Sesame oil: the benefits and harm, types and uses
Sesame oil has long been famous for its rich list of useful qualities.It is known for its beneficial effects on the human body. But despite the impressive list of advantages, before you decide on the method of its use, it is necessary to become more familiar with its features, varieties, beneficial properties and contraindications.
Special features
Sesame oil is a nourishing oily liquid with healing properties. It is a strong antioxidant that is produced from an annual herbaceous plant, sesame, characterized by drought resistance. India is considered to be the homeland of heat-loving sesame, and the plant is grown in various countries, including Africa, China, Korea and Transcaucasia. Today, sesame seed oil has about 20 varieties.
At the same time, Indian sesame seeds are considered the most valuable raw materials for oil production. Depending on the variety, seeds may have a different shade. They can be yellowish, brownish or black and gray.
Seeds of dark color possess the greatest aroma. They make the best sesame oil.
A characteristic feature of the raw material is the appearance of bitterness during storage for more than 1 year. The finished oil can be stored for two years. Due to the possession of resistance to oxidation, this tool is often used in the form of additives to impart stability in the production of various oil mixtures. Sesame oil is characterized by a pleasant nutty smell and excellent taste.
Based on the method of obtaining the liquid may have a different shade. So, on sale you can find a clear oil with a golden hue or a dark brown version of the product. The chemical composition of the oil is rich in provitamin A, vitamins C, E, vitamins of group B. In addition, it contains copper, iron, selenium, manganese, zinc, and dietary fiber.
In the composition there are components that stand guard over beauty and health. For example, its components are Omega-6 (42%) and Omega-9 (40%), contributing to the strengthening of the immune system, positively affecting the functions of the sexual and nervous systems. In addition, sesame oil contains saturated fatty acids (palmic, stearic, arachidic), amino acids, trace elements, antioxidants, phospholipids and phytosterols. The balanced composition allows a positive effect on human health and explains the large range of application of this product.
However, you need to consider the rules for storing oil. For example, you can not pour it into a plastic or metal container, assuming that it will be stored this way longer. In fact, such a container can gradually change the properties of sesame oil, saturating it with the produced harmful compounds.
In addition, special requirements are imposed on the place of storage, because dryness is important here.
Varieties
Today, sesame oil can be classified by color, type of raw material used, and processing method. However, the shade may depend not only on the specific variety of seeds used. For example, it may differ from different manufacturers, which depends, among other things, on the selected technology for the manufacture of oil. At the same time, its taste will be different.
Today, not only raw, but also fried sesame seeds are being processed. At the same time, black sesame is also used, often the oily liquid obtained is refined, subjecting to further processing. In addition, the resulting oil in the future can be mixed with various additives, thereby forming a unique composition. In general, the procedure for obtaining oil is pressing.
With cold-pressed, the best type of product is obtained, which differs from other varieties by a high content of useful substances. This is reflected in taste and influence on the human body. This oil is the most valuable compared to analogues produced by other methods. However, it is important to understand that in order to be considered organic, sesame must be grown under special conditions without the use of any chemicals in the form of fertilizers.
Less expensive is unrefined oil from raw sesame seeds grown under normal conditions. Like the organic product, this oil is created without subjecting the seeds to heat treatment. Therefore, the output of the composition has a mass of healing qualities.
Externally, the variety has a characteristic amber tint, has a nutty taste, which is not so pronounced, unlike the analogue of roasted seeds.
The unrefined version of roasted sesame was created using a technology that does not provide for cleansing the mixture in order to get rid of its sediment. Such a product can have 2 varieties, which depends on the quality characteristics of the resulting oily liquid. Often the raw material for this oil is roasted sesame seeds of a light shade. They are chosen for the reason that the finished oil has a characteristic golden color, expressive taste and smell. This oil is produced for use raw (for example, for salad dressing). However, it is not suitable for frying.
Refined oil in comparison with other varieties undergoes additional processing, as a result of which it loses its aroma. This option of vegetable fat is used when it is undesirable to interrupt the smell of other products with food when cooking.
The technology involves mechanical cleansing, as well as deodorization. However, along with the loss of smell decreases the value of the finished product. This oil is characterized by a lower content of nutrients compared with other varieties.
In addition to the above species, trademarks produce special dark oil, using black sesame seeds to create it. This is an elite product made from seeds grown in Asia. Such "sesame" is expensive, these seeds are quite rare and are characterized by a high concentration of sesame juice.
They are characterized by a pronounced smell, and the finished oil of them has a coffee color. This Chinese oil is used as a spice product.
