Sesame Oil

Chronic inflammation can be harmful and lead to illness, which is why it’s important to limit it as much as possible.
Traditional Taiwanese medicine has long employed sesame oil for its anti-inflammatory properties, using it to treat joint inflammation, toothaches, and scrapes (7Trusted Source). More recently, animal and test-tube studies have shown that sesame oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of its main health benefits.
For example, test-tube studies have found that sesame oil reduced inflammatory markers, such as nitric oxide production (1Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source). However, more studies in humans are needed.
SUMMARY Animal and test-tube studies show that sesame oil may reduce inflammation. However, more studies in humans are needed.

A well-established body of research shows that a diet rich in unsaturated fats is good for heart health (9, 10Trusted Source). Sesame oil comprises 82% unsaturated fatty acids (11).
In particular, it’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential to your diet and plays an important role in heart disease prevention (12Trusted Source).
Research in rats suggests that sesame oil may help prevent heart disease and even slow the development of plaque in your arteries (1Trusted Source). In fact, it may lower your cholesterol levels when used in place of oils high in saturated fats.
A 1-month study in 48 adults found those who consumed 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of sesame oil daily had greater reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, compared with those who consumed olive oil (13Trusted Source).
SUMMARY Sesame oil is a healthy oil rich in monounsaturated fats, which may reduce heart disease risk factors.

Sesame oil may support healthy blood sugar regulation, which is especially important for people with diabetes. One study showed that putting rats with diabetes on a 6% sesame oil diet for 42 days resulted in significant reductions in blood sugar, compared with rats that were not fed the oil (14Trusted Source).
Sesame oil may even play a role in long-term blood sugar regulation.
A study in 46 adults with type 2 diabetes found that taking sesame oil for 90 days significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), compared with a placebo group. HbA1c levels are an indicator of long-term blood sugar control (15Trusted Source).
SUMMARY Consuming sesame oil may help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 15% of the population and is a common cause of joint pain (16Trusted Source).
Several rodent studies have linked sesame oil to improvements in arthritis (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source). In one 28-day study, researchers gave the oil to rats at daily doses of 0.5 ml per pound (1 ml per kg) of body weight. The rats experienced reduced markers of oxidative stress and arthritic symptoms, such as joint pain (16Trusted Source).
Although animal studies have demonstrated that sesame oil may offer arthritis relief, research in humans is needed.
SUMMARY Sesame oil may improve symptoms of arthritis, but research is limited to animal studies at this time.

While sesame oil can be consumed for its health benefits, it may also be used topically for wounds and burns. Ozone is a natural gas that can be used medically. Its clinical use dates back to 1914 when it was used to treat infections during World War I. Oils with ozone added to them — known as ozonated oils — are used topically to treat various skin conditions (21Trusted Source).
In one rat study, topical treatment with ozonated sesame oil was linked to higher levels of collagen in wound tissue. Collagen is a structural protein necessary for wound healing (21Trusted Source).
Other studies have demonstrated that topical treatment with sesame oil reduced burn and wound healing time in mice, though human research in this area is lacking (22Trusted Source, 23).
The oil’s ability to speed the healing of wounds and burns can likely be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (24Trusted Source).
SUMMARY Sesame oil is a natural product that may help heal wounds and burns. However, research is limited to rodent studies, and more research in humans is needed.

Some research shows that sesame oil may protect against damage from UV rays, which can harm your skin. This effect is likely largely due to its high antioxidant content (25Trusted Source).
In fact, it has the ability to resist 30% of UV rays, while many other oils, such as coconut, peanut, and olive oils, can resist only 20% (25Trusted Source).
Several sources claim that sesame oil can be a good natural sunscreen and has a natural SPF. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness to protect from the strong rays of the sun, so it’s best to use sunscreen.
SUMMARY While sesame oil may have some ability to repel UV rays, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness. It’s still best to use sunscreen.

Although research is limited, some evidence suggests that sesame oil may offer the following benefits:
8. May improve sleep quality. One study showed that dripping sesame oil on the foreheads of 20 participants during seven, 30-minute sessions over a 2-week period improved sleep quality and quality of life, compared with a placebo treatment (26Trusted Source).
9. Topical application may relieve pain. Some studies have shown that a massage with sesame oil may help reduce arm and leg pain (7Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).
10. May improve hair health. Compounds in this oil may increase hair shine and strength. An eight-week study found that taking supplements consisting of sesamin and vitamin E daily enhanced hair strength and shine (28Trusted Source).
SUMMARY Though more extensive research is needed, sesame oil may improve sleep, enhance hair health, and relieve pain when used topically.