Guide Note

Sesame Oil is an organic oil made of pressed and toasted sesame seeds. The oil is used in cooking the world over, but is most prominently featured in Asian cuisines in stir fry and sauteeing.

Fast Facts

1. AKA: Gingelly Oil and Til Oil
2. Used to make perfume in ancient Persia and India
3. Can store for several months in a cool, dark environment
4. An ingredient in Ayurvedic drugs
5. Frequently used in tempura

Sesame seeds and it byproducts provide significant nutrients and may actually improve one's health if used as a frequent substitute over more fattening oils. Sesame oil is one of the highest natural sources of copper, which acts as an antiinflammatory. It may help relieve pain for arthritis sufferers. It is also high in magnesium and calicum, which promotes vascular health and strengths bones and muscles.

WebMD reported in 2003 that the mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in sesame oil may help lower blood pressure, an assertion approved and supported by the American Heart Association.

Despite all these benefits, high amounts of sesame oil should be avoided by pregnant women and children, as the long-term effects of consistent sesame seed and oil consumption are not fully understood.