Sesame oil: benefits and properties for health
About the Sesame seeds (either white or black), we have spoken to you on other occasions, which stand out precisely from a nutritional point of view for their incredible wealth in healthy fatty acids -Especially omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus becoming an excellent natural option when it comes to taking care of our cardiovascular health and reducing the high levels of both cholesterol and fats in the blood.
In addition, they are also very rich in calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium and manganese, as well as vitamin E and group B, proteins and lecithin. Precisely from the first cold pressure of the sesame seeds you get the one known as Sesame oil, which is extremely resistant to oxidation (that is, it does not oxidize easily), and is used both for cooking and for body massage, in addition to providing many properties for hair, skin or for our health in general .
Yes, In order to benefit from all its virtues it is essential to purchase unrefined sesame oil, since otherwise it will have lost most of its properties, especially if we want to enjoy its most important and outstanding qualities internally.
The virtues of sesame oil
To enjoy a healthy and healthy brain
Sesame oil is very rich in phospholipids and lecithin, which are indispensable for maintain good brain health, by helping to improve both memory and thinking.
In fact, many scholars say that the brain of a healthy person has between 20 to 25% of phospholipids, while that of a person with a mental illness is just around 10%.
Strengthens and cares for our nervous system
Sesame oil is extremely rich in magnesium. For this reason, sesame oil has traditionally been considered as a Strengthener of the nervous system, helping not only to strengthen it, but to take care of it in a totally natural way.
In this sense, some authors agree in pointing out that would help to restore mood and mood in depressed people, or in those that are mentally and emotionally very exhausted or tired.
In addition, it not only tends to strengthen our nervous system but also acts as a good tranquilizer, hence it is commonly used in the performance of body massages.
Ideal for a healthy cardiovascular system
A regular consumption of sesame oil helps us to take care of our cardiovascular system, an excellent natural option not only within any diet or healthy and varied diet, but especially when we have the high cholesterol and the triglycerides and we must lower their elevated blood levels.
This quality is found in this natural product thanks especially to the presence of lecithin and omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. And while lecithin helps fats do not adhere and accumulate in the walls of the arteries , the fatty acids help eliminate the fats present in them.
Benefits for skin and hair
The truth is that sesame oil is a natural product well known for its different qualities for both skin and hair:
- Its properties for the skin: It is useful to revitalize the skin, hence its use in treatments against flaccidity and orange peel. It is suitable to make masks for the skin after sunbathing, since it favors natural tanning. On the other hand, it is an excellent skin moisturizer.
- Its properties for hair: it is especially suitable in case there are scabs on the scalp, or in the presence of dry and dull hair. A suitable option is to use it as a hair mask.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The presence of fatty acids (especially linoleic and oleic, as we have mentioned in the previous lines), give this oil a very interesting anti-inflammatory action, hence it is used in the practice of massages in order to relieve joint and muscle pain.
If you want to learn how to make a delicious recipe different, as well as nutritious, we will discover how to make a wonderful sesame milk, ideal as an alternative to cow's milk.
How to take sesame oil to enjoy its benefits
First, before using sesame oil (especially on the skin) it is appropriate to carry out an allergy test, in this way you will ensure that you are not allergic to oil.
Once this is done, if you want to enjoy your benefits internally, It is advised to take a tablespoon with breakfast and lunch (2 maximum per day), the first of them fasting.
When its consumption is not advisable
The consumption of sesame oil in the following conditions is not recommended:
- Pregnancy: since sesame oil provides lignans, a type of phytoestrogens that could affect the proper development of pregnancy.
- Diarrhea and vomiting: the sesame oil has a laxative effect, being contraindicated in case of diarrhea or vomiting.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys: in these cases it is advisable not to consume it without the advice and follow-up of a doctor, since the safety of this food in these conditions is not known.
Images | ISTOCKPHOTO / THINKSTOCK This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesOil