Sesame oil is often used in Asian cuisine. It has a relatively strong flavor, and is usually added in small amounts at the end of the cooking process. Sesame oil was one of the first processed oils, says the World's Healthiest Foods. Like other oils, sesame oil is high in fat, but it can be part of a nutritious diet when used in moderation.
Calories and Macronutrients
One tablespoon of sesame oil contains 120 calories. In addition, it offers 13.6g of fat. The oil has no carbohydrates or protein.
Fat Considerations
Of the almost 14g of fat in a tablespoon of sesame oil, only 2g are saturated. The rest of the fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. Replacing saturated fats and trans fats with unsaturated fats can help lower your cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.
Vitamin E Content
One tablespoon of sesame oil provides 1 percent of the daily recommended allowance for vitamin E. Antioxidants like vitamin E may protect you from free radicals, which damage cells and may play a role in the development of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer, notes the National Institutes of Health. Vitamin E also plays a role in proper immune function.
Additional Nutritional Benefits
One tablespoons of sesame oil provides 2 percent of the RDA for vitamin K. Vitamin K facilitates blood clotting and bone health. Sesame oil has no sodium or cholesterol.
A tablespoon of sesame oil provides 117mg of phytosterols. These are plant compounds that mimic blood cholesterol and actually inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol, notes the Linus Pauling Institute. Eating foods with phytosterols correlates with decreased cancer risk.
Potential
A pilot study performed by researchers at Annamalai University in India found that diabetics who consume only sesame oil and no other oils experienced decreased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as reported in the "Journal of Medicinal Food." Diabetic participants used sesame oil in place of other cooking oils for 45 days. Researchers also reported that participants' weight, waist and hip size, and body mass index decreased as a result of using sesame oil.
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