15 Incredible Benefits of Sesame oil for Hair, Skin & Overall Health

July 28, 2023

Sesame oil, extracted from the tiny seeds of the sesame plant, has been valued for centuries for its remarkable health and beauty benefits. Packed with essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants, it offers many advantages for your hair, skin, and overall well-being.

This article explores the 15 incredible benefits of sesame oil, examining its potential to enhance your hair, revitalize your skin, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. So, let’s uncover the secrets of this ancient yet potent oil and discover how it can positively impact your daily self-care routine.

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What is sesame oil?

Popularly known as gingelly oil, sesame oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from sesame plant seeds (Sesamum indicum). With its origins dating back thousands of years, sesame oil finds extensive use in traditional medicine, culinary practices, and beauty rituals. The oil comes by pressing the tiny, oval-shaped seeds, resulting in a fragrant, golden-colored liquid.

Sesame oil is known for its distinct nutty aroma and flavor. It is a versatile ingredient in various cuisines around the world. Beyond its culinary applications, sesame oil has gained recognition for its health benefits and remarkable hair and skin care properties.

Nutritional value of sesame oil

Here is the nutritional value derived from 100 g Sesame oil as per the data provided by USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) on their official website: [8]

Nutrient	Value (per 100 g)
Energy	884 kcal or 3700 KJ
Total lipids	100 g
Vitamin E	1.4 mg
Vitamin K	13.6 µg
Fatty acids	14.2 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)	39.7 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)	41.7 g

Properties of Sesame Oil

Sesame oil, also known as til ka tel in Hindi, contains palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, gandoleic acid, behenic acid, stearic acid, and arachidic acid. It contains high amounts of sesamolin, sesaminol, sesamin. Sesamol provides stability to the oil. It also contains sesame lignans. It has many benefits for our hair, skin and overall health. Let’s discuss them in detail in the next section.

What are the benefits of sesame oil for hair, skin, and health?

The benefits of sesame oil are awe-inspiring, offering various advantages for our overall health and well-being. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

1. Anti-lipogenic

Sesame oil helps inhibit excess fat storage in the body, making it extremely beneficial for weight management. [1]

2. Hypo-cholesterolemic

Regular consumption of sesame oil can help lower cholesterol levels, promoting a healthier cardiovascular system. [1]

3. Anti-degenerative, good for hair

Sesame oil exhibits properties that help prevent degeneration, particularly in the nervous system, contributing to better neural health. The nutrients present in sesame oil support brain function and improve cognitive abilities. Due to these anti-degenerative properties, it is used in the industrial preparation of perfumery, cosmetics (skin conditioning agents and moisturizers, hair preparations, bath oils, hand products, and make-up), pharmaceuticals (vehicles for drug delivery), insecticides, and paints and varnishes. [1][3]

4. Heals and softens the skin

Sesame oil can promote burn healing by relieving minor burns or sunburns and aiding in the healing process. Sesame oil can also be used as a solvent, an oil carrier for medications, a skin softener, and a natural UV protector. [2]

5. Contains antioxidants, great for skin and immunity

Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants, which combat harmful free radicals and safeguard cells from damage. Furthermore, they enhance your immunity, help overcome the risk of chronic diseases, and are great for your skin. [4]

6. Protects against heart cell damage

The antioxidants in sesame oil offer protective effects on heart cells, minimizing potential damage and supporting cardiovascular health. [5]

7. Reduces cell damage

Sesame oil’s antioxidant properties also reduce cell damage throughout the body, promoting overall cellular health. [6]

8. Anti-inflammatory properties

The anti-inflammatory compounds in sesame oil can help alleviate joint inflammation. [7]

9. Protects skin and hair; promotes hair growth

Due to its enhanced penetration capacity, it helps moisturize the hair follicles and prevents dryness. It forms a protective coat around the skin and hair and can prevent UV-induced damage. Furthermore, with enhanced penetration, it reaches up to the hair follicles, increasing the circulation of blood in the scalp, resulting in increased hair growth and reduced greying of the hair. [15]

10. Helps prevent heart disease

Sesame oil contains beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, which help maintain balanced cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Regular consumption of sesame oil has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease thanks to its cholesterol-lowering properties and support for cardiovascular health. [9]

