Cold-pressed sesame oil – what does it taste like and what are its properties?

Sesame oil is not only a tasty and versatile culinary product, but also a fragrant substance brimming with health benefits. Considered the oldest edible oil in the world, it has been used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes for millennia. Today, it is once again attracting attention, not least because of its beneficial properties. What is worth knowing about cold-pressed sesame oil? How does it work and where can we benefit from its properties?

Cold-pressed sesame oil – why is it worth taking an interest in?

Sesame oil is a vegetable oil typical of Asian cultures, extracted from light and dark sesame seeds. As the production method suggests, this oil is not intended for frying, but for enhancing prepared dishes. Depending on the seeds used in production, the oil may have an aromatic flavour when made from dark seeds, or a mild, neutral flavour and aroma when made from light seeds. In terms of its composition, sesame oil contains a balanced amount of fatty acids, making it suitable for everyday use as an addition to dishes.

But what is worth knowing about cold-pressed sesame oil itself? It is extracted from the seeds of the sesame plant, which ripen throughout the year. Cold-pressing is a particularly gentle process, as the nutrients found in the seeds are largely preserved in the finished product. The high concentration of active ingredients is due to the use of very low temperatures – by refining standards – which do not exceed 35°C.

The valuable properties of cold-pressed sesame oil

Cold-pressed sesame oil is considered a very healthy source of fats, as it consists of around 87 per cent unsaturated fatty acids. Particularly notable is its high content of linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid. It has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, strengthens heart function and improves blood clotting, thereby helping to prevent osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Further health benefits of sesame oil stem from its content of antioxidants with anti-cancer properties, as well as a certain amount of lecithin, provitamin A, vitamin E and phytosterols.

These active components of sesame oil give it the following health-promoting properties:

• Antioxidant properties – cold-pressed sesameoilnaturally contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidation. It also helps protect the skin from external factors such as UV rays. Furthermore, it contains active ingredients such as sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, sesaminol and other antioxidants that promote cell regeneration;
• Regenerative properties –thanks toits rich composition of lipids and antioxidants, sesame oil has highly nourishing and free-radical-scavenging properties. It aids in the regeneration of the epidermis, thereby also providing anti-ageing benefits. It also combats irritation and excessive flaking of the skin;
• Penetrating properties – vegetableoildoes not necessarily mean greasy skin. Sesame oil penetrates the skin perfectly and does not leave behind that familiar greasy film. It is also widely used as a massage oil for all kinds of massages;
• Cardioprotective properties –thanks tosesamin, consuming sesame oil helps to reduce blood lipid levels and, in particular, prevent the build-up of excessive cholesterol in the arteries. What is more, the fatty acids contained in the oil have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and increase levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, whilst simultaneously lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. It is said that cold-pressed sesame oil has anti-atherosclerotic properties and also helps in the prevention of diabetes.

The wide range of uses for cold-pressed sesame oil – recommended not only in the kitchen

Given the numerous valuable components of cold-pressed sesame oil, it is clear why this oil is so popular throughout Asia and Africa. How can we put the benefits of regular use of this oil into practice, beyond simply using it as a cooking ingredient?

Here are some of the most interesting and helpful uses for sesame oil:

• Deep skin moisturisation – sesameoilis traditionally used as a natural, effective moisturiser. The oil owes its nourishing properties to the vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids it contains. It provides visible hydration to skin cells, protecting and strengthening them against attacks from pathogens and pollutants that cause various infections. Due to its aroma, it also acts as a deodoriser, ideal for demanding, stressed and sensitive skin;
• Boosting the immune system – cold-pressed sesameoilowes its nourishing and beneficial effects primarily to its wealth of nutrients. Vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants help the body maintain long-term health. Vitamins A and E contained in the oil have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant effects, playing a direct role in defence against pathogens and harmful substances;
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases –alongwith linseed oil and black cumin oil, cold-pressed sesame oil is one of those vegetable oils characterised by an exceptionally high content of unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin. Not only do they help build new cells in the body, they also prevent the build-up of excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and arteries. Regular use of sesame oil therefore helps to strengthen the circulatory system and protect the heart;
• Improved skin and hair condition –thanks toits gentle, natural action and subtle fragrance, the oil is suitable for use all over the body, including the face, scalp and hair. A massage with cold-pressed sesame oil soothes and brings relief to a dry scalp, whilst strengthening and nourishing brittle and dry hair.

Cold-pressed sesame oil for joints – is it effective?

A distinctive property – and consequently a key use – of sesame oil is its anti-inflammatory effect. Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin E, phytosterols, lignans and other active compounds, these substances not only combat free radicals in the body but also reduce the severity of existing inflammation.

Many cultures have used cold-pressed sesame oil in traditional medicine as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Traditional Chinese medicine has used it to treat joint pain, toothache, cuts, grazes and cramps caused by premenstrual tension.

Although further research is needed, many people have found the anti-inflammatory properties of sesame oil helpful in managing chronic arthritis. When applied directly to the inflamed area or taken as a dietary supplement, some researchers believe it can effectively reduce markers of inflammation.

Cold-pressed sesame oil – what is it good for?

Over the years, cold-pressed sesame oil has found its place in many beauty and culinary practices. Thanks to its natural and healthy composition, the oil is suitable for:

• Use on the skin – cold-pressedoilfrom light-coloured seeds can be applied directly to the skin. It exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells and moisturises it, preventing spots and blackheads whilst reducing existing scars;
• Application to hair and scalp –it repairsheat damage, such as split ends. It improves the appearance of curls, making them longer and stronger. It also promotes hair growth and helps reduce dandruff on the scalp;
• For massage –thanks toits relaxing properties, it is ideal for relaxation massages and for relieving pain in the hands and legs, or inflammation of the joints. Its excellent properties ensure that the skin is deeply nourished during the massage, whilst the soothing aroma makes for a moment of pampering and relaxation;
• For use in the kitchen –in addition toits wide range of beauty and health applications, cold-pressed sesame oil is particularly well-suited for use in the kitchen, where it can be utilised in many different ways. Stronger in flavour than its refined counterpart, cold-pressed oil effectively enhances the flavour of dishes, which is why it is mainly used for seasoning and garnishing ready-made meals.

Cold-pressed sesame oil – how much should you use and how should you use it?

Versatile cold-pressed sesame oil can be used in the kitchen according to taste and preference, without regard to dosage. However, it is important to bear in mind that dark oil made from roasted sesame seeds is significantly more intense than the mild, unroasted oil from white seeds.

As a skin and hair care product, it should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. When used in its pure form as an additive for massage or in the bath, applying approximately 125 millilitres of the oil is sufficient to achieve the desired cleansing effect and deep relaxation. Interestingly, when used as a massage oil, it only reaches its full potency once heated to a temperature of around 100°C.

For therapeutic and preventative purposes, cold-pressed sesame oil should be consumed before a meal, preferably on an empty stomach. The recommended dose in this case is onefull tablespoon of sesame oil per day.

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