Sesame Oil: Your Guide to Cooking

Sesame oil a.k.a Gingelly oil or til oil, is an organic oil derived from sesames. It is noted to have the distinctive aroma and taste of sesame. It is often used in South Indian and South East Asian cuisine as a flavour enhancer.

Asian sesame oil derives its dark colour and flavour from toasted hulled sesame seeds. It is commonly used in South Indian, Chinese and Korean Cuisine, usually at the end of cooking as a flavour highlihgt and not used as a cooking medium.

There are many variations in the colour of cooking oil: Cold-pressed sesame oil is almost colourless, indian sesame oil is golden and Chinese sesame oil is commonly dark brown colour. Additionally, the sesame oil used in India usualy has jiggery mixed into it, unlike that used elsewhere which is plain.

The Uses of Sesame oil:

1. Cooking. Sesame oil is considered a special oil compared to other oils and considered to be more stable due to the high amount of anti-oxidant in the oil. It is least prone to turn rancid as it has a very high boiling point.

2. Body Massage. Sesame oil is reputed to have the ability to penetrate the skin easily. It is very popular in india, where it is used as massage oil.

3. Hair oil. Applying sesame oil for the hair is believed to result in darker hair. It is also recommended for hair and scalp message.

Health benefits of sesame oil.

1. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin E - which is an anti-oxidant that can lower cholesterol. magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, zink and vitamin B6 all found in sesame oil. Copper provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis. Magnesium supports vascular and respiratory health. Calcium prevents colon cancer, osteporosis, migraine and PMS. Zinc promotes bone health.

2. High percentage of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acis: It might be useful in controlling blood pressure. It could be used in cooking in place of other edible oils and to help reduce high blood pressure, and lower the amount of medication needed to control hypertension.

3. Reducing stress and tension; Various consituents present in the sesame oil have anti-oxidant and anti-deppressant properties. Therefore proponents encourage its use to help fight senile changes and bring about sense of well-being.

Therapeutic uses of Sesame oil:

While not approved by the FDA, sesame oil is reputed to have a number of therapeutic uses. such as:
- it is reported to reduce dryness both externally and internally.
- it is suggested to relieve lethargy, fatigue and insomnia, while promoting strength and vitality, enhancing blood circulation.
- it is suggested that regular topical appication and/or consumption of sesame oil could mitigate effects of anxiety, nerve and bone disorders, poor circulation, lowered immunity and bowel problems.
- Its use have reputed to relax pain and muscle spasm, such as sciatica, dyemenorrhoea, colic, backache and joint pain.
- other uses as laxative, as a remedy for toothaches and gum disease and in the treatment of blurred vision, dizziness and headaches.
-It is suggested that sesame oil can be used in treating dry nose, reduction of cholesterol levels (due to the presence of lignans which are phyto-oestrogens), anti-bacterial effects, and even slowing down certain types of cancer (due to its anti-oxidant properties).

*note that this is only a suggestion and does not indicate real scientific report. Therefore you should consult with your doctor if you have any questions or doubts.

Till then, I hope that you can choose a better choice. I know its not easy but remember you are not alone.

Choose to be healthy, eat wisely, live happily!