Dorothy FarrarSesame oil
Sesame oil is the oil made from black and white sesame seeds . The oil from natural seeds is pale yellow in color and has almost no odor. In addition, it is largely neutral in taste. This sesame oil is used as cooking oil in particular in Asian cuisine. Dark sesame oil is roasted and is characterized by an intense taste.
Here’s what you should know about sesame oil
Sesame has been used as an oil supplier since ancient times and is therefore considered to be the oldest oil plant known to mankind. In addition to the untreated sesame seeds, roasted seeds are also suitable for the production of oil.
The special feature of dark sesame oil is that it is characterized by an intense and aromatic taste and a strong scent. Sesame oil even plays a role in Ayurveda and is used, for example, as a forehead oil. In numerous countries around the world, sesame oil plays an important role in the kitchen and is comparable to butter in this country. For example, sesame oil is used for frying or refining dishes.
In particular, Asian meals from the pan or the wok are often characterized by the addition of sesame oil in their taste. In India, in traditional medicine, sesame oil is used not only for internal use but also for external treatment.
Each sesame capsule contains between 70 and 100 seeds, which are mainly grown in China, India and Mexico. Harvesting is almost entirely done by hand. The sesame plant originally comes from East Africa and spread to India, China and Latin America.
importance to health
Regular consumption of sesame oil can have a beneficial effect on health and in particular on blood lipid levels. Sesame oil is characterized by a high proportion of high-quality fatty acids. On average, the oil contains around 44 percent of polyunsaturated linoleic acid. This is considered health-promoting because it has a positive effect on blood clotting, for example .
In addition, linoleic acid also strengthens the function of the heart , can reduce elevated blood lipid levels and even help prevent hardening of the arteries and osteoporosis . In addition, the linoleic acid strengthens the teeth . In addition, the high proportion of the substances choline and lecithin has a positive effect on health.
Ingredients & nutritional values
Sesame oil has a very high calorie content. A quantity of 100 milliliters of sesame oil contains on average about 884 kilocalories. For this reason, the oil should always be consumed in moderation. The fat content is almost 100 grams, while no proteins, carbohydrates and fibers are contained in sesame oil.
The oil also contains various vitamins that can contribute to a balanced diet. For example, sesame oil contains vitamins B1, B2 and B3 as well as vitamin E.
| Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
| kilocalories/kilojoules | 884 kcal/ 3703 kj | |
| protein | 0,20 g | |
| carbohydrates | 0,00 g | |
| Fett | 100,00 g | |
| Water | 0,00 g | |
| fiber | 0,00 g | |
| Vitamin B3 | 100 µg | |
| Vitamin E | 370 µg | |
intolerances
Although allergic reactions and intolerance to the consumption of sesame oil are not common, they have been reported. For example, anaphylactic reactions can occur, which are expressed in the form of asthma , angioedema or rhinitis .
Gastrointestinal symptoms and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock can also occur. In children in particular, allergies to sesame products are increasing. In the majority of cases, allergic reactions to sesame oil are relatively quick and severe. However, many people who suffer from an allergy to sesame seeds tolerate the sesame oil without any problems. If unsure, tiny amounts should be taken to test the reaction.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Light sesame oil can usually be found in most supermarkets, while dark sesame oil is often not widely available. Both types of sesame oil are commonly available in organic stores or Asian grocery stores. When it comes to roasted sesame oil in particular, it pays off to choose an oil of ecological origin. The aroma of the sesame oil is much richer here.
In contrast to numerous other vegetable oils, storing sesame oil is very uncomplicated. Neither light nor air can quickly affect sesame oil. Due to the antioxidants contained in sesame oil, cold-pressed oil does not go rancid immediately. Nevertheless, a dark and cool storage is recommended, so that the sesame oil can last up to a year.
preparation tips
Sesame oil is suitable for refining salads and for cooking and frying. The spicy taste of the dark sesame oil goes particularly well with many Asian dishes and gives these dishes their characteristic aroma. Sesame oil is also ideal for seasoning soups and sauces and provides an exotic taste.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.