Gingelly oil, also known as sesame oil, is a must in traditional medicine and cooking, particularly across Asia. Known for its nutty flavor and rich nutrient profile, this oil has been valued for its health benefits for centuries. The cold-pressed variety, extracted without heat, is the most beneficial form due to its preserved nutrients. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous health uses and benefits of gingelly oil and guide you on identifying authentic, cold-pressed sesame oil.
The Benefits of (Gingelly) Sesame Oil as Natural Medicine
1. Skin Health
- Moisturizing Properties: Sesame oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it an excellent natural moisturiser for skin. Its hydrating qualities help prevent dry skin, promote softness, and even reduce wrinkles.
- Antioxidant Effects: Gingelly oil contains antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, which protect the skin from free radical damage, slowing down ageing and improving skin elasticity.
- Natural Sun Protector: Sesame oil acts as a natural sunscreen, creating a protective barrier on the skin. It’s also helpful in soothing sunburns and restoring skin after sun exposure.
2. Promotes Oral Health
- Oil Pulling: An ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing sesame oil in the mouth for a few minutes to pull out toxins and improve dental health. This process, called oil pulling, helps reduce plaque, strengthens gums, and keeps bad breath at bay.
3. Reduces Inflammation and Pain
- Joint Pain Relief: Gingelly oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for relieving joint pain and stiffness, especially in conditions like arthritis. Massaging it onto painful areas helps reduce discomfort and enhances mobility.
- Soothe Sore Muscles: Applied to sore muscles, sesame oil provides a warming effect, relieving tension and relaxing the body, making it a great option for post-workout muscle care.
4. Supports Heart Health
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce blood pressure levels in some studies.
- Balances Cholesterol Levels: Its unique combination of sesamol and sesamin helps in balancing LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), promoting overall heart health.
5. Improves Hair Health
- Promotes Hair Growth: Gingelly oil’s nourishing and moisturising properties help in strengthening hair roots and encouraging hair growth.
- Prevents Dandruff and Dry Scalp: When massaged into the scalp, sesame oil soothes dryness, reduces dandruff, and leaves hair shiny and manageable.
6. Boosts Mental Health
- Stress Relief: The magnesium content in sesame oil aids in lowering cortisol levels, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
- Enhances Cognitive Function: Regular use of gingelly oil in the diet is believed to improve memory and cognitive function due to its antioxidant properties.
How to Identify Cold-Pressed Gingelly (Sesame) Oil
Identifying cold-pressed sesame oil is crucial for maximising health benefits, as this process retains more nutrients than heat-based methods. Here’s how to distinguish cold-pressed gingelly oil from others:
- Look for a Label: Packaging should explicitly mention “cold-pressed” or “wood-pressed.” Reputable brands usually indicate this on their bottles to assure quality.
- Colour and Appearance: Cold-pressed sesame oil often has a golden to amber colour. It should be clear with no cloudiness or sediment if it’s pure and fresh.
- Aroma and Taste: Cold-pressed gingelly oil has a distinctive nutty aroma and a mild flavour, free from bitterness or a burnt smell, which often indicates the oil was extracted with heat.
- Viscosity: Cold-pressed oils are typically thicker due to their intact natural compounds. They will feel richer and more substantial compared to refined or heated oils.
- Storage in Dark Glass Bottles: To prevent nutrient degradation, cold-pressed oils are often packaged in dark glass bottles. This protects the oil from light exposure, which can affect its quality.
- Check the Price: Cold-pressed sesame oil may cost a bit more than regular sesame oil due to the labour-intensive extraction process. Be cautious of brands offering extremely low-priced “cold-pressed” oils, as these might be refined.
Using Cold-Pressed Gingelly (Sesame) Oil in Your Daily Routine
- For Cooking: Use it as a finishing oil in salads, soups, or dressings rather than for frying, as high temperatures can alter its nutritional properties.
- Skin and Hair Care: Massage a few drops into your skin or scalp to benefit from its moisturising and nourishing properties.
- Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth for about 5-10 minutes each morning before brushing to promote oral health.
Conclusion
Incorporating gingelly (sesame) oil, especially in its cold-pressed form, offers numerous health benefits, from boosting skin and hair health to improving heart function and reducing stress. This age-old remedy serves as a natural, multipurpose tool that’s both accessible and beneficial. When purchasing sesame oil, always opt for a high-quality, cold-pressed variety to maximize its therapeutic potential and harness the power of this golden elixir as nature intended.
When it comes to sesame oil, quality and purity play a crucial role in ensuring its health benefits are fully realized. Cold-pressed sesame oil by Oylar.in is a standout choice for those who value natural, chemical-free, and nutrient-rich cooking oil. Crafted using traditional methods, Oylar.in’s sesame oil is the perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and versatility for both culinary and wellness needs.
