Sesame oil has been used in cooking and healing for thousands of years. The nutty flavour from the oil adds enhancement to the taste in many dishes. However, while making for great taste, health benefits are something way more beyond just great taste. Many health benefits can be attained with sesame oil in one’s diet. We explore the benefits of sesame oil and why it is essential to consider using it in your diet.
Top 11 Health Benefits of Sesame Oil-
- Rich in Healthy Fats
Sesame oil is rich in good, healthy fats for you. They can balance the bad cholesterol which is contained in your body. It also promotes well-being to the heart and reduces the risk factors of progressing toward disease in the heart. However, the high monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats present in sesame oil help overall.
- Packed with Antioxidants
Since the body contains many antioxidants, there is always fighting against free radicals which damage the body itself. Sesame oil is highly rich in antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin. However, it may even act by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. In this way, sesame oil promotes longevity and good health.
- Supports Skin Health
Sesame oil is used a bit lavishly to create cosmetics since this oil contains some nourishing properties. Applying it provides some form of moisture protection to the skin as well from dryness. Moreover, it also contains antioxidants that can repair the damaged skin. This can also help in the prevention of early signs of ageing, so your skin stays as young as you want it to.
- Aids in Bone Health
Sesame oil is an excellent source of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it has a high amount of zinc. All these minerals are integral to the building and strengthening of bones. Furthermore, it has been noted that consistent consumption of sesame oil aids in maintaining bone density and its subsequent prevention from osteoporosis.
- Helps Improve Heart Health
Cold-pressed sesame oil is known to be a promoter of heart health. It is processed without heat, so most of the good compounds are well preserved. However, it reduces blood pressure and ensures that blood flows across the body suitably. Adding sesame oil to your diet will thus secure your heart.
- Promotes Hair Growth
Sesame oil is a natural hair treatment that fosters healthy growth in the hair and is rich in nutrients that feed the scalp and strengthen the roots of the hair. It also helps minimise hair fall and arrest greying early. When applied, hair becomes strong and shiny on the scalp.
- Improves Digestion
It supports digesting properly, and you can also add sesame oil to your diet so that it promotes smooth bowel movements. That means you will not suffer from constipation. Additionally, the oil will help the body absorb nutrients. That simply means you will get most of what you need to extract from food.
- Boosts Immune System
Sesame oil also contains nutrients, like vitamin E, that enhance the immune system. This helps fight off diseases and infections in the body. Furthermore, it increases one’s strength in terms of the body’s defence mechanism. That is, frequent consumption can enable you to be healthier in the long run.
- Help with Anxiety and Stress
This oil contains magnesium, a mineral that calms the mind and reduces stress and anxiety. The anti-stress effects result in better moods and relaxation. Hence, the consumption of sesame oil can regulate stress levels to ensure better mental health.
- Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Among its health benefits, research has proved that sesame oil may regulate high blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetic patients or individuals who would like to regulate their sugar levels may use sesame oil. Moreover, sesame oil enhances insulin sensitivity, and that is highly essential to maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar.
- Improves Oral Health
Sesame oil is an ancient oral practice which is used in oil pulling. It removes bacteria and healthy gums. Therefore, swishing sesame oil through your mouth every day will clean your mouth. It can even prevent plaque buildup, which may help prevent gum diseases.
How to Include Sesame Oil in Your Diet?
Sesame oil is easy to incorporate into your diet. You can use it for cooking, dressing salads or sprinkling on top of your favourite dishes. Cold-pressed oil and wood-pressed oil retain more nutrients than others. Hence the use of these types will offer you more health benefits.
Start by substituting all your regular cooking oil with sesame oil. You can use it for stir-frying vegetables, pour it over salads, or use it as a base for sauces. However, you may give it a go as a finishing oil over roasted vegetables. The flavour of sesame oil is flat and nutty and easily instils richness in many dishes.
Conclusion
Sesame oil is replete with nutrients. Its nutrition includes support to the heart, healthier skin and hair, and detoxification of the body along with an improved immune system. However, it has to be in your kitchen, and with cold-pressed sesame oil, you will be sure that every drop has the right quantity of nutrient content. Try it out, and you can feel the health benefits.
