You may have come across the term ‘sesame oil’ when reading an article about Asian cuisine. Apart from being a tasty ingredient that adds flavor to your favorite dish, sesame oil is highly beneficial for your health, thanks to the plant’s nutritional qualities. Here are 5 science-backed health merits of sesame oil.
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1. Antioxidants
Healthline indicates that sesame oil contains Vitamin E, lignans, sesamol, and sesaminol - which are antioxidants that help safeguard your immune system against free radicals (the main culprit behind ageing, illness and a myriad of chronic diseases). By creating a delicate balance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, sesame oil can minimize the risk of contracting undesirable ailments.
2. Hair nourishment
Remember the Vitamin E in sesame oil? According to the Global Journal of Health Science, sufficient intake of Vitamin E can strengthen your hair and reduce dandruff. So, the next time you go for a hair-massaging session, try a touch of sesame oil instead of the typical collagen oil.
3. Heart health
From a scientific perspective, your heart will benefit from a diet rich in unsaturated fats which are usually found in avocados, olives and several types of nuts. Sesame oil comprises 82% of unsaturated fatty acids including omega-6 acid. This means that they can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and irregular heart beat. As a result, many health-conscious people are opting for sesame oil as an alternative to normal cooking oil.
4. Oral health
It may sound peculiar but before toothbrushes were invented, our ancestors resorted to using sesame oil to clean their teeth. In fact, they used an ancient technique called ‘oil pulling’, which involved the vigorous swishing of oil in the mouths before spitting it out. Oil pulling using sesame oil was found to be safe and can fight off detrimental bacteria, promoting your oral health.
5. Constipation prevention
Sometimes, drinking a lot of water and consuming high-fiber fruits cannot secure a healthy body—especially when you’re on vacation with an abrupt change in time zone and daily routine. Ultimately, this can lead to constipation; however, while using laxatives can take a toll on your stomach, using sesame oil to daily cooking can be a surprisingly effective tool. Sesame oil can help lubricate bowels and help relieve constipation, thus relieving stress as well.
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