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Introduction
*Sesame oil, also called gingelly oil or til oil, is extracted from the sesame seeds.
*It is widely used in Southeast Asian and South Indian cuisines.
*It has a distinctive aroma of sesame seeds.
*Its color ranges from clear (cold pressed) to golden (Indian sesame oil) to dark brown (Chinese sesame oil).
*Cold pressed sesame oil has less flavor than Chinese sesame oil.
*Has a high smoking point, and the fatty acids do not break down even when heated to very high temperatures.
*Sesame oil is considered to be the most stable plant oil and is least prone to rancidity and has a long shelf life when stored in a cool dark place away from light and heat.
Is it raw?
Yes and No.
*Yes. If it says cold pressed and it is produced from the raw sesame seeds.
*No, if it says hot pressed. Hot pressed oil has a strong flavor as the oil is extracted after the raw sesame seeds are lightly toasted to extract the flavors. It is mostly preferred in Asian countries. Make sure you read the label.
Health Benefits
1. Sesame oil has moderate amounts of saturated fats, and high amounts of unsaturated fats, about 40% of monounsaturated fats and about 40% of polyunsaturated fats.
2. Good source of the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6), about 40% and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which are the precursors of prostaglandins, the hormone like substances that have a variety of functions in the human body like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, contraction and dilation of the blood vessels, controls blood pressure, reducing pain and inflammation etc.
3. Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid promotes a healthy heart, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancers, acts as a blood thinner and prevents the formation of clots and improves depression.
4. Moderate source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to remove the harmful free radicals from the body and maintains the integrity of cell membrane.
5. Has moderate amounts of vitamin K, which prevents internal and external bleeding.
6. Has no cholesterol as in other plant oils.
7. Good source of phytosterols, the plant compounds which act as antioxidants along with vitamin E in fighting against free radicals.
8. It is used as a solvent in injected drugs or intravenous drip solutions in pharmaceutical industries.
9. Used as massage oils and carrier oils in aromatherapy.
10. Sesame oil is claimed to have a variety of uses, which are not medically studied and proved. They are -
- Prevention of colon cancer, osteoporosis, migraine and PMS
- Supports vascular and respiratory health
- Promotes bone health
- Helps in controlling blood pressure
- Sesame oil has anti-oxidant and anti-depressant properties
- Regular topical application and/or consumption of sesame oil mitigates the effects of anxiety, nerve and bone disorders, poor circulation, lowered immunity and bowel problems
- Also relieves lethargy, fatigue and insomnia, while promoting strength and vitality, enhancing blood circulation
- Eases pain and muscle spasm, such as sciatica, dysmenorrhoea, colic, backache and joint pain
- Slows the ageing process and promotes longevity
- Eases symptoms of dryness such as irritating coughs, cracking joints and hard stools
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