Benefits of Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has been used for thousands of years as a healing oil in Indian medicine because it contains many vitamins, minerals and other natural health giving properties. Some of these properties include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acids.

Sesame

• Sesame oil is derived from all varieties of the sesame seed with the black seed thought to give the most beneficial oil in some Indian cultures. Sesame oil is a popular cooking oil in countries like India and China as it is unlikely to spoil if stored properly and contains a number of nutritious vitamins.

Antibacterial & Anti-Inflammatory

• Sesame oil naturally contains antibacterial qualities often used in the treatment of skin problems and fungi such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. The antibacterial properties of the oil can also be of benefit in the treatment of athlete's foot. Sesame oil also contains natural anti-inflammatory benefits for use in the treatment of allergic reactions and insect bites.

Antioxidant

• Sesame oil is often used in massage oil as it easily penetrates the skin giving a number of benefits to the user. Sesame oil when applied to the skin passes into the bloodstream through the capillaries and working its way into deep tissues neutralizing oxygen radicals within the body. Sesame oils antioxidants are derived from a chemical found in sesame seeds called phytonutrients that act as regulators of harmful cell growth and replication.

Fatty Acids

• One of the main benefits of the use of sesame oil is the inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids including Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9, which are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Essential fatty acids are beneficial to the human body as they are a useful preventative measure for diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Essential fatty acids can also help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol in the body while helping raise good cholesterol. It is also claimed sesame oil can help prevent osteoporosis by raising the estrogen level of the body through fatty-acid intake.

Disease Prevention

• Sesame oil also contains lecithin, which plays a role in preventing a number of disease including vascular disease, increases blood vessel elasticity and combats the build-up of bad cholesterol. Sesame oil is also a good source of vitamin E with just 1 ounce of oil containing 75 percent of the daily intake of vitamin E. The chances of suffering from conditions such as coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's and cataracts have been shown to be reduced with increased Vitamin E intake. Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health found long-term decline associated with Alzheimer's was reduced with Vitamin E supplements.

Vitamins & Minerals

• Sesame oil contains small amounts of vitamins A and B along with minerals such as magnesium, copper, calcium and iron. The oil is also a good source of lignans, a compound found in plants that helps with the antioxidant and anti-hypertension qualities of the oil.