Sesame oil has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine. It has also been commonly used for medicinal purposes, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a subtle nutty flavor and is used both as a cooking oil and condiment. Sesame oil is made from toasted and untoasted sesame seeds, with the oil from toasted seeds possessing a stronger sesame flavor. Sesame oil also has many health benefits that make it a good alternative oil to use in moderation.
Good Fats
Sesame oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. According to MayoClinic.com, eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fats helps cholesterol levels, lowers your risk of heart disease and reduces your risk for type 2 diabetes. Eating polyunsaturated fats has also been credited with reducing the risk for developing dementia. In a 2010 article in the “Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease,” researchers found that elderly people who consumed higher amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats had a reduced likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment, a precursor for dementia.
