The health benefits of sesame are amazing. In fact, this nutrient dense food is been used for over 5000 years. Many consider sesame oil a medicinal food and its use has grown in popularity. As a matter of fact, sesame oil can provide benefits for your skin, teeth and bones as well as other health benefits.
Nutritional Facts of Sesame Oil
| Nutrients |
Amount Per Ounce (28g) |
| Manganese |
0.7 mg, 35% RDA |
| Copper |
0.7 mg, 35% RDA |
| Calcium |
277 mg, 28% RDA |
| Iron |
4.1 mg, 23% RDA |
| Magnesium |
99.7 mg, 25% RDA |
| Zinc |
2 mg, 13% RDA |
| Fiber |
3.9 g, 16% RDA |
| Thiamine |
0.2 mg, 15% RDA |
| Vitamin B6 |
0.2 mg, 11% RDA |
| Phosphorus |
179 mg, 18% RDA |
| Magnesium |
4.1 mg, 20% RDA |
| Zinc |
99.7 mg, 25% RDA |
| Tryptophan |
2 mg, 13% RDA |
| Fiber |
93 mg, amino acid |
| Protein |
4.7g |
Benefits of Sesame Oil
1. Beautiful and Healthy Skin
Collagen is the structural backbone of healthy skin. The zinc in sesame seeds can boost collagen production, resulting in more elastic and smooth appearing skin. Research also shows that zinc is beneficial in the body’s repair processes and can soothe burns as well as other skin conditions.
2. Oral Health
Sesame oil has been shown to reduce plaque and whiten teeth. The technique of swishing sesame oil in the mouth, oil pulling, boosts oral health by decreasing the harmful bacteria (Streptococcus mutants).
3. Diabetes Prevention
Sesame oil has been shown to decrease both blood pressure and glucose in patients with both diabetes and high blood pressure. The magnesium and other nutrients in sesame seeds were shown by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition to improve the effectiveness of the oral diabetic treating drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients.
4. Reducing Blood Pressure
The rich magnesium content of sesame seeds have been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive diabetics.
5. Heart Health
Heart disease is partially caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Sesame seeds contain sesamol, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, known to be beneficial in battling heart disease and atherosclerosis. Research has revealed that sesamol contains of two dozen helpful pharmacologic properties.
6. Protection Against Radiation
We are all exposed to radiation whether we realize it or not. UV rays hit us whenever we go outside and there exists a constant level of background radiation wherever you live. Sesame seeds help our bodies protect themselves from DNA damage due to radiation. Several studies on mice exposed to radiation showed that those ingesting sesame seeds (sesamol) had longer lives that those mice that didn’t consume sesamol.
7. Cancer Prevention
Sesame seeds are believed to possess anti-cancer properties. Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that magnesium intake decreased the risk of colorectal cancer. Their data noted that for every 100 mg intake of magnesium, the risk of colorectal cancer decreased by approximately 12%.
8. Bone Health
The high content of both zinc and calcium in sesame seeds is a powerful tool to help combat osteoporosis. Deficiency of either of this can increase the risk of hip and spine fractures. Fortunately, taking sesame seeds can boost bone mineral density.
9. Digestive Health
Fiber is a key dietary ingredient for proper digestive health. Sesame seeds are loaded with fiber and vital for improving and maintaining colon health.
10. Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief
The copper found in sesame seeds is important for strengthening tissues such as blood vessels and joints. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can experience a decrease in pain and joint swelling due to the anti-inflammatory effects of the copper contained in sesame seeds.
11. Respiratory Health and Asthma Prevention
Magnesium is used to decrease the severe spasm in bronchiole tubes by physicians worldwide. The rich magnesium content of sesame seeds can be helpful for those suffering respiratory problems.
12. Antiviral and Antibacterial
The power of sesame seed oil has the document for centuries. In Ayurvedic medicine it has much significance and practitioners believe that sesame seed oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Holistic medicine practitioners use sesame seed oil to treat strep throat, staphylococcus bacteria and also athlete’s foot. It’s important to note that the FDA does not recommend sesame seed oil for medicinal purposes and that clinical studies, at this point, are lacking.
13. Other Benefits
Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practitioners utilized sesame oil to combat a variety of inflammatory, infectious and cancer causing processes. Sesame oil is believed to relieve pain syndromes such as tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and GERD. It can also reduce stress, lower cholesterol and detoxify the body.
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