18 health benefits of sesame oil

“The best things come in small packages” – this proverb absolutely holds true for sesame seeds. These seeds may be too tiny but when it comes to health benefits, they definitely pack a powerful punch. Sesame seed, scientifically known as Sesamum indicum, is one of the oldest oil seeds and condiments known to man. The seeds are highly valued for the oil extracted from them, which is extremely nourishing and has immense healing properties. In addition to being used as cooking oil, sesame seed oil is also used by many to enhance the health and beauty of their skin and hair. The wide range of both health and medicinal benefits provided by sesame seed oil has made it one of the most sought after oils these days.

What Makes Sesame Seed Oil So Nutritious? Sesame seed oil nutrition facts

Sesame seed has one of the highest oil content in oilseeds known. With a wonderful nutty taste and unique aroma, sesame seed oil or Gingelly oil is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to your health in many ways. It is known for its high vitamin E content that is associated with preventing various health problems. The Gingili oil is a combination of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are considered to lower the levels of total cholesterol and raise the levels of HDL, or good cholesterol. It consists of 39 percent linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid and 47 percent oleic acid, a heart-healthy fatty acid.

Sesame oil or Teel oil contains many natural compounds and antioxidants such as sesamol, sesamolin and sesamin oils that are highly beneficial to your body. It is packed with B-complex vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine. It is also rich in amino acids and minerals like calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus and zinc.

So is sesame seed oil good for you? Answer is affirmative. Is sesame oil gluten free? Of course yes. Lets understand more sesame oil benefits.

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Benefits of Sesame Seed Oil

According to research, the health benefits of sesame seed oil are very promising. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a base oil for almost 90 percent of the herbal oils. It also finds use in religious and sacred functions. Sesame seed oil has great healing properties as it can detoxify the body and strengthen it. Let’s take a look at some of the important benefits of this amazing oil:

Sesame Seed Oil for skin

Sesame seed oil is rich in ingredients like fatty acids, minerals, vitamin E, and B complex, all of which are capable of giving your skin a nice and smooth texture. Fatty acids such as linoleic acid in the oil makes it an effective skin moisturizer. It has anti-inflammatory properties that helps in the treatment of inflamed and wounded skin. The oil penetrates deep into the skin and provides relief from certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sesame seed oil is also helpful in reducing scars and rashes on the skin.

Sesame oil as skin anti-aging: Another great feature of sesame seed oil is that it can slow down the process of skin aging. The antioxidants in the oil prevent free radical damage of skin cells and also rejuvenates the skin. Sesamol is an antioxidant in sesame oil that prevents the appearances of wrinkles and other aging signs on the skin. It also helps close small pores on the skin and impart a beautiful glow to the skin. The antioxidants and the other nutrients in the oil nourishes the skin and makes it smooth and supple.

Sesame oil for face: It helps tighten facial skin, removes wrinkles and signs of aging on your face. It heals mild cuts and abrasions. Many people, especially teens are under impression that oil is bad for your face. Sesame oil on the other hand is good for young facial skin. It reduces acne and cleanses pores. Sesame oil acts as a face cleanser. Sesame oil acts as a perfect natural sunscreen when you go out in the sun.

Sesame oil has moisturizing effect: Sesame oil is often used to treat dry skin. Sesame oil is used industrially for making skin conditioners, moisturizer, bathing oil, and other cosmetics. Teel oil is good for treating dry skin around elbow and knees

Sesame oil face cleanser: Mix fine rice powder with sesame oil and use as face cleanser.
Sesame oil moisturizer: Mix sesame oil with vinegar and water. Apply to your skin. Sesame oil acts as moisturizer while vinegar removes dark colors and blemishes.
Sesame oil scrub: 2 tbsp brown sugar + 2 tsp sesame oil + 15 drops eucalyptus oil together. Mix well and use as scrub.
Sesame oil acne treatement: 8 tablespoons turmeric powder + 5 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix well till smooth. Apply affected area and leave for 15 minutes. Wash with water.

