How does sesame seed oil lower blood pressure?

How does sesame seed oil help lower blood pressure?

Sesame seeds come from the plant Sesamum indicum, which belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. Sesame seeds and its oil has been used for thousands of years. Sesame likely originated in the Indus Valley civilization. It was one of the first crops grown to make oil.

This ancient oil has gained modern attention not only for its culinary uses but also for its impressive health benefits, particularly its ability to lower blood pressure naturally.

How can sesame oil help keep your heart healthy?

In a clinical study, participants with high blood pressure consumed sesame seed oil daily, and after 60 days, their blood pressure had returned to within a normal range. This suggests that sesame seed oil may be a natural and effective addition to hypertension management.

1. Sesame seed oil is rich in unique compounds called lignans, including sesamin and sesamol, which act as powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, a key factor in the development of high blood pressure and heart disease.

2. Additionally, sesame seed oil contains vitamin E, which is known to improve blood vessel health and support overall cardiovascular function.

3. The oil is also a good source of essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Magnesium, in particular, plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax and improving blood flow.

4. Sesame seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce blood vessel inflammation and support heart health. Its polyunsaturated fats lower cholesterol levels, which also helps control blood pressure. By reducing both inflammation and cholesterol, sesame oil prevents plaque buildup in the arteries and lowers the risk of heart problems.

5. Sesame seed oil also supports the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps widen blood vessels and improve circulation. Better circulation reduces the workload on the heart and keeps blood pressure in a healthy range.

Serving Ideas

You can easily add sesame seed oil to your diet by using it in salad dressings, stir-fries, or drizzling it on cooked vegetables. While it should not replace medical treatment, it can be a helpful part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Sesame seed oil’s mix of antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals helps lower blood pressure and supports heart health.