19/09/2021
Science-Backed Benefits of Black Sesame Oil.
The sesame plant’s nutritional qualities have inspired some to dub its oil the “Queen of Oilseeds”. Belonging to the Pedaliaceae family, a group of plants harvested for their edible seeds, its scientific name is Sesamum indicum.
Sesame oil is made from raw, pressed sesame seeds and has culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. Sesame oil contains sesamol and sesaminol, two antioxidants that have powerful effects on your health.
Traditional medicine has long employed sesame oil for its anti-inflammatory properties, using it to treat joint inflammation, toothaches, and scrapes.
A well-established body of research shows that a diet rich in unsaturated fats is good for heart health and Sesame oil comprises 82% unsaturated fatty acids. In particular, it’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential to your diet and plays an important role in heart disease prevention.
Sesame oil may support healthy blood sugar regulation, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Sesame oil may even play a role in long-term blood sugar regulation.
While sesame oil can be consumed for its health benefits, it may also be used topically for wounds and burns.
Some research shows that sesame oil may protect against damage from UV rays, which can harm your skin. This effect is likely largely due to its high antioxidant content. In fact, it has the ability to resist 30% of UV rays, while many other oils, such as coconut, peanut, and olive oils, can resist only 20% hence Sesame oil can be a good natural sunscreen and has a natural SPF.
Studies have shown that a massage with sesame oil may help reduce arm and leg pain. Some studies have linked sesame oil to improvements in arthritis.
Other potential benefits include improving sleep quality and increase hair shine and strength.
Here are easy dishes in which you can add cold pressed untoasted black sesame oil into your diet:
Cooking
Shallow frying
Tempering
Stir-fries & wok frying
Pasta & noodles
Marinades for meat or fish
Vinaigrettes & dressing
Sauces & dips