Useful properties and contraindications
Sesame oil is characterized by high energy value. It is important to know those who watch their figure. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the caloric content of sesame oil is 884 kcal per 0.1 kg. This product is far from hypoallergenic, so before buying, in addition to useful qualities, it is necessary to know its possible harm.
In addition, sesame oil should be taken with caution, even if there is no allergic reaction to the seeds themselves. An overdose should not be allowed, as well as it is undesirable to apply it to obese people. In general, it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the dermis, controls insulin, turns out to be an effective substance for diseases of the cardiovascular system, and is important for sexual dysfunction.
Benefit
Sesame oil has a lot of valuable qualities. In addition to the antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties, the main features that positively affect the body are the following characteristics:
- inhibiting the development of cancer;
- lower blood pressure;
- fight against many strains of pathogenic bacteria;
- prevention of atherosclerosis;
- balancing the amount of sugar in the blood;
- antirheumatic effect;
- regeneration of epidermal cells;
- skin protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- removal of toxic substances from the body;
- body warming up (relevant during the massage);
- softening effect on skin cells;
- laxative effect.
One of the advantages of this vegetable fat is a cleansing effect. In addition, it is characterized by an antiseptic effect.It is also convenient in that it can be used not only inside: it is also suitable for outdoor use. This is a good tool to slow the aging of the epidermis, it is important in hemorrhagic diathesis, psoriasis.
Sesame oil helps to increase blood supply to the brain. This has a beneficial effect on the ability to memorize. Thus, regular use will make it easier to cope with loads of not only physical but also mental nature. It is also useful in that it helps the body absorb vitamins better, therefore, it is indicated for vitamin A hypovitaminosis.
In addition to other advantages, sesame seed oil contributes to the ejection of bile from the body. It has been shown to men as well, since its use improves the function of the prostate gland, enhancing erection, increasing sperm production. It allows women to improve the sexual sphere, normalizing the work of hormones. It is effective against acne, relieves the skin from acne, accelerates the healing of the skin after burns, injuries, eliminates fragility and dryness of the nail plates.
Harm
Unfortunately, there are cases when the use of sesame oil has to be limited or completely excluded. For example, it is contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance. In this case, it will not only be useless, but harmful to health. In addition, you can not use it with a predisposition to diarrhea, as well as unstable stool and a tendency to thrombosis.
Among other contraindications include:
- children up to 1 year;
- phlebeurysm;
- thrombophlebitis;
- renal colic;
- stones in the kidneys;
- confirmed hypercalcemia;
- increased blood clotting;
- big weight;
- allergic to nuts.
There are other restrictions. For example, you can not use sesame oil to those who currently presses acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). It is also unacceptable to use this oil with any medicine that contains aspirin. It is incompatible with oxalic acid.
The latter limitation is explained by the fact that, like aspirin, oxalic acid will interfere with the excretion of calcium. In turn, this may increase the risk of urolithiasis. For this reason, it is not recommended to add sesame oil to tomatoes, spinach and cucumbers, no matter how much I want to fill them with culture.
It is important to take into account the aspect that continuous use is not possible, since this may cause an increase in the level of blood clotting.
How to choose?
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying is the price. Good sesame oil cannot be cheap. As a rule, an attractive price has fake products that the buyer should know. In addition, the price is different for different varieties of goods, as well as refined and unrefined types. The more nutrients a product has, the more expensive it will be.
Attention should be paid to the container in which the oil is located. As a rule, plastic bottles are bottled with low quality products. Analogs with a mass of useful properties are sold only in glass containers. Despite the fact that the store will not be able to appreciate the aroma of the oil, the buyer may pay attention to its hue and manufacturer information. For example, a quality cold pressed product should have a light shade.
Since sesame oil is not bought as often as sunflower oil, when buying it is especially important to pay attention to the shelf life of the product. This is due, among other things, to such a feature that, upon contact with air, the shelf life of the oil decreases significantly. After the bottle is opened, it should be used maximum for half a year. In this case, the product will have to be stored in a place away from sunlight.
A good crude oil may have a different shade.However, high-quality natural product always has a small residue at the bottom of the bottle. You should not buy a product that has undergone long-term heat treatment, since it will contain a certain percentage of harmful carcinogens. To use inside this type of oil is undesirable, in its properties it will be similar to linseed oil.
Make a purchase is necessary in a store with a good reputation, because this product is often fake. As a result, the buyer can buy the oil is not only useless, but even harmful to health. It is important to give preference to points of sale, which are the direct suppliers of the manufacturer.
To find out, you can go to the manufacturer's website and inquire about the address of a particular store. This will make it possible to understand whether the oil of this brand is sold in it.
Where is it used?
