Sesame oil is made from raw or toasted sesame seeds. It's a popular cooking oil in Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.The seeds come from the sesame (Sesamum indicum) plant. The seeds are high in protein and B vitamins, but sesame oil doesn’t contain the protein or many of the essential vitamins and minerals. It does, however, keep the fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin E and phytosterols. Sesame seed oil is often used to sauté meats and vegetables or is added to dressings and marinades.Sesame oil is believed to have some important health benefits, like providing heart-healthy fats, combating inflammation, and protecting skin from sun damage.