Sesame oil is a type of oil derived from the sesame seed. Cold pressing is one method used to release the oil from the sesame seed. Cold pressing helps preserve the nutrition value of the oil. Other forms of pressing, especially methods that apply heat, compromise the nutrients naturally found in sesame seeds. Herbalists and natural doctors have used sesame seeds medicinally for thousands of years. Before using sesame oil to treat a specific medical condition, however, you should speak with a medical professional.
Cold Pressing
Cold pressing preserves many of the qualities of the sesame seed, including its aroma. However, the process naturally produces some heat. To minimize this heat, some manufacturers artificially cool the seeds. Ideally, you should consume cold-pressed sesame oil with foods that do not require cooking. This helps preserve the nutritional value, the flavor and the aroma of the sesame oil.
Vitamins and Minerals
Sesame oil naturally contains several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties and can help lower your cholesterol levels. Sesame oil also contains vitamin B-6 and the minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper and iron. These minerals can help treat the symptoms associated with arthritis, support vascular and bone health, and help prevent colon cancer and migraine headaches.
Blood Pressure
Sesame oil can help lower your blood pressure levels, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." Sesame oil contains sesamin, a lignin found in plants. The beneficial effects of sesame oil on blood pressure levels primarily result from sesamin and the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the oil. Sesamin also functions by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in your body.
Cancer
A 1992 study published in the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" found that sesame oil blocked the growth of malignant melanoma in human cells. Further, the study found that linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid found in sesame oil, may have anti-cancer properties. Speak with a medical professional before using any alternative treatment such as sesame oil supplementation to treat cancer or other serious medical conditions.
References
- "Oil Pulling Therapy"; Bruce Fife; 2008
- "Vegetable Oils in Food Technology"; Frank D. Gunstone; 2002
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Selective Growth Inhibition of a Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Line by Sesame Oil In Vitro; D.E. Smith, et al.; 1992
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