The use of sesame oil is quite extensive. Fatty base oil with high nutritional value is used in cooking, pharmacology, cosmetology, traditional medicine. It can be taken orally on an empty stomach for treatment, drinking is dosed depending on the directional impact on the specific problem. In addition, the application may be external (for example, for cosmetic purposes).
Due to the rich chemical composition, it has a considerable list of possibilities:
- linoleic acid contributes to the regulation of hormonal balance, the normalization of the vital systems of the body;
- getting into the body, stearic acid prevents the increase in cholesterol, is the prevention of atherosclerosis;
- omega-9 helps to increase the elasticity of blood vessels and prevents the occurrence of thrombosis;
- palmitic acid is a good support of the immune system, helps digestion;
- tocopherol, present in the oil, helps maintain the body's youth and improves the structure of the skin integument;
- Retinol is good for the formation of the epithelium, but in addition to the development of tissues, it is relevant for the proper functioning of all organs;
- Vitamin D helps balance the amount of phosphorus in the blood cells;
- B vitamins are good for stimulating the absorption of fats and proteins. In addition, they affect the work of the muscles.
Iron, as a mineral element of the composition, is relevant for blood formation. It allows you to transport, store oxygen and dispose of carbon dioxide. Other substances promote cell regeneration, maintain intracellular pressure, and strengthen the immune system. Others are good for the nervous system, others are effective for elasticity and collagen production.
Treatment
Sesame oil is used for medicinal purposes not less than seeds or fresh leaves. It has a beneficial effect on the work of the respiratory, digestive, excretory systems, as well as bone tissue. The oil is used to treat colds, which include dry cough, runny nose and nasal sinuses, sore throat, pharyngitis. It is effective in asthma, relieves shortness of breath, heals the lungs.
Internal reception is useful for the brain, it is especially relevant for older people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The action of the tool is aimed at eliminating joint degeneration and removing inflammation. It eliminates lesions and is especially useful for rheumatism, arthritis, chondrosis and other diseases associated with difficulty in movement and accompanied by pain symptoms.
In such situations, it is used externally for therapeutic massage.
Sesame oil is also appropriate when you need to clean the auditory canals. For this, it is buried in the ears, making hearing better. It should be noted and benefits for the organs of vision, because the vegetable oil from the seeds provides the best absorption of vitamin A by the body. The therapeutic effects on the urinary system include:
- ridding the kidneys of stones;
- elimination of pyelonephritis, urethritis, cure of cystitis;
- removal of unpleasant burning sensation at the time of urination.
Proven use of this oil for diabetics, since its regular use can reduce the sugar content in the blood. The active components of the composition react to the synthesis of insulin. By the way, knowing the rules of admission, you can normalize the metabolism of a particular organism, and this is important not only for obesity, but can also help with exhaustion.
Due to the ability to stabilize fat metabolism, the oil is able to adjust body weight, reducing or, conversely, increasing its volume.
We must not forget about the benefits of vegetable oil in oncology. Its reception allows you to remove toxic substances from the body, as well as salts of heavy metals. This product, when used regularly, is a measure that prevents the formation of cancer tumors. It is also useful for teeth, it helps to strengthen the gums by rinsing. This is an excellent prevention of periodontal disease and caries. Rubbing oil can reduce pain symptom, if not remove it.
Applications may vary. Besides the fact that the oil can be drunk inwards in the indicated dosages in courses, it can be fried, added to the daily diet, distributed over the hair, face, head and body skin. In addition, this vegetable fat can be rubbed into the skin, thereby heating it. For example, it can be rubbed into the feet, back and chest (with the exception of the heart side, since under no indication should you put additional stress on the heart).
Digestive organs
This is a good tool for the normalization of the digestive tract, while it is often used for enemas, as a laxative with a mild effect. Along with the cleansing of the intestines, when it is consumed oil, its hydration also occurs. It is an effective remedy for colitis, enterocolitis, and colic.
At the same time, the oil itself is able to reduce the acidity of the gastric juice, which is important in the treatment of gastritis with high acidity.
This product helps to cope with diseases such as ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, gastroduodenitis and a diseased pancreas. It is a good stimulator of the procedure for the formation and separation of bile, helps to restore the structure of the liver. Often it is taken for hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia. In addition, this oil is effective for gallstone disease and is characterized by anthelmintic effect.
Hearts and circulatory system
In addition to the beneficial effects on the walls of blood vessels and increase their elasticity, sesame oil promotes healing of the joints and is the prevention of osteoporosis. It has the ability to control the state of acidity in the blood. The oil has a beneficial effect on the blood supply to the body as a whole and the composition of the blood. It is a good remedy that fights with anemia, it is necessary in case of Verlgof's disease, it is effective in thrombolic purpura.
