Sesame has been used as an oilseed in various cultures for at least 5,000 years. Sesame oil is cold-pressed by screw oil expeller retaining all the unique aroma and rich flavor. Containing rich nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, sesame oil can benefit your health by both dietary consumption and acting as cosmetics.
1. Oral Health
Sesame oil can reduce the number of Streptococcus mutants in both teeth plaque and mouth saliva and even whiten your teeth. Besides, it has been used by the Chinese to help lessen the pain of toothaches.
2. Respiratory Health
The rich magnesium content of sesame seeds can be helpful for those suffering respiratory problems. It is used to decrease the severe spasm in bronchiole tubes by physicians worldwide. Sesame oil could also keep the nose from drying out in dry winter climates and has been used to treat chronic sinusitis. As a throat gargle, it kills strep and other common cold bacteria.
3. Digestive Health
Sesame seeds are loaded with fiber, which is vital for improving and maintaining colon health.
4. Heart Health
Sesamol in sesame oil is beneficial in battling heart disease and atherosclerosis. Vitamin E and high polyunsaturated fats can also lower your risk of heart disease.
5. Bone Health
Sesame has a high content of zinc and calcium, which could boost bone mineral density, preventing osteoporosis in the hip and spine area. Sesame seeds can help decrease pain and joint swelling for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Reduce High Blood Pressure
As sesame seed has rich magnesium content, it may help ease high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is resulted from unhealthy lifestyles like an overweight condition, chronic stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet. For people who are suffering from high blood pressure, a regular consumption of sesame oil is recommended. Consult your physician first in case you are on medication.
7. Lower Blood Sugar
Sesame oil can decrease glucose, having a lowering effect on blood sugar levels.
8. Cancer Prevention
Phytate, vitamin E and vitamin K in sesame help preventing cancer. Besides, magnesium intake has been proven to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, while sesame seeds contain magnesium.
9. Beauty and Skin Health
Sesame oil can moisturize the skin, keeping the skin smooth and soft. It can soothe many skin conditions, such as eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, as well as athlete’s foot fungus. It also has the effect of detoxification on the skin. Sesame oil is a useful natural UV protector. Used after exposure to wind or sun it will calm the burns. It can also help neutralize the flood of oxygen radicals caused by radiation treatments. Besides, sesame oil can condition your hair, and protect your hairstyle.
10. Other Benefits
Sesame oil is used as a pharmaceutical solvent in cases of intramuscular injections. It is believed to relieve pain syndromes such as tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and GERD. It can lower cholesterol and has also been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Sesame oil has even been used as a laxative.
