Sesame oil is quite unique as a food product, as a medicine, and even as a technical material. It is also called sesame due to the fact that sesame itself has a middle name, more common in the East – sesame (and in Latin this plant is called Sesamum).
Natural sesame oil, obtained without using high temperatures and not diluted with other vegetable oils, has a pronounced smell and taste of sesame seeds. It is very original and gives the dishes to which it is added a wonderful taste.
The smell and taste of the same oil, only obtained from fried sesame seeds, are no less pronounced. They are, of course, different from those of a fresh sesame product, and in addition are even stronger. In addition, roasted sesame oil has a rich brown color. But these are only external qualities. In addition to them, there are many more useful properties of sesame oil, both culinary and medical, thanks to which it has become one of the most popular vegetable oils in general.
Sesame oil composition
The composition of sesame oil is a mixture of fatty acids, of which oleic and linoleic acids are present in the largest quantities (approximately 40-45% each). Percent units in the composition are palmitic and stearic acids, and literally trace amounts of arachidic and myristic acids are present here.
Together, these acids normalize the functioning of the nervous, circulatory and endocrine systems, as well as help lower blood cholesterol levels and protect the body from atherosclerosis and stroke.
A serious mistake is the popular claim that the chemical composition of sesame oil contains a large amount of minerals that are beneficial to our body. Such assumptions are made by ignorant authors based on the fact that sesame itself contains many useful chemical elements. However, as many studies have shown, during the production of sesame oil, all minerals remain in sesame oil cake, and there are no calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus in the oil. Nevertheless, sesame oil, which still has beneficial properties, is quite valuable for the body, for example, the presence of a large amount of vitamins that provide serious health support.
What vitamins are in sesame oil? For example, its composition is very rich in antioxidants, among which are vitamins A and E, as well as a special substance – sesamol, which is found in greatest quantities in sesame seeds. These beneficial substances in sesame oil protect our body from various disease-causing agents, prevent the development of cancerous tumors, and help keep the skin clean and smooth.
In addition, sesame oil can be stored for a long time without going rancid. Under the right conditions – a cool, dark place in a tightly closed bottle – the gastronomic and healing properties of sesame oil do not change for 9 years.
Health Benefits of Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. On its basis, various creams and ointments are prepared, and in its pure form it itself finds its use in the treatment of stomach diseases due to its soft enveloping effect. Also, the beneficial properties of sesame oil are used in the treatment of:
- respiratory tract diseases;
- metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus;
- digestive disorders, primarily constipation, since it exhibits mild laxative properties;
- anemia and anemia;
- various diseases and skin injuries.
And thanks to its remarkable gastronomic properties, sesame oil, especially roasted oil, has become a real symbol of oriental cuisine, being used there for the preparation of numerous delicacies, not only dessert ones, but also meat and vegetables. However, it also has its own harmful properties.
The harm of sesame oil
First of all, it is worth remembering that the composition contains a fairly large amount of omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. Scientists have long ago discovered their harmful property in certain conditions to cause allergies, therefore, if you are addicted to this product, you should carefully monitor your well-being.
In addition, sesame oil has the ability to increase blood clotting. Sometimes this is good, but those who suffer from varicose veins or a tendency to thrombosis can aggravate their sores by drinking too much of this product.
So be careful, but if possible, allow yourself to savor real delicacies with healthy sesame oil. The flavors that dishes with it get can hardly be created with other ingredients. We recommend buying natural oil without unnecessary impurities on proven Internet sites. Such a product does not contain GMOs, is safe for health, has a delicate aroma and is suitable for cooking over a fire.