In addition, according to reviews of doctors, this product has shown itself well for migraines, accompanied by spasms of cerebral vessels. Other diseases that sesame oil helps to deal with include hypertension, stroke, arrhythmia, tachycardia. Often take oil with atherosclerosis. Sometimes it is indicated for heart attack and heart ischemia.
Nervous system
The use of this product allows to normalize blood pressure. It is the prevention of diseases of the nervous system and brain. It is especially useful for people whose work involves mental activity (schoolchildren, students, office workers). You can take it with problems such as loss of concentration and poor memorization. This is a necessary measure for apathy, depression, insomnia and a state of chronic fatigue.
Thanks to its constituent sesamolin oil helps relieve stress and is effective in case of overvoltage.It increases the anti-oxidation of cells, thus being a good alternative to anti-depressant drugs. As a result, it has a beneficial effect not only on well-being, but also uplifting, relieving disturbing symptoms.
When oil is included in the diet, it prevents multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
For weight loss and massage
Sesame oil is characterized by deep penetration into tissues and the ability to saturate them with anti-stress magnesium. Course treatments for therapeutic massage can eliminate the sharp and nagging pain in muscles and tendons. This oil is also effective for relaxing and ayurvedic massage. After such a procedure, fatigue and tension are relieved, the person completely relaxes, his sleep becomes calm.
For women seeking to lose weight, this vegetable fat is remarkable because it dulls the feeling of hunger. It is effective against burning fat, excluding its deposition under the skin. At the same time, for greater efficiency, along with an internal reception on an empty stomach, a tablespoon and dressing of vegetable salads also use oil for wraps. This tool is especially effective in the fight against cellulite. However, when losing weight, you can not rely only on one oil: without daily training to achieve the desired effect will not work.
During pregnancy
Women who are waiting for a baby can take sesame oil on the recommendation of a doctor. This is due to the fact that uncontrolled reception can upset the work of the digestive tract, as well as provoke a miscarriage in the first trimester. Therefore, doctors do not recommend to use it in the first three months of pregnancy, and especially with palm oil. Sesame oil is characterized by the ability to reduce the uterus, which is especially dangerous in the early stages.
You can take it to pregnant women strictly in minimal quantities. In addition, you need to take into account the restructuring of the body, because oil can in this case lead to food allergies. However, in general, gynecologists note that its reception has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus, because by its properties it can become a substitute for milk or nuts. This oil is effective for bleeding, while balancing the hormone levels of a pregnant woman.
In addition, this product reduces anxiety, due to the high content of fiber eliminates constipation, which is characteristic of many pregnant women. Such a product is useful when breastfeeding, because its daily inclusion in the diet can increase lactation.
Proven and useful in the postpartum period, because the timely application of vegetable oil on the skin of the body in the chest, waist and hips helps get rid of stretch marks. Along with this, it will help calm down, restore health after childbirth and relieve fatigue.
Cosmetology
Sesame oil is an effective facial skin care product. It allows you to keep the youth and elasticity of the dermis. After a course of cosmetic procedures, the skin becomes taut, it gets rid of inflammation or other irritations, it seems fresh and rested. The use of sesame oil helps smooth fine wrinkles and restore cell membranes.
This means of plant origin is also effective for the improvement of the hair structure. It restores them after the application of thermal styling, returns health after dyeing, bleaching or chemical perm. At the same time, the oil is also the protection of hair from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. It reduces itching, stimulates the growth of each hair, and is effective for giving shine life shine.
Sesame oil is a useful component of homemade cosmetics. It can complement lotion, cream, balm, mask for skin and curls. It is a good component of massage and sunscreen.In addition, it can be used as a facial cleanser or makeup remover. If you do not add any ingredients to it, you can use it instead of night cream.
Moreover, the product is unique in that it is suitable for different skin types. It is compatible with various oils, including esters. Its effect affects the structure of hair of different types, including damaged, depleted and brittle strands. Due to the antimicrobial effect of this tool can be used in the treatment of seborrhea, to restore the natural color of curls. His rubbing into the nails allows them to accelerate growth.
What can you cook?
In the treatment of colds, the oil should be heated in a water bath (it should be warm). In this case, nothing is added to it, but rubbed into the skin of the back or chest overnight. For greater efficiency, they are simultaneously taken orally by teaspoon. To get rid of dermatitis, a teaspoon of grape juice and aloe is added to the oil, lubricating the affected areas of the skin.
The most common method of application of sesame oil is its consumption in food, which is especially important for residents of Asian countries. It is suitable for different dishes, however, there are some nuances.
