6 lesser-known yet incredible benefits of sesame oil

Open sesame! This magical phrase helped Ali Baba find the precious treasure in the story “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” The story was fictional, of course. However, if not a treasure of precious gems and stones, then sesame can surely help you unlock a treasure of good health. Ancient medical therapies have often commended sesame oil’s healing properties. Moreover, it has been known to be good for one’s hair and skin.

• A healthy fat alternative : Did you know that not all fats are bad for you? There are four main groups of dietary fat — monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, trans fat, and saturated fats. Out of these, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats that provide a lot of benefits. Sesame oil is a rich source of healthy fats. Use sesame oil regularly in your cooking to keep your heart healthy and lower bad cholesterol. You can also make salad dressings with toasted sesame oil to give your dishes an Asian twist. You can also mix it up with a sandwich filling to add a piquant flavor to your snack or breakfast.
• Skin health booster : Want flawless, healthy skin? Include sesame oil in your daily skincare regime. Sesame oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is often used in massage therapies to loosen tensed muscle and provide warmth as well as to keep away skin infections. Moreover, it has excellent moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It is known to promote the regeneration of healthy skin cells. A regular application of sesame oil, especially during the winter, will keep dryness away and give your skin a healthy glow. Also, sesame oil has natural SPF and can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make a solution of ½ cup sesame oil, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup water. Store it in a cool and dry place. You can use this as a face wash for cleansing and detoxification.
• Dental hygienist: Did you know that in some cultures sesame oil is used to keep the teeth and gums healthy? This technique is called oil pulling, and it is prescribed by an ancient Indian medicinal system called Ayurveda. It involves taking a spoonful of sesame oil on an empty stomach. Don’t swallow the oil; swish and swirl it around in the mouth for about 10 minutes. The antibacterial property of sesame oil will get to work and remove plaque from teeth. Such a simple yet effective way to maintain dental hygiene!
• Fuller and shinier hair: Tired of using all those hair products that promise great hair, but deliver no results? Try sesame oil. It is loaded with vitamin B and vitamin E, which keep the hair healthy from roots to tips. A regular head massage with sesame oil can do your hair a whole lot of good. Apply sesame oil to the roots and scalp and leave it on for half an hour, or overnight. Rinse with lukewarm water, and wash the oil off thoroughly with shampoo. You’ll notice that your hair becomes shinier and fuller. Moreover, sesame oil contains phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which helps in combating premature greying and retains the natural hair color.
• Appetizing flavor : Have you ever wondered about the pleasantly nutty taste in your favorite Chinese or Korean food? Or those delectable smoky flavors found in some Indian dishes? Sesame oil is the secret behind these nutty and smoky flavors. Toasted sesame oil and regular sesame oil are often used in Asian cuisine to add flavor to the food. Moreover, sesame oil does not burn quickly like coconut oil or extra virgin oil. So, you don’t have to worry about it ruining the food, and making your kitchen smell weird. When an oil burns while cooking, it breaks down and releases free radicals. These free radicals increase the risk of numerous health problems. Thus, you can stay worry-free on another front while using sesame oil for cooking.
• Stress buster and mood balancer: Sesame oil is known to contain tyrosine, which is a type of amino acid. It affects the serotonin activity in our brain. Serotonin helps to balance our mood. Even a slight imbalance has an impact on the way we are feeling. If this imbalance lasts for a long time, it can lead to stress, and in some cases, it can act as a trigger for depression. Including sesame oil in one’s diet can help in the optimum production of serotonin and keep stress away. It may also help in the treatment of depression.