Gingelly Oil is the earliest known crop-based oil. Often considered to be the ‘Queen of oils’, this oil has been used for centuries. They are packed with tremendous health benefits.
Are Gingelly Oil & Sesame Oil the Same?
Now comes the million-dollar question – Are Gingelly oil & Sesame Oil the same? Gingelly Oil & Sesame oil both come from the same set of parent seeds (sesame seeds). The origin point of these oils is the same but the difference is in the processing of parent seeds before the extraction of either Gingelly oil or Sesame oil.
They have quite a different coloring.
Both gingelly oil & sesame oil can and are used in cooking. Sesame oil has two distinct colorings. The light yellow-colored sesame oil is used for deep frying, and stir-frying. They have a high smoke point. Dark brown sesame oil is generally used as dressing oil. They are flavor enhancers. The dark brown sesame oil has low smoking oil.
Whereas gingelly oil is amber in color. They have a low smoking point. They are normally used for stir-frying. gingelly oil when used as a dressing oil acts as a flavor enhancer.
I would recommend adding a spoon of gingelly oil to curries at the tail end of cooking. This will bring out the flavor of dishes multiple times
How can Gingelly oil help with haircare?
Loaded with Vitamin E & B Complex, both Gingelly Oil & Sesame oil are excellent promoters of scalp health leading to strong & thick strands of hair.
They improve the quality of hair leaving you with lesser split ends or dry hair.
The abundant availability of minerals in the oil such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus & other proteins helps to deeply nourish the hair whilst strengthening them from the roots.
Gingelly oil can help reduce hair thinning, patches, or hair loss. Regular usage of this oil will help reduce hair loss or help in hair regrowth.
They also have antibacterial & antiinflammation properties which can help alleviate a few common scalp infections.
This oil is a great moisturizer and may help in moisturizing dry scalps.
How to apply Gingelly Oil on hair?
Warm required quantity of oil. Apply the oil from roots to hair tips. Allow the oil to do its work, and leave it on the hair for at least 20 minutes or overnight. Wash off the hair with mild cleanser & warm water.
Massage your hair with gingelly oil twice a week for better results.
Another method is to mix equal parts of gingelly oil & almond oil. Apply on to your hair. Give it a hot towel treatment. This will keep the hair healthy & shining. Apply this oil thrice a week for best results.
In conclusion, gingelly oil prevents hair loss, acts as a deep conditioner as well as revitalizes stressed hair.
Read : Greens: The Power-Packed Nutrient Source for a Healthy Life
How can Gingelly oil help with skincare?
Gingelly oil is one of the components of Ayurveda that’s widely used in skin treatments.
Gingelly oil is rich in antioxidants as such regular use of the oil can lead to skin whitening or de-tanning of discolored skin. However, do not expect an overnight miracle. gingelly oil has to be used quite regularly for one to see the result. The changes will happen gradually & slowly.
Regular application of gingelly oil smooths skin as well as acts as a moisturizer.
Gingelly oil is known to have cooling properties, they are generally used to massage bodies that tend to overheat.
Gingelly oil is especially helpful to acne-prone skin. They help in the removal of acne scars.
Ayurveda uses Gingelly oil in healing cracked heels. Daily application of this oil into these areas gradually repairs and heals the cracks in the skin.
What are the health benefits of Gingelly oil?
Gingelly oil not only helps in hair & skin care. But they are packed with nutritious benefits for your health too. So what are they? Let’s have a look
Heart Health:
Gingelly oil is rich in antioxidants known as Sesamol & Sesaminol. They are not only antioxidants but also ant-inflammatory which help in keeping your heart strong by preventing any build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Gingelly oil is rich in magnesium which helps in controlling your hypertension.
It’s also known to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing the level of good cholesterol.
Control Diabetes:
Gingelly oil is known as an effective combatting agent of diabetes. They improve the effects of medication taken to control diabetes.
Not just that it also helps in keeping the glucose level low.
Anti Carcinogenic :
Gingelly oil has a compound called sesamin in plentiful quantities. This is highly effective in stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Gingelly oil was found to be quite effective with cancers affecting the prostate, ovaries & colon.
As mentioned Magnesium present in this oil helps in decreasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Bone Health:
Deficiency in Zinc leads to brittle bones or osteoporosis in the hip & joint. Gingelly oil contains zinc which promotes bone health while boosting bone mineral density
Oral Health:
Ayurveda uses Gingelly oil for oil pulling. Oil pulling is a technique where you gargle & swish a mouthful of oil for two to three minutes, spitting it out & rinsing your mouth. This is done before brushing your teeth.
Oil pulling helps in getting rid of plaque & harmful bacteria residing in your mouth. It also enhances your gum health.
** Note people with nut allergies, exercise caution when using gingelly oil for the first time.