Sesame oil has a unique aroma and gives dishes a very special taste. When the oil is heated, beguiling ethereal scents immediately spread throughout the kitchen. But sesame oil is not only impressive in terms of taste, it is also full of nutrients that are enormously beneficial for our health.
Sesame comes from South Asia and has been used in Indian and East Asian cuisine for thousands of years. Some excavations suggest that sesame was used on the Indian subcontinent as early as 3000 BC. Sesame also plays an important role in East Asian medicine and naturopathy. The plant has always been cultivated as an oil plant. A lot of oil can be pressed from the small seeds. Taste nuances arise when the seeds are roasted before pressing. A distinction is therefore made between light yellow and amber-brown sesame oil. The intensive, aromatic oil not only gives your Asian dishes that extra portion of authenticity, but also provides a whole range of surprising health benefits in your body.
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The Health Benefits of Sesame Oil
1. Sesame oil lowers cholesterol levels
Sesame oil is an excellent supplier of healthy unsaturated fatty acids. The proportion of linoleic acid is particularly rich. Linoleic acid accounts for about 19 grams of 100 grams of sesame oil. This belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids and is indispensable for our body when it comes to artery health. Linoleic acid helps lower harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood. This reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, linoleic acid is an important building block in the body’s own cell renewal processes. A sufficient supply of linoleic acid is essential for normal wound healing and a resilient immune system.
2. Sesame oil protects against free radicals
Free radicals are oxygen compounds that act on our body as a result of external influences and also occur as intermediate products in our cells. The organic compounds ensure that the smallest mistakes occur in the automatic processes of cell renewal in our bodies. Such reproduction errors accumulate over time. We humans refer to this as “getting older”. Sesame oil is rich in the antioxidants sesamol and sesamolin. These ingredients have an inhibitory effect on free radicals. While sesame oil does not stop aging, it can slow down the effects of free radicals. This has positive effects on skin aging and can help prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Sesame oil boosts the immune system
Sesame oil contains important vitamins. The proportions of vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 are particularly rich. Both vitamins are used in the body in metabolic processes and have a positive impact on nerve health. Vitamin B6 is also important for our hormone activity and a normal function of the immune system. Vitamin A is responsible for the health of our skin and mucous membrane cells. Sesame is a good source of the vitamin. Since a strengthened mucous membrane is the best defense against viruses and bacteria, sesame can help to make our immune system defensive. Anyone who regularly cooks with sesame oil or uses cosmetic products with sesame oil strengthens their skin , hair and immune system.
4. Healthy oral flora thanks to oil pulling
Sesame oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It contains the anti-inflammatory vitamin E. Use sesame oil for oil pulling and bring your oral flora back into balance. Small inflammations and bacterial foci can subside due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the oil, while pollutants are drained with the oil. Sesame oil can have a positive effect on tooth and gum health. To do this, put some oil in your mouth and swish it through your oral cavity for about a minute. Do not swallow the oil afterwards, but spit it out.