[Read more about Benefits of Coconut oil for skin]

Sesame seed oil for babies

Benefits of sesame oil for baby skin includes its use as massage oil, as nasal and ear drops and cure for diaper rash. Sesame oil is safe to massage babies and children. It stimulates their body growth and strengthens bones. It is effective lubricating and moisturizing skin under diaper. Drops of sesame oil are traditionally used as cure of common cold in children.

Sesame seed oil for hair

Sesame seed oil is traditionally used to improve the health of the hair. It strengthens the hair, promotes its growth and maintains the health of the scalp. It retains the natural color of the hair and prevents premature graying. Sesame oil is a natural sun-blocking agent that protects the hair from damage due to extended sun exposure. It locks in the moisture, nourishes the hair and prevents damage. The oil has also been found to be extremely beneficial in getting rid of head lice and scalp problems like dandruff and dryness. It provides deep conditioning to the hair and also makes it silky and shiny. Sesame oil forms base of many herbal hair tonics. Sesame oil is applied for hair loss problem. Regular head and scalp massage with sesame oil helps reduce headache, bladness, hair graying and hair fall.

Black sesame seeds oil benefits for hair are more popular than white sesame seed oil. Difference can be attributed to the higher hair friendly phytonutrients in black sesame oil.

[Read more about Amla working wonders for your hair ]

Sesame seed oil is a Heart-healthy Oil

Sesame oil is low in saturated fats and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart -healthy and help keep cholesterol under control. The oil is also helpful in lowering high blood pressure levels. It contains a naturally occurring antioxidant known as sesamin that is beneficial for your arteries. The antioxidant improves blood flow in arteries and controls blood pressure by modulating the fluid levels in the bloodstream.

Sesame Seed Oil for Strong and Healthy Bones

Sesame seed oil is rich in many important minerals such as copper, zinc, and calcium.. These three minerals are important for the growth and development of bones. Zinc can help improve bone density, which helps in preventing bone disorders like osteoporosis and other age-related problems.

Sesame Oil Provides Good Dental Hygiene

Ayurvedic medicine has been using oil pulling for promoting good oral health. Swishing sesame oil in your mouth for about 10 minutes can help whiten your teeth, reduce dental plaque, and boost overall health. The antibacterial properties of the oil helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and keeps your mouth and gums healthy. including sensitive teeth or weak tooth. Initial research suggest that rinsing mouth with sesame oil / oil pulling reduces bacterial growth causing gingivitis significantly. In Ayurveda, sesame seed paste and til oil is commonly used for treating dental ailments

Sesame Seed Oil is a Good Remedy for Anxiety and Depression

Sesame seed oil contains high levels of Tyrosine, an amino acid that is directly associated with the release of serotonin and its activities in the brain. Increased levels of serotonin can help improve the mood and make a person feel happy. So sesame oil is a good remedy for people suffering from anxiety or depression.

Sesame oil along with sunflower oil and other herbs forms base of Shirodhara oil used in traditional Ayurvedic panchakarma. Warm shirodhara oil is poured continuously on forehead to alleviate stress and anxiety and treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, headache, hypertension and asthma.

Sesame seed oil and hyper tension

Recent studies reported properties of sesame oil to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This is attributed to antioxidant properties of chemical constituents of sesame oil which have long term effect on strength of arteries and reduce inflammation due to oxidative stress. The results are encouraging for adding sesame oil to diet of heart patient.

Sesame seed oil for Breasts enlargement

Massaging breasts with sesame seed oil is believed to stimulate tissue development in breasts and enhance their growth. Similarly use of sesame seeds and sesame oil is suggested in diet for increasing size of breasts. Though traditionally used, there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefit.