11. Slows the development of plaque in arteries

Sesame oil can inhibit plaque development in arteries, reducing the risk of blockages and improving overall blood flow. [9]

12. Reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides

The unique compounds in sesame oil aid in reducing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, promoting a healthier lipid profile. [10]

13. Supports healthy blood sugar regulation

Sesame oil can help control blood sugar levels. It is a worthy addition to a diet for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. [11]

14. Helps treat arthritis

Sesame oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural remedy for managing arthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. [12]

15. Facilitates wound healing

Applying sesame oil topically can promote wound healing and due to its soothing and antimicrobial properties, wounds heal faster and do not get contaminated. [13]

How to apply sesame oil to hair, skin, and health?

When reaping sesame oil’s benefits for your hair, skin, and overall health, incorporating it into your routine is simple. Follow the below steps for various applications of sesame oil:

1. Sesame oil for hair

Start by warming a small amount in your hands and gently massage it into your scalp and along the lengths of your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deep conditioning, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

2. Sesame oil for skin

Once you finish cleansing, gently massage a few drops of sesame oil onto your face or body in gentle, circular motions. Ensure the oil absorbs for a few minutes before applying other skincare products.

3. Sesame oil for diet

When incorporating sesame oil into your diet, use it in cooking as a flavorful and nutritious option. You can use it for sautéing, as a dressing, or even as a dip. Remember to store sesame oil in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Sesame oil and Ayurveda

Sesame oil holds a special place in Ayurveda, where it is highly regarded for its therapeutic properties. In Ayurvedic practice, sesame oil is considered one of the most nourishing and balancing oils for promoting well-being. It possesses warming qualities that help pacify Vata dosha, one of the three elemental energies in Ayurveda responsible for bodily functions.

Sesame oil finds use in Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic self-massage technique. It can be an effective remedy to counter the ill effects of imbalanced Vata dosha. [14] This versatile oil is also standard in Ayurvedic formulations for its ability to penetrate deeply into the tissues, lubricating joints, and nourishing the skin. Its composition of rich and essential fatty acids and antioxidants aligns well with the principles of Ayurveda, making sesame oil a cherished ingredient in this holistic healing system.

FAQs

1. What are sesame oil benefits for hair?

Sesame oil benefits for hair include promoting hair growth, nourishing the scalp, and improving hair texture and shine.

2. What are sesame oil benefits for the skin?

Sesame oil benefits for the skin include moisturizing and hydrating the skin, reducing signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, protecting against UV damage, soothing skin irritations, and promoting a healthy complexion.

3. What is black sesame oil?

Black sesame oil is a variant of sesame oil made from black sesame seeds. It retains similar benefits to regular sesame oil, including promoting hair and skin health, but may have a stronger flavor and aroma.

4. What are sesame oil uses?

Sesame oil has plenty of uses. It is ideal for cooking and adding flavor to various dishes, as a massage oil for relaxation and stress relief, as a natural moisturizer for the skin, as a hair treatment for improving hair health, and even as an ingredient in Ayurvedic remedies.

5. How good is sesame oil for the skin?

Sesame oil is excellent for the skin due to its moisturizing properties. It can also improve skin texture and elasticity. Its antioxidants help protect against free radicals and oxidative stress.

6. Is sesame oil good for hair?

Yes, sesame oil is beneficial for hair. It helps nourish the scalp, promotes hair growth, and improves hair texture and shine. It can also help prevent dryness, dandruff, and scalp infections, making it a valuable oil for hair care.

Conclusion

Sesame oil truly deserves its reputation as a versatile and potent natural remedy for hair, skin, and overall health. From its anti-lipogenic and hypocholesterolemic properties to its antioxidant-rich composition, sesame oil offers several benefits that can positively impact our well-being.

Whether you incorporate it into your hair care routine, use it to nourish and protect your skin, or enjoy it as part of a balanced diet; sesame oil is a valuable addition to your self-care regimen. With its deep-rooted connection to Ayurveda, sesame oil has stood the test of time as a cherished ingredient in holistic healing practices. Embrace the incredible benefits of sesame oil to enhance your hair, skin, and overall health.