While sesame seeds have been widely used for their nutritive, preventive and curative properties, sesame oil also contains an impressive amount of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds.
A powerful antioxidant, it helps in fighting many diseases such as depression, osteoporosis, arthritis and cancer. We take a closer look at the health benefits that you can enjoy by using sesame oil.
1. Healthy Heart
Sesame oil is a rich source of healthy fats. Sesamol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound present in it, is well-known for its anti-atherogenic properties. [1] It contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that controls your cholesterol levels. Here’s how you can take care of your heart naturally.
2. Bone Booster
It is often advocated as a bone-healthy massage oil for infants. [2] High in calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, sesame oil can reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. [3] It can also protect you from the risk of osteoporosis by slowing down the thinning of the bones. [4] You can also follow these tips to keep your bones healthy naturally.
3. Prevents Tooth Decay
Swishing sesame oil in your mouth every morning can prevent tooth decay, halitosis and strengthen your gums. If you suffer from gingivitis, it can be an effective remedy for eliminating oral bacteria that cause plaque formation. [5,6] Regular use of this oil makes your teeth stronger by re-mineralizing the tooth enamel. Want healthy teeth and gums naturally? Try these nine herbs.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
The anti-hypertensive property of the oil can be attributed to its magnesium content. According to a 2006 study, substitution of regular cooking oil with sesame oil was seen to lower high blood pressure levels as well as decrease lipid peroxidation (known as bdily rancidity). [7] Here are four yoga poses to keep your blood pressure in check.
5. Eases Anxiety & Depression
Massaging the body with sesame oil can alleviate stress and anxiety. High in tyrosine, the oil increases the activity of serotonin in the brain, which is a mood booster and can be useful in treating depression. [8]
6. Aids Metabolism & Digestion
A natural digestive aid, it is a quick home remedy for constipation. Sesame seeds are loaded with fiber and are beneficial in improving and maintaining colon health. [9]
7. Good For Skin
The essential nutrients, such as zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, and calcium, present in sesame oil make your skin healthy and radiant. Sesamol improves blood circulation and keeps the skin supple and plump. Its anti-bacterial properties reduce inflammation and scar tissue.
8. Promotes Hair Growth
Sesame oil also eliminates hair loss. Improve the texture of your mane with a weekly massage. Heat some oil and massage into your hair for longer, darker and thicker hair.
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page. Read more about Natural Remedies here.
Read More:
Thyme It Right! 8 Health Benefits Of The Essential Oil
Know These 5 Amazing Castor Oil Health Benefits
Keep It Light: 6 Healthy Cooking Oils
References:
1. Bhaskaran S, Santanam N, Penumetcha M, Parthasarathy S. Inhibition of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-negative mice by sesame oil. J Med Food. 2006 Winter;9(4):487-90. PubMed PMID: 17201634.
2. Agarwal KN, Gupta A, Pushkarna R, Bhargava SK, Faridi MM, Prabhu MK. Effects of massage & use of oil on growth, blood flow & sleep pattern in infants. Indian J Med Res. 2000 Dec;112:212-7. PubMed PMID: 11247199.
3. Hsu DZ, Chen SJ, Chu PY, Liu MY. Therapeutic effects of sesame oil on monosodium urate crystal-induced acute inflammatory response in rats.Springerplus. 2013 Dec 7;2:659. doi: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-659. eCollection 2013. PubMed PMID: 24353977; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3866373.
4. El Wakf AM, Hassan HA, Gharib NS. Osteoprotective effect of soybean and sesame oils in ovariectomized rats via estrogen-like mechanism. Cytotechnology. 2014 Mar;66(2):335-43. doi: 10.1007/s10616-013-9580-4. Epub 2013 Jun 8. PubMed PMID: 23748642; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3918270.
5. Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res. 2009 Jan-Mar;20(1):47-51. PubMed PMID: 19336860.
6. Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu MS, Rathna PV, Emmadi P; Raghuraman; Chamundeswari.Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2008 Mar;26(1):12-7. PubMed PMID: 18408265.
7. Sankar D, Rao MR, Sambandam G, Pugalendi KV. Effect of sesame oil on diuretics or Beta-blockers in the modulation of blood pressure, anthropometry, lipid profile, and redox status. Yale J Biol Med. 2006 Mar;79(1):19-26. PubMed PMID: 17876372; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC1942178.
8. Kumar B, Kuhad A, Chopra K. Neuropsychopharmacological effect of sesamol in unpredictable chronic mild stress model of depression: behavioral and biochemical evidences. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Apr;214(4):819-28. doi: 10.1007/s00213-010-2094-2. Epub 2010 Nov 20. PubMed PMID: 21103863.
9. Salerno JW, Smith DE. The use of sesame oil and other vegetable oils in the inhibition of human colon cancer growth in vitro. Anticancer Res. 1991 Jan-Feb;11(1):209-15. PubMed PMID: 2018355.
