About Sesame Oil for High Blood Pressure
Health experts believe that sesame seed oil may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Research suggests that including sesame seed oil in the diet can lower a person's blood pressure. A study done at Annamalai University showed that high blood pressure patients that were taken off of their blood pressure medication and given sesame seed oil had their blood pressure drop to normal levels.
Expert Insight
The patients participating in the research study at Annamalai University in India used sesame seed oil as their only source of cooking oil. After three weeks, their blood pressure started to lower. In 45 days, their blood pressure was at normal levels. When patients discontinued using sesame seed oil in their diets, their blood pressure went back up again.
The Facts
Researchers believe the vitamin E and sesamin contained in sesame seed oil are responsible for the healthful benefits to high blood pressure patients.
Benefits
Sesame seed oil has other health benefits that can indirectly benefit high blood pressure patients. Sesame seed oil is high in polyunsaturated fats and contains high amounts of antioxidants. Polyunsaturated fats are good fats that help lower cholesterol. Sesame seed oil does not contain saturated fats, which are bad fats that can cause high cholesterol.
History of
Sesame seed oil is a popular ingredient in Asian foods. Asian cultures have long considered sesame seed oil to be a health food. It is also traditionally used to impart flavor in Asian foods. oil was one of the first crops humans cultivated. The oil was not brought to the United States until the 1930s.
Features
Sesame seed oil comes in two varieties--light and dark. The lighter variety of sesame seed oil has a mild flavor that has hint of sesame seed flavor. The dark variety is made from toasted sesame seeds which contributes to the dark color. Dark sesame seed oil has a strong flavor that may take some getting used to if you are not accustomed to it. Both varieties contain the same beneficial ingredients. Sesame seed oil has a high heat tolerance and does not break down easily in heat. The oil can be used at a high heat without losing valuable nutrients.
Significance
The results of the sesame seed oil study showed promising results for high blood pressure patients. Including sesame seed oil in the diet is an easy adjustment to a person's eating habits that has the potential to significantly enhance health.
When using sesame seed oil to reduce blood pressure, it is important to use it as the only source of cooking oil or at least as a frequent source of cooking oil. For those who are not familiar with cooking with sesame seed oil, an Asian cookbook can be helpful. Sesame seed oil compliments Asian dishes quite well. Vegetables and chicken also tend to taste good when cooked in sesame seed oil.
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