Sesame seed oil has been used through the ages in many Asian cuisines. It is high in nutty flavor and brings so much joy to those who eat it. It’s no wonder it has infiltrated Western culture in more recent years. People are using this small seed oil as an alternative to vegetable oil in their cooking. Do you know the health benefits of sesame seed oil?
6 Health Benefits of Sesame Oil
1. Healthy Skin and Hair
Skin: Sesame seed oil is loaded with zinc which means it’s incredibly good for your skin. It can be used to treat a plethora of different kinds of skin ailments. Sesame seed oil is useful for treating inflamed, irritated and damaged skin because it is high in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. The oil penetrates deep into the derma, fighting bacteria and leaving your skin vibrant and detoxified.
Reasons to use sesame oil on your skin include:
- Fights and prevents bacterial infections (including acne)
- Repairs skin cells
- Soothes eczema and psoriasis
- Reduces the appearance of age spots
- Natural moisturizer and sunscreen
- Helps with diaper rash in babies
How to use as a moisturizer
Apply liberally to your skin after a hot shower, and leave it on your skin for 10 minutes or so. Thoroughly rub it in after the 10 minutes. Apply more as needed.
How to Use to Detoxify
Before your bath or shower, apply and let it soak into your skin. This will allow the oil to have time to penetrate your skin and target the toxins deep within your skin. Finally, wash the oil away along with the toxins.
Hair: Sesame seed oil is high in vitamins and minerals which your scalp loves. From soothing a dry, flaky scalp to getting rid of lice, there are so many different ways to use this oil on your hair.
Reasons to use sesame oil on your hair include:
- Deep conditioning
- Lice treatment
- Soothes and calms a dry and flaky scalp
- Adds shine
- Treats dandruff
- Treats premature graying
2. Improves Bone Quality
Sesame oil is used to help promote active bone growth. It is high in copper, zinc, and calcium, all minerals that are necessary for bone growth. It can be used by people to mitigate the effects of osteoporosis and other bone-weakening diseases brought on by age. In addition, it can be used to speed up the regrowth and healing process of damaged bones.
3. Oral Health
Many people don’t realize that brushing and flossing can cause micro-tears in their gums, which can open a gateway into the rest of your body for infections. While brushing your teeth is an essential practice for good oral hygiene, you might also benefit by giving oil pulling a try.
Reasons to use sesame oil in your oral care:
- Fights oral infections
- Prevents plaque build up
- Prevents gum/mouth diseases like gingivitis and cavities
- Fights bad breath causing bacteria
How to Oil Pull
- Swish oil gently for about 15-20 minutes
- Make sure it is reaching all parts of your mouth
- As it pulls out toxins, the consistency will change
- Once it reaches a thick consistency that is milky white, spit out before toxins are reabsorbed
- Rinse well with water
- Repeat a few times a week, or daily if you prefer
Note: Spit out oil in the trash so you don’t clog your pipes
4. Boosts Heart Health and Improves Circulation
Sesame seed oil is high in zinc and copper, which by now you probably know has many benefits to your body, including your heart and your blood.
Your heart will benefit because sesame oil contains lignins which contain polyphenols. Polyphenols are micronutrients that can prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Lignins are known to help lower cholesterol levels naturally.
Your circulation will improve after you start using sesame oil. The additional zinc and copper will enable your body to begin functioning at optimal levels for the production of new red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells in your tissues mean healthy organs, which means a healthier you. Not only that, but sesame oil is touted for its ability to lower blood pressure which will improve blood circulation.
5. Helps Manage Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Sesame seed oil contains an amino acid called tyrosine. This is great news for people who are dealing with chronic stress, depression or anxiety. Eating foods that contain the amino acid tyrosine will directly affect your serotonin levels which signal an increase in your mood.
6. Anti-Cancer Properties
Some of the chemical compounds in sesame oil, such as sesamol and sesamin, have been found to reduce certain types of cancer cells. This means that the growth of the cancer cells was slowed down or stopped altogether. Additionally, sesame seed oil stimulates antibodies which are your body’s natural way of attacking cancer cells.
There you have it: 6 key health benefits of sesame seed oil.
What Kind of Oil Works Best?
There are different kinds of sesame oil. To get the most health benefits, look for cold-pressed or organic sesame oil. These are the least processed options, and they contain the most nutrients compared to any other type of sesame oil out there. Organic and cold-pressed sesame oils can generally be found in specialty grocery stores or online.
If you are considering adding sesame seed oil to your everyday life, contact the experts at Balanced Care. We are a wealth of knowledge and would love to help you make the right decisions that fit your lifestyle. Contact us today.