Research shows that sesame oil has the function of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and is also very helpful for improving cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
This study recruited 40 patients with both diabetes and high blood pressure, all of whom were taking medication to control their blood pressure. Researchers asked these 40 participants to stop using the oil they normally used for cooking at home and switch to sesame oil for a period of 45 days. After 45 days, they immediately switched to palm oil or peanut oil for another 45 days. The results showed that when these patients cooked with sesame oil, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly. However, when they switched to palm oil or peanut oil, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rose again.
In addition, the study also observed that during the period when these patients consumed sesame oil, their body weight, body mass index, and waist-to-hip circumference showed a decreasing trend, and their blood sugar, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol all decreased to varying degrees. This is because sesame oil contains a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and these two components have been proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and improve heart health.
It is worth noting that although sesame oil is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, excessive intake is still not advisable.