Sesame Seed Oil Helps Prevent Cancer

Free radicals cause damage to our DNA and cells, leading to diseases like cancer. Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps fight off free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which in turn is useful for combating the progression of cancer. Sesame seed oil contains an organic compound known as phytate that is found to be helpful in inhibiting the development of cancer. The magnesium in sesame oil lowers the chances of colorectal cancer, while the calcium content is very beneficial in preventing colon cancer. High levels of sesomol and sesamin in the oil is effective in inducing mitochondrial apoptosis in various types of cancers such as breast, colon, leukemia, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

Sesame oil for diabetes

Sesame oil is also found to be beneficial for blood sugar levels. According to a report in the “Journal of Medicinal Foods”, sesame oil may have the ability to lower the levels glucose. Animal studies show that sesame oil had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels as well as an increase in levels of antioxidant compounds in their blood. A 2016 study in the American Journal of Medicine suggests that a mixture of sesame oil and rice bran oil may be good for blood sugar and cholesterol in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. In another study, sesame oil was found to increase impact of glibenclamide, commonly used drug in diabetes. Sesame seed oil is found to have synergistic effect with glibenclamide. The combination therapy significantly lowered blood sugar 36% more than either oil alone or drug alone did. This combination therapy is new area of research.

Sesame Seed Oil Lowers Inflammation

Copper is an anti-inflammatory mineral found in high levels in sesame seed oil. It can help lower inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as gout and arthritis. Copper is also helpful in strengthening the bones and reducing the swelling of joints and blood vessels. Epi-sesamin is a compound found in sesame oil that shows strong anti-inflammatory effects. It lowers inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammation-promoting immune molecules in cells. Sesame oil thus shows immense potential as a natural remedy for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions.

Sesame Oil for joint pain

Massaging sesame oil is home therapy for treating joint pain. Warm sesame oil should be applied overnight and massaged to stimulate blood circulation in joints.

[Read more about Natural ways to treat joint pain ]

Sesame Seed Oil Improves Metabolism

Sesame seed oil is one of the best natural ingredients that helps improve metabolism and helps you lead a healthy life. It contains plant chemicals known as lignans that increase fat burning by increase the production of enzymes that break down the fat.

Sesame Seed Oil for Constipation

Sesame seeds have amazing laxative properties and for people with constipation, sesame oil is a great remedy for getting relief from the condition. The regular intake of one or two tablespoons of sesame seed oil can lubricate your bowels and help to ease constipation.

Sesame Seed Oil for Improved Vision

Sesame seeds oil provides essential nutrition for the eyes and also protects them from various eye disorders. The healing properties of the oil help in treating blurred vision and dry eyes. Massaging your eye lids with sesame oil regularly helps in improving circulation around the eyes and in getting rid of wrinkles and dark circles.

Antimicrobial properties of Gingili oil

Sesame oil and warm water is tradtionally used as a douche to control vaginal fungal infections in women. Sesame oil forms base oil in many ayurvedic oil and is believed to have healing, antimicrobial properties. Sesame oil is used as nasal drops as cure for chronic sinusitis. It is also used as throat gargle to kill strep and throat bacterias.

[Read more about Health benefits of watermelon seed oil ]

Sesame oil and Weight loss

Some ayurvedic practitioners promote sesame oil therapy for weight loss. This may be attributed to antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of phytonutrients like sesamol, sesamolinol in sesame oil. Initial studies have established claim of sesame seed oil benefits towards weight loss. However more research is required in this area.

To gain maximum benefits of sesame oil, Cold pressed sesame oil is preferred over hot pressed oil. Hot pressed sesame oil is commonly available sesame oil used for cooking purpose. Difference between black and white sesame seeds?., 3`2eMV There is no much difference between the two. The white variety is hulled black sesame seed. Black contains more calcium content that the white. Black sesame seed oil is considered good for medicinal purposes. Similarly Organic sesame oil is considered good for medicinal purpose. Any side effects of Sesame oil: Excess consumption leads to hiccups, respiratory disorders.

With countless health benefits and healing effects, it’s no wonder sesame seed oil is often referred to as the ‘Queen of oils’. Today, it is valued as one of the healthiest oils, loaded with numerous essential nutrients. Using sesame oil in cooking is definitely the healthiest way to prepare food with amazing taste and flavor.

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