Sometimes, people got confused if the sesame oil is same as the olive oil. From origination point of view, they are not similar. There are two different root from where these two oils are extracted.
Though, they might have same beneficial aspects or some common characteristic features in terms nutritional value.
However, in this article, I ‘ll compare in between olive oil and sesame oil in terms of there benefits and uses. So, in order to get the answer if sesame oil is the same as olive oil; Keep reading upto the end.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Sesame Oil and Olive oil
Sesame oil is classed as a type of vegetable oil, pressed out of white sesame seeds. The same sesame seeds we like to sprinkle on stir fries, burger buns, and bagels.
Sesame seeds have a long history, and sesame oil is thought by historians to be one of, if not the first, cultivated oilseed from crops. It has been found that sesame oil was used in some of the world’s first civilizations – Mesopotamia! Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians used the oil not just for cooking, but for lamp fuel and medicines too!
The sesame oil takes on the rich, nutty flavour of the seeds – deeply earthly, slightly sweet, and very aromatic, the oil’s smell and taste is distinguishable on the spot.
On the other hand, unlike sesame oil, olive oil is extracted from a fruit. Its various extraction methods and the type of olives used lead to several varieties of the oil being widely available for use all over the world, each one having its own purposes.
Similar to sesame oil, olive oil and olive fruits have a long history. It began to be used more commonly in Mediterranean civilizations like ancient Greece and Rome thousands of years ago. Olives were so important to these cultures, that olive branches were fashioned into crowns for winners of the original Olympics, and olive fruits and leaves were engraved into coins and tombs to symbolize immortality.
The flavour, smell, and colour of olive oil depend on the method of extraction used. The ripeness of the olives when pressed are also a factor. Olive oil has only a slight but pleasant fragrance, and a rich herbal taste.
Sesame oil vs olive oil health
The sesame oil’s uses are far from limited to cooking purposes, though. Like olive oil, sesame oil has many more beneficial properties, making it incredibly useful.
a) Acne Relief
Like olive oil, sesame oil is anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It’s also antimicrobial, meaning it can prevent harmful microbes from wreaking havoc on the skin or in the body. It is largely considered safe to use directly on the skin in small amounts – a little oil can go a long way!
Ensuring the sesame oil is pure is also an important step – if the oil has been diluted with any other chemicals, it could cause issues after application. Sesame oil can be used on the face, neck, back, or other areas where acne, fungal or otherwise, is popping up.
b) Health benefits
Sesame oil is also full of vitamin E and several essential fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. Research into the oil’s effects on the body show that regular consumption of the oil will aid in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as lowering blood pressure.
At the same time, in case of olive oil, there are many more uses for olive oil besides cooking. Some health benefit for this oil is given below:
a) Antioxidant
The oil’s antioxidant properties make it useful to fight fine wrinkles and other signs of aging. Some use it in their hair to keep the scalp and hair roots moisturised and silky smooth, or as a makeup remover. Many people, and especially women, add olive oil to homemade hair masks, body scrubs using sugar and body wash, and body butters to sooth inflamed or dry skin.
b) Help or prevent health conditions
The monosaturated fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil are thought to aid in several kinds of health conditions. From soothing ear infections, lowering cholesterol, and decreasing risk of diabetes, olive oil’s benefits exceed all expectations.
A few drops of olive oil can help with ear infections, or to loosen hardened ear wax. To reap the medicinal benefits of olive oil’s fatty acids, be sure to either use the oil in place of other oils, butter or margarine.
c) To remove or loosen things
Olive oil can be used a lubricant for all sorts of things. It can loosen hardened candle wax from surfaces by applying oil to the surface of the candle holder plate or table the candle is sitting on. If there’s gum or paint stuck in hair or on skin, olive oil can be applied to remove it gently. Stickers, tape, and glue can also be unstuck from surfaces using the oil.
Cooking with sesame oil vs olive oil
Sesame oil’s most popular use is in cooking, as its superior flavour and aroma add a wonderful twist to so many dishes. It is popularly used in Asian cuisine, and often paired with soy sauce. In Chinese dishes especially, the seed oil is used to lift up the taste of many meat-based dishes – pork, beef, chicken, and fish all combine well with the oil. Many even enjoy a cold serving of silken tofu with hot sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili poured over the top.
On the contrary, Olive oil is also popularly used in cooking. It can be used as a flavour enhancer without being heated up when added to dishes like salads, pasta, and bread. Pure or pomace olive oils with high smoking points can be used to sauté and fry foods at a much higher temperature.
Price
Both oils are widely available all around the world. Depending on the kind and purpose of the oil, prices vary, and can get expensive for rare or high-quality variants. However, both oils come in name-brand options that are mostly affordable for everyone.
Conclusion
So, now, please tell – is sesame oil the same as olive oil? Hope, you can answer well. Both olive oil and sesame oil are delicious, timeless additions to all kinds of cuisines. While sesame oil does have a longer history of use, olive oil is now just as versatile and tasty. Keep in mind that sesame oil is also medicinal, and olive oil is handy to keep around the house as a surface lubricant or polish!