Extracted from sesame seeds, sesame oil is a flavorful oil widely used in Asian cuisine. It comes in two main varieties: toasted and untoasted.

• Toasted Sesame Oil: This variety undergoes a roasting process that intensifies its nutty flavor and aroma. It’s typically used as a finishing touch for dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings, adding a rich, toasty element.

• Untoasted Sesame Oil: This version has a more subtle, nutty flavor and a lighter color. It has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures like stir-frying or sauteing.

Both toasted and untoasted sesame oil are good sources of healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which can benefit heart health. They also contain antioxidants like sesamin and sesamol, which may help protect your cells from damage.

Here’s a deeper dive into the benefits of sesame oil:

• Heart Health: The healthy fats in sesame oil may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Sesame oil’s antioxidant content helps fight free radicals in the body, which can contribute to aging and various diseases.