Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is extracted from the sesame seeds. This flowering plant is a member of the Pedaliaceae plant family. Sesame is an ancient crop that has a historical use. It is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. These seeds were initially cultivated during the Indus valley civilization as the main oil crop. It was used in India since the Harappan period. Sesame seeds were also used in Arabian countries for a long period. This valuable crop was then exported to Mesopotamia around 2500 BC. Sesame seeds were one of the first beneficial crops that have been processed for extracting oil. This annual plant is one of the earliest condiments. It grows up to a maximum height of 100 cm. Sesame plants bear yellow colored flowers which have four lobes. These flowers contain the sesame seeds and measure about 3 to 5 cm. There are two types of sesame seeds. They are black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds.
Sesame oil is extracted from the black and white sesame seeds. This oil is an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, protein, phosphorus and lecithin. Sesame oil is extremely good for health. This oil has a strong, rich, raw and herbaceous aroma. Sesame oil is often mixed with Grapeseed oil or Almond oil to make it light.
Latin name: Sesamum indicum.
Alternative names: Gingelly oil, Til oil.
Sesame plants grow well in hot climatic conditions. It can also be called as a traditional tropical crop. Sesame oil contains sesamol and sesamin which are the chemical components that possess numerous curative properties. This nutritional oil also contains stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, elcosenoic acid, palmitoleic acid and linolenic acid.
Uses: Sesame oil is highly recommended for heart patients as it prevents the storage of cholesterol content on your heart. This is mainly because of the presence of sesamin and sesamol components that protect the heart and liver from possible damages. It also helps in controlling high blood pressure and save the body from oxidation disorders. Sesame oil with its moisturizing properties was also used in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and few other skin disorders. It strengthens the heart and the functioning of nervous system. It helps in reducing bone loss with its calcium content. Painful migraine can be cured with the intake of sesame seeds and sesame oil. Sesame seeds are rich in magnesium and calcium. The presence of magnesium nutrient helps in reducing severe migraine pains. The calcium content in it helps you in preventing the symptoms of migraine. Rheumatoid arthritis, swelling and body pain are also treated with sesame oil. This oil can protect the body from the effects of free radicals, which have been proved responsible for the development of cancer.
