Almost every Indian household uses sesame oil or Til ka Tel. Owing to the many therapeutic properties of the oil, it is also vastly used in Ayurveda. However, do you know what is the most popular medicinal use of sesame oil? It is boosting heart health.
Let’s see what makes sesame so popular for heart health in Ayurveda.
What is the Ayurvedic Perspective of Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil is known as Til Tailam in Ayurveda. It is a key ingredient in most Ayurvedic formulations and therapies. It is said to constitute ten important qualities or Gunas, which makes it highly beneficial for therapeutic uses. According to Ayurveda, sesame oil helps pacify Vata and Kapha Dosha in the body while slightly aggravating Pitta Dosha.
Why is Sesame Oil Good for The Heart?
Sesame oil is known to be one of the best oils to improve heart health and prevent heart diseases. The properties that make sesame oil extremely important for the heart are:
- Rich in Antioxidants:
Sesame oil contains two antioxidants, namely sesamol and sesamol. These antioxidants help to prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is one of the leading causes of heart diseases, especially coronary heart disease.
- Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Chronic inflammation can build plaque in the arteries and lead to many cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and strokes. Sesame oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve inflammation in the body, thereby boosting your overall heart health.
- Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides:
Sesame oil constitutes omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. They are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. Therefore, a diet containing sesame oil may help to reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery diseases, hypertension, heart attack, etc.
- Contains Minerals:
Sesame oil contains many minerals that help to boost heart health, such as vitamin B, copper and zinc. These minerals also help to reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases.
- Pacifies Vata and Kapha:
According to Ayurveda, most heart diseases are caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha Dosha in the body. Sesame oil helps to pacify both Vata and Kapha, thereby preventing and treating many heart diseases.
Also learn: How to Pacify Kapha Dosha
Explore: How to Pacify Vata Dosha
What Are the Other Benefits of Sesame Oil?
- Sesame oil helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body and aids in diabetes management.
- It is also highly beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain.
- Sesame oil can help to heal wounds and burns as well as to treat various skin conditions.
- It can also help to prevent skin damage from harmful UV rays.
- Sesame oil improves hair health significantly.
- It can also help to improve the quality of sleep.
- Sesame oil is one of the best oils to strengthen bones in the body.
Takeaway:
Sesame oil is highly beneficial for heart health. It is rich in antioxidants, unsaturated fats, anti-inflammatory properties and many minerals that help to reduce the risk of heart diseases in the body. It is also used to treat many other diseases, such as diabetes, skin conditions, etc. You can use sesame oil in cooking and while messaging your body to improve your heart health.
