Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame seed oil is extracted from sesame seeds and is used for a variety of purposes. While in Southern India it's used as a cooking oil, in Chinese and Korean cuisine it is added as a flavor enhancer. They are not just a part of Asian cuisine but they are also popularly used in other countries of the world for its unique nutty taste and flavor. Sesame seeds on donuts and burger buns and the use of it in making one of the most delicious sauces, the tahini sauce, are only a few examples to cite. Sesame seed oil is also equally popular. Depending on the region, the oil color may vary. While the pale yellow-colored oil is the cold-pressed sesame oil (extracted from raw sesame seeds), the sesame oil in India is golden in color. The ones found in East Asia are dark brown in color. The dark brown oil has a roasted flavor as it is extracted from roasted sesame seeds.

Sesame Seed Oil Nutrition and Extraction Procedure

One teaspoon of sesame oil contain the following nutritional values. One teaspoon of sesame oil contains 40 calories, 4 grams fat and 0 cholesterol. This nutrition fact may have given a fair idea on how healthy this oil is as compared to the other edible oils.

The extraction of sesame oil requires a lot of manual work and therefore the western countries prefer importing this oil instead of cultivating in their agricultural lands. The seeds are protected by a cover resembling a cap. The ripening time of these sesame seeds vary and the cap or cover does not open unless the seeds are ripe. Once the seeds are ripe, they are removed into a cloth and the seeds are separated from the caps. The varied ripening patterns may delay the projected date of extraction at times.

Sesame Seed Oil Benefits

Sesame oil has many benefits, some of which are given below:

• In India besides its traditional use in cooking, this oil is also used in oil massages. What makes it a popular choice is the fact that it penetrates into the skin deeply, not only detoxifying the skin but also nourishing it.
• It aids in relieving tension and stress. It nourishes the nervous system and therefore prevents form any possible nervous disorders caused due to stress or anxiety.
• It also relieves fatigue or weakness as it rejuvenates the body and energizes it.
• Benefits of sesame oil for hair is also something that is always talked about as this seed oil helps the hair in many ways. It nourishes the hair by strengthening the hair roots.
• The oil also has relaxing properties that helps in relieving muscle pain and muscle spasm such as joint pains, backaches, sciatica, etc.
• Sesame seed oil also helps in keeping the cholesterol levels low.
• It's oil pulling properties prevents the skin from acne and also treat acne.
• Sesame seed oil prevents high blood pressure as it contains sesamolin and sesamin. The presence of these two substances makes that possible. It also protects the liver from any damage.
• Sesame oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents and also treats conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and chronic heart diseases.

Because of its multipurpose quality, this oil is consumed and used in different ways in different parts of the world. Please note that although sesame seeds and oil are a great source of many nutrients, it should be consumed in moderation. Consuming too much of it could result in weight gain as it has a high calorie count.