There are dozens of different cooking oils out there, all made from different things and through different processes. Each of these unique oils has special benefits and qualities for our bodies. Two extremely popular types of cooking oils used today is sesame oil and olive oil. They both have great health benefits and wonderful flavors, but are very different.
All About Sesame Oil
1. Basics
Sesame oil is a vegetable oil made from either raw or toasted sesame seeds. This ancient seed has been used for thousands of years for multiple different health benefits. The use of sesame oil is virtually endless and is most commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes.
2. Nutrients
Sesame oil is not only very tasty and smells delicious but is quite good for you as well. It is very high in vitamin E which has been shown to have great effects for heart health. Sesame oil is also a great source of protein, with 4.7 grams an ounce. Vitamin K, zinc, iron, fiber, and protein is also plentiful in sesame oil.
3. Benefits
Sesame oil has a number of impressive benefits for your health. Studies have shown the magnesium in the sesame seeds to help prevent type 2 diabetes. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure, improve skin and help to improve skin conditions. Another huge plus of sesame oil is that sesame seeds contain phytate, which holds anti-cancer properties. The zinc in sesame seeds are also wonderful for bone health.
4. Production
There are two different types of sesame oils, cold pressed and toasted. The difference between these two is that with cold pressed oils the oil is extracted from raw seeds that have not been cooked or treated in any way. With toasted sesame oil the seeds are first toasted slightly before the oil is extracted. The amount of large scale facilities that manufacture sesame oil is impacted by the places that sesame seeds primarily grow, which is in developing countries in South America mainly. Many different types of presses are used including ram presses, bridge presses and small scale expellers in order to extract the oil.
Olive Oil Overview
1. Basics
Olive oil is a type of oil that is obtained from the fruits that grow on the olive trees, referred to as olives. They are picked at peak ripeness and the oil is extracted. Olive oil is considered one of the most health conscious oils that is used. It boasts a multitude of different health benefits and nutrients for the body. It’s uses are also endless.
2. Health
Olive oil is a very healthy alternative to other types of cooking mediums, such as butter. It greatly helps to prevent and reduce your risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. It also aids in combating cancer cells from growing, developing diabetes, and lowering blood pressure.
3. Nutrients
Olive oil has a great deal of beneficial vitamins and minerals. There are many different types of olive oil and the exact amount of each of these nutrients will depend on which type is being used. Calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin b, and potassium are all present in relatively impressive amounts. These have great benefits for your skin, nails, hair, and overall health.
Differences Between Sesame Oil and Olive Oil
1. Nutrients
The biggest difference between sesame oil and olive oil is the amount and variety of nutrients that you are supplied. While sesame oil does provide some nutrients, such as magnesium, it doesn’t boast very much. Olive oil however has a very wide range of vitamins and minerals in plentiful amounts.
2. What It’s Made Of
Another key difference between sesame and olive oil is the obvious….what they are made of. Olive oil is made from ripe olives, which grow on the olive tree. Sesame oil is made from either raw or toasted sesame seeds which grow on the sesame plant.
3. Origin
Olive oil is widely used today, but it originated in places in Europe such as Greece and Italy. Sesame oil is also widely used but mainly with Asian or Oriental dishes.