Food Facts: Tahini

Tahini has been a favorite of ours for years and for good reason. Besides being insanely delicious, it’s also extremely nutritious, which is basically the best type of combo! With Middle Eastern roots, this paste is made from ground toasted sesame seeds and is a key ingredient in other favorites like hummus or baba ganoush. 

Although Tahini, which is also called tahina, has been around for centuries, it’s become more popular worldwide in recent years.  With a deep nutty flavor and the perfect amount of creaminess; it’s a great added touch to so many dishes including baked goods. Tahina also has multitude of health benefits, some of which include: 

• Aids with Cholesterol and Blood Pressure – Sesame seeds possess several properties that help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels. This in turn promotes good overall cardiovascular health and helps fight-off heart related diseases.
• Rich in Amino Acids and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – Filled with healthy fats, sesame seeds also have a significant amount of amino acids compared to many others seeds and nuts, making tahini a yummy go-to for that extra boost of nutrition. 
• Promotes Healthy Skin – Tahini is packed with nutrients that are needed for healthy skin including but not limited to vitamin E, b vitamins and zinc. Luckily you don’t need to use it topically to reap the benefits because just ingesting this beautifying ingredient will do the trick.
• Balances Hormones – Tahini contains hormonal properties like phytoestrogens that help balance out our estrogen levels. This is significant especially for women going through menopause, since it can help with reducing symptoms. 
• Increases Nutrient Absorption – Sesame seeds and sesame oil help to increase the absorption of nutrients within the body. Vitamin E’s absorption in particular is increased which is why tahina can be a good choice to help ward off age-related diseases.  

If you’re not already a fan of tahini then now’s your chance since there’s an abundance of yummy recipes out there that incorporate this healthy ingredient. Make sure to check out all of our favorite tahini recipes including Katherine’s Tahini Herb Vinaigrette , the perfect dressing to add some pizzazz to your salads. 

Like with anything, it’s important to eat tahini in moderation and to choose one that’s good quality and that isn’t filled with unnecessary ingredients. You can even try making your own which is obviously the best kind and something we can’t wait to try out soon too and share with you when we do!