
Is sesame oil useful?
The oil is rich in antioxidants - phospholipids and lecithin, and they are essential for brain activity, promoting memory improvement. Strengthens and cares for the nervous system, helps improve mood and protects against depression, stress and chronic fatigue.
Sesame oil lowers blood pressure and helps with hypertension, lowers bad cholesterol with regular consumption of the product.
The oil also helps control blood sugar, especially for people with diabetes. A study of 46 adults with type 2 diabetes found that taking sesame oil for 90 days significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin.
If you suffer from insomnia, you can drip a few drops of sesame oil on your forehead and massage, it helps to calm down and fall asleep easier.
Sesame oil has a calming effect not only on the nervous system, but is used for the same purpose for therapeutic massages and procedures. It has a healing effect on burns and wounds. It is characterized by anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties, therefore it is used for cosmetic purposes. It also protects against UV rays, thanks to the high amount of antioxidants that protect the skin.
It has a particularly important role for hair and skin, as it is an excellent moisturizer, can be used by rubbing into the hair, for better strength and shine. Used topically, sesame oil reduces pain in the arms and legs.
In cooking it is used to season dishes, salads, sauces and even desserts.
Contraindications
Despite the health benefits of the oil, make sure you are not allergic before using it. The recommended dose for consumption is a maximum of 2 tablespoons per day. The use of sesame oil is not recommended during pregnancy because it contains lignans, which can affect the development of the fetus. It is contraindicated in case of diarrhea or vomiting, as it has a laxative effect, as well as in diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Useful properties of sesame tahini
- Sesame seeds - why is it useful?
- Rapeseed oil
- Cedar nut oil
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