It is important to use a healthy, unrefined product that has not been heat treated at high temperatures. Often it is added when cooking seafood. They fill the vegetable and meat salads, used in the manufacture of oriental sweets, which contributes to the excellent nutty flavor of the oil.
For example, you can make a delicious vegetable soup with sesame seeds according to the following recipe. Take the green onion (bunch) and garlic (4 teeth), cut and fry in a saucepan for one minute in sesame oil.
Then chop 200 g of cabbage, carrots and sweet peppers, add to the bulk and simmer for no more than 5 minutes over low heat. Then the mixture is poured with water (4-4.5 cups), brought to a boil, salted and pepper to taste. Then put the noodles into the water and boil the soup until it is ready, add sesame seeds.
You can make a salad with chicken and cucumber. To do this, boil chicken fillet (300 grams), chop. Take 3 cucumbers and grate them for Korean carrots. Cut 1⁄2 of the hot pepper and mix the ingredients together.
For filling take sesame oil (3 tablespoons), as well as soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, grated ginger. Salt and pepper are added to taste. Salad is seasoned and left to infuse for about half an hour. During this time, sesame seeds are fried without the use of oil, then they are decorated with salad.
Tips
You can buy this product in grocery stores, as well as in pharmacies. Sesame oil should not be taken uncontrollably, but according to the existing rules of use:
- for treatment, it is taken only on an empty stomach, otherwise it is possible not to count on effectiveness;
- it should be consumed internally (the dose for an adult should not exceed two tablespoons per day);
- preferably not to exceed the norm in its weight;
- when using this product is to limit the intake of other fats of vegetable origin;
- children can be given oil drop by drop, considering different age categories.
If we consider the methods of admission, it is necessary to proceed from a specific problem:
- Dermatitis can be treated externally using sesame oil, fresh grape juice and aloe juice. The ingredients are taken in equal shares.
- You can get rid of inflamed skin by taking vegetable fat inside before eating (1 spoon), as well as 3 times a day, treating problem areas of the skin with oil.
- Rubbing the back and chest (with the exception of the heart) with oil mixed with salt will help to cope with a wet cough. The procedure is performed twice a day until cough is removed.
- Those who suffer from colitis, it is better to rub the tool in the abdomen with delicate circular movements. In addition, it is necessary to drink a spoonful of oily liquid on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Scrubbing the breasts with oil heated in a water bath will help to speed up recovery from a cold. The heating temperature should not exceed 35-36 degrees.
- Heated oil can treat aching parts of the body with rheumatism and pain in the joints. In such cases, it must be rubbed into a sore spot.
- Relieve the condition with gastritis or constipation will help intake of oil inside. However, given its laxative effect, it is undesirable to drink it a lot.
For children, admission must take into account age. Despite the fact that natural sesame oil is able to rid the body of colic and gas, it can only be used on the recommendation of a pediatrician. It is important to bear in mind that a newly born child is still weak and has difficulty adapting to new living conditions. It is impossible to load his body with something else, when there is enough mother's milk at the initial stages of its development.
You can apply oil externally. For example, it will provide tangible benefits for the child during a massage, actually before the walk, protecting the delicate skin. But it is not from the first days of life. It is impossible immediately after birth to drip the oil on the tongue of the baby.
It is undesirable to constantly lubricate their nipples nursing mom, because it can affect even the baby's stomach.
With regards to the expiration date, it is worth noting that the tool cannot be used inside after it expires. Sometimes you can hear the opinion that expired oil can be used for massage. However, in this case it is important to understand: components begin to change their properties when their expiration date has passed. It should be borne in mind that the oil must be stored properly so as not to shorten the time of its application.
Those who like experiments and are not afraid of difficulties, we can recommend a way to make sesame oil on their own. To do this, take the seeds and heat them in a dry frying pan until their shade turns golden. After the seeds are warm, they are placed in a blender and crushed to a mushy consistency. It remains to shift the oily mass into gauze, wrap and squeeze the liquid (for example, by means of garlic press).
Reviews
Sesame oil is one of the most effective means of protecting human health. This is evidenced by numerous reviews on the World Wide Web, left by those who take it for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. According to commentators, sesame seed oil helps get rid of joint, toothache, improve skin condition. This product is effective in the winter, it protects the upper layers of the epidermis from weathering.
The comments indicate that the skin after using sesame oil does not burn even with a long stay in the sun. Some users note that their oil helped in eliminating dandruff and stopped baldness. They indicate that the severity of the effect is noticeable after 2 weeks of course application. For a month, you can get rid of not only the itch, but also completely solve the problem of thinning hair.
See the following video for the recipe for a sesame oil face mask.