Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. is one of the lesser known vegetable oils, but is in fact one of the healthiest alternatives to normal vegetable oil options. Sesame seeds, which are known by the scientific name Sesamum indicum, are small yellowish brown seeds that are primarily found in Africa, but they also grow in smaller numbers on the Indian subcontinent.  It is often used as a flavor enhancer in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisine.

It has been used as healing oil for thousands of years. Sesame oil is mentioned in the Vedas, as excellent for humans. Sesame oil has also been used in massage practices, due to its very powerful effects on the body and its beneficial effects on the skin. Here are some health benefits of sesame oil.

Skin benefits

It is naturally antibacterial for common skin pathogens, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus as well as common skin fungi, such as athlete’s foot fungus. It is naturally antiviral. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Sesame oil is rich in zinc, which is one of the most important minerals in the body for your skin. It can increase skin elasticity and smoothness, helping to reduce the appearance of age spots and eliminate skin conditions, including premature aging. With sesame oil, no cosmetics are needed. The oil will cause young facial skin to have and display natural good health.

Bone Growth

In addition to promoting healthy skin, zinc has also been shown to boost bone mineral density and bone health as a whole. Meaning that by maintaining an appropriate level of sesame oil in your diet, you can help increase the rate of bone growth and development, as well as speed up any healing or regrowth of bones as well. As you get older, sesame oil can help you avoid osteoporosis and various other age-related weaknesses of the bones.

Hair Health

Sesame oil has traditionally been used to improve the health of hair. It can help to darken hair color and also eliminate hair loss. Furthermore, the anti-bacterial effects of sesame oil can help to eliminate any of the pathogens or foreign bodies that can attack your scalp or hair.

Oral health

Sesame oil is highly recommended by dental professionals because of a process called oil pulling, which involves putting oil in your mouth and then swishing it around before spitting it out. With sesame oil, this process has been directly linked to whiter teeth, lower levels of dental plaque, and protection against certain streptococcus mutants that can make us very ill. The powerful anti-bacterial effects of this oil are the main cause of this boost in dental health           .

Provides Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Copper is a naturally anti-inflammatory substance, and the high levels of copper found in sesame oil can help for reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Additionally, this mineral helps provide strength to blood vessels, bones, and joints.

Prevents Cancer 

Sesame oil contains an organic compound called phytate, which has been directly linked to a reduction in the development of cancer. The magnesium in sesame seeds also harness anti-cancer properties. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the risk of colorectal tumors decreased by 13% and the risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 12% for every 100 mg of magnesium taken in.

Helps Prevent Diabetes 

Sesame oil, has been shown to combat diabetes. One study, published in 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that sesame oil “improved the effectiveness of the oral antidiabetic drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients”.

If you are taking anti-coagulant or blood-thinning medications, then you should speak with your doctor before adding sesame oil to your diet. It lowers your blood pressure and thins the blood as it is, so combining those could be potentially dangerous. Otherwise, enjoy your sesame oil in any way you like.