Flavoursome, versatile and incredibly valuable to human health – sesame oil is certainly worth being called the queen of oils. For ages, Ayurveda practitioners have used it in various medicinal formulations, and as a prime ingredient for massages. Today, scientific studies also prove the numerous benefits of sesame oil.
So, what does this rich, golden ingredient offer you? And how can you make the best of it? We’ll tell you…
Bits and Facts about Sesame Oil
- Sesame oil is made with the seeds of the sesame plant. Light sesame oil comes from raw seeds, while the darker, stronger-smelling variant comes from toasted sesame seeds.
- Its qualities are:
- Heavy
- Sweet
- Heating
- Penetrating
- Lubricating
- Grounding
- Calming
- Nourishing
- Sesame oil contains:
- Minerals like Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and molybdenum
- Vitamins like A, B-complex, B6, D, E and K
- More essential components too, like amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids
- Its effects on the doshas: It reduces vata, and increases pitta and kapha.
7 Ayurvedic Benefits of Sesame Oil
It Improves Skin and Hair.
Ayurvedic experts have long used sesame oil for massages. It contains nutrients that make your skin bright, smooth, elastic, and youthful-looking. It’s an effective sunscreen too! To remove toxins from your skin, apply sesame oil on your body before a warm shower. It also helps fight scalp infections and hair loss.
It Promotes Blood Flow.
Sesame oil contains high amounts of copper, which your body can use to product sufficient levels of red blood cells. Therefore, you can use it to increase the flow of blood to your organs. When you perform abhangya (self-massage) with this oil, your blood circulation will improve.
It Makes Your Heart Healthy
Since it has plenty of polyunsaturated fatty acids, sesame oil is one of your best choices among cooking oils – it lets your cholestrol levels stay low. With balanced cholestrol levels, your heart gets healthier, and you’d stand a lesser chance of having an attack or a stroke.
It Tackles Inflammation.
The significant amounts of copper in sesame oil give it its anti-inflammatory nature. So, thousands of Ayurveda practitioners use this oil to heal inflammation – especially for arthritis and gout patients. It therefore works wonders for pain relief by reducing swelling and supporting blood vessels.
It Makes Your Bones Better.
The benefits of sesame oil for bones are high since it provides essential nourishment, acts as a lubricant to promote better joints, and reduces inflammation as we stated earlier. It also helps in the growth of healthy bones. This oil provides almost instant relief from joint pain, as well as prevents development of bone-related diseases.
It Makes Your Mouth Healthier.
These days, dental experts agree with Ayurveda on the fact that sesame oil is beneficial for oral health. It whitens teeth, protects them from germs, reduces plaque, and keeps your breath fresh. So, you can maintain dental hygiene and prevent oral illnesses with it. Practice the ancient Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling with sesame oil.
It Soothes the Mind and Soul.
Countless people have experienced the calming and grounding benefits of sesame oil. It contains tyrosine, which boosts the release of seratonin in your body. With more seratonin, you feel less anxious and depressed. You can either consume the oil along with your food or do a self-massage. It’s exceptionally helpful for vata type people.
Finally, we’d like to inform you when you should avoid this ingredient…
When NOT to Use Sesame Oil:
- Your pitta or kapha are high
- You have a lot of congestion
- You suffer from obesity
- Your body has high amounts of toxins
- You are using blood thinners
- You have low blood pressure
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