10 Ways in Which Sesame Oil Can Benefit Your Health

Sesame oil is lesser-known vegetable oil with numerous benefits. It is one of the healthiest alternatives to normal vegetable oils. Sesame oil has an impressive amount of vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, organic compounds, and other beneficial components, which is why it is considered so healthy.^{(1, 2)}

Sesame oil enhances the flavor and also has many beauty benefits such as maintaining scalp health and strengthening and nourishing hair.

Massaging hair and scalp with sesame oil help prevent premature greying and helps retain the natural color for a longer time. Sesame oil contains bioactive components which help retain the hair color.⁽³⁾ These components also help minimize hair loss.

The anti-bacterial properties of this oil eliminate pathogens or foreign bodies which can attack hair and scalp.

Zinc is the most important mineral for skin and sesame oil being rich in zinc is very good for skin care.

Sesame oil helps increase skin elasticity, smoothness, reduces oxidative stress and reduces the age spots. It also helps prevent premature aging.⁽⁴⁾ It forms a protective layer on the skin protecting it forms harmful UV rays. It is also known to treat the fungal diseases on the skin.⁽⁵⁾

Due to its fatty content sesame oil is heart-friendly oil. It is able to lower the bad cholesterol level as it contains a wide range of polyunsaturated fatty acids including sesamol and sesamin. This helps in preventing atherosclerosis.⁽⁶⁾

Including sesame oil in the diet prevents heart attack and stroke.

Copper and calcium are important for bone health. This means adding sesame oil to diet can help in bone growth and development.

This oil speeds up the healing or regrowth of the bone. It prevents osteoporosis and age-related bone weakness.

Sesame oil contains tyrosine which is related to the serotonin activity of the brain. This helps in boosting mood by increasing the level of hormones which gives the person a happy feeling.

If suffering from anxiety or depression, using sesame oil can give you a positive boost and turn on the mood.⁽⁷⁾

Sesame oil has powerful antibacterial effects which make this oil boost dental health. It is used in a dental procedure known as oil pulling, which involves putting oil in the mouth and swishing it in the mouth before spitting. This leads to white teeth, low levels of dental plaques, and protection against streptococcus mutants.

The sesamol lignan and sesamin present in sesame oil induces apoptosis and prevents the growth of cancer cells, especially prostate and breast cancer.^{(8, 9)}

An organic compound named phytate, present in sesame oil protects against cancer. Also, the linoleic acid level in sesame oil is known to lower the chances of colorectal cancer.⁽¹⁰⁾

Copper is required for red blood cell production. Sesame oil has a significant amount of copper. Introducing sesame oil makes sure your body gets the right amount of blood flowing to the organs and tissues, making sure it give you a healthy lifestyle.

Copper is a rich anti-inflammatory substance which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by various conditions such as gout and arthritis. Sesame oil is rich in copper and reduces the swelling of joints and strengthens the bones and the blood vessels.⁽¹¹⁾

Herbal oils, mustard oil, and sesame oil are used to massage infant as it can help boost the growth in them. It improves blood flow and the sleep pattern in them.⁽¹²⁾

Sesame oil can e used in various ways such as,

• It is used in cooking.
• It can be used for massages as it benefits the skin and body.
• It can also be used as carrier oil for various cosmetics.