Epic source
Energy
896 kcal · 45% DV target
A fragrant, amber-hued oil with a distinctively nutty aroma and high smoke point, sesame oil provides a rich source of unsaturated fats and unique plant lignans.
Sesame oil is primarily composed of unsaturated fats, specifically linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat), which are essential components for cardiovascular health and cannot be produced by the body .312
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials indicate that sesame oil consumption can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and systolic and diastolic blood pressure .26
The oil contains unique bioactive lignans (plant compounds) such as sesamin and sesamolin, as well as phytosterols and vitamin E, which contribute to its antioxidant properties and stability .348
While sesame oil is linked to improvements in metabolic biomarkers like body weight and BMI, some researchers note that the overall certainty of evidence for certain cardiovascular benefits remains low due to variations in study design .24
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
896 kcal · 45% DV target
99.9 g · 128% DV target
14.5 g · 73% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
0.35 g · Top 9% of fats & oils
41.1 g · Top 1% of fats & oils
1.20 mg · 8% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity.
Refrigeration extends shelf life but may cause cloudiness.
Sesame is a drought-tolerant crop requiring minimal water and pesticides.
Sesame is one of the oldest known oilseed crops, having been cultivated for over 5,000 years, and its oil was historically used as a primary fuel for lamps in ancient India.