What Are the Benefits of Sesame Oil on the Lungs?

Sesame seeds produce an oil that has many health benefits. The oil is stable and does not become rancid as quickly as other oils. Sesame oil has been recognized for its benefits to lung and respiratory health, along with lowering cholesterol, aiding with arthritis swelling and pain and protection from colon cancer. Sesame products are a flavorful food as seeds, oil or paste, which is also known as sesame butter.

Nutrition

• Sesame seeds and their oil contain manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin B1, iron and calcium. Magnesium is important for proper lung function. It helps prevent airway spasms associated with asthma. One serving of sesame seeds, paste or oil provides 31.6 percent of the daily value of magnesium.

Lung Cancer Benefits

• Gamma-tocopherol is a type of vitamin E found in sesame seeds and, therefore, sesame oil. According to a Purdue University study led by Assistant Professor Qing Jiang, gamma-tocopherol "inhibits the proliferation (increase) of lab-cultured human prostate and lung cancer cells." Gamma-tocopherol kills human cancer cells while not affecting healthy cells.

  Typical vitamin E supplements contain alpha-tocopherol, while this study focuses on gamma-tocopherol found in nuts and seeds, including sesame.

Sesame Oil Pulling

• Oil pulling is the holistic practice of swishing a small amount of oil in the mouth to draw out toxins. Russian Dr. F. Karach, M.D., presented information at a conference of the All-Ukrainian Association on the benefits of oil pulling or oil therapy. The swishing oil triggers enzymes that draw out the toxins. The oil is spit out and should never be swallowed, as it contains toxic debris from the body. According to Dr. Karach, the Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling can cure bronchitis, along with many other health conditions.