Benefits of Sesame Oil

Antibacterial Properties

One benefit of sesame is its antibacterial properties. Specific bacteria are needed for proper health, with bacteria in the gut, mouth and on the skin skin helping maintain organ functioning and integrity. However, abnormal growth of bacteria can lead to infections and disease. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" indicates that sesame oil helps kill excess bacteria and can be used as a potent antibacterial mouthwash. Using sesame oil as a topical treatment or a dietary supplement may therefore help protect against abnormal bacterial growth in the body, and may help prevent disease.

Antioxidant Activity

Sesame oil also delivers benefits associated with antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are a group of chemicals that neutralize small molecules in the cells called free radicals. Left alone, free radicals interact with proteins and genetic information in cell, leading to cellular damage that may eventually lead to diseases like cancer. By neutralizing these chemicals, antioxidants protect the cell from damage. VegPeace.org explains that sesame oil contains a chemical called phytate, which acts as an antioxidant in cells. Adding sesame to your diet, along with other sources of antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables, may help prevent cellular damage and genetic alterations, decreasing your risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

Lower Blood Sugar

Sesame oil also is good for blood sugar levels. A report in the Journal of Medicinal Foods labeled sesame oil as having an influence on the lowering of glucose. In the study, rats with diabetes were split up and some were fed sesame oil; the other group was not. The group fed the sesame oil had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels, and had an increase in antioxidant compounds in the blood.

Drizzling some sesame oil on a tossed salad, in place of olive oil, is a great way to add it to your diet to reap its health benefits.

Reduce High Blood Pressure

Sesame oil may also provide health benefits to those predisposed to high blood pressure, or hypertension. Patients with hypertension are at increased risk for blood vessel damage or even stroke. A number of lifestyle factors contribute to high blood pressure, including chronic stress, lack of sleep, or a poor diet. A study by Noguchi and colleagues published in the November ***1 issue of "Hypertension Research" indicates that sesamin, a compound found in sesame oil, can help reduce hypertension. If you have a personal of family history of hypertension, stroke or heart disease, consider supplementing your diet with sesame oil to help protect against future disease.

Uses of Sesame Oil

• There are many foods in which sesame is an ingredient . Europeans sometimes use it as a substitute for olive oil. Sesame oil is an excellent salad oil and is used by the Japanese for cooking fish
• Sesame oil is extensively used in Ayurveda for treating several chronic diseases like diabetes, hepatitis, and migraine. In recent years, sesame oil has found wide application in several modern medical treatments. For instance, this oil is used in unblocking arteries, thus helping to maintain a good heart and a healthy body.
• For centuries, this oil had been widely used as healing oil for different types of health problems. Even in the Vedas there is a description of sesame oil and its excellent service to mankind. Its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties make it best suited for all skin types. Common skin infective agents such as staphylococcus and streptococcus can be easily eliminated by the regular application of oil on the skin. Athletes and other sportsperson can use this oil to get rid of foot fungal infection that commonly afflicts them.
• Overexposure to the sun and harsh winds can often leave a burning sensation on the skin, and sometimes it can last for a long duration. Rubbing the skin with sesame oil will relax the skin and provide a soothing touch. Massaging the scalp with sesame oil keeps it nourished and free from bacterial and fungal infections and dandruff. This oil is also used before and after radiation treatments as it is extremely good in neutralizing oxygen radicals that usually results from such treatments.
• It is very friendly on the sensitive baby skin and can be used to treat many skin related problems in toddlers as medications and ointments have the risk of side effects. One common problem among babies is diaper rashes. Although this is a minor problem, if proper care is not taken it might prove irritating for the baby and may sometimes even lead to infections. To treat diaper rashes you should gently massage sesame oil on the affected area. Applying this oil to the ears and nose can act as a guard against common skin pathogens and bacteria.
• Sesame oil massage not only keeps the skin nourished and the hair luxurious but also helps to strengthen the joints. Osteoporosis and arthritis are major disorders that afflict the elderly, which gradually leads to the degeneration of the bones and joints. These also cause excruciating pain.  Regular massage with this oil can reduce the pain and provide relief. Sesame oil can also be used to treat minor cuts, abrasions and scrapes.