This paste made from sesame seeds is one of the key ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. Scientific studies draw attention to how people in the countries around the Mediterranean seem to suffer less from diabetes, obesity and other serious health issues that affect citizens in Western Europe and the USA. Evidence points towards differences in the diet as a key to understanding these health variations. Tahini is rich in the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies require. It is better to use tahini made from whole sesame seeds (unhulled) as this contains the maximum amount of nutrients. It can be cooked or smeared onto pita bread.

A Health-giving cocktail of vitamins and minerals

A healthy individual can absorb all the minerals and vitamins they need through the food they eat, and moderate exposure to sunshine. Poor eating habits account for a significant portion of cases where the doctor discovers that the patient is very low on vitamin B, C or another vital element. Some try to correct imbalances with vitamin supplements, but everyone agrees it is preferable to get all you need from the food supply. Eaters of tahini receive generous doses of the vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15 and vitamin E in their meals. Tahini is also very rich in magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and other minerals.

Good for diabetes

Both the number of people with diabetes and people living close to the diabetes borderline have been on the increase across the western world. People with diabetes tend to suffer from high cholesterol, and this increases their risk of strokes and other heart problems. Tahini is one of those very beneficial foods that help people bring down and keep down bad cholesterol. Analysis of the makeup of sesame seeds explains why tahini makes such a sensible addition to diabetes meal plans. These seeds contain antithrombotic compounds that help to lower levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Avoid becoming anemic

People with anemia lack sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen around their bodies, and consequently, they suffer from severe fatigue. They might also feel dizzy or have shortness of breath and other disturbing health issues. A lack of sufficient iron in the diet leads to anemia. Natural cure experts claim that tahini is a good substitute for iron supplements. A single tablespoon of tahini contains approximately 2mg of iron which is almost a seventh of the amount recommended to take each day.

Friendly to the digestive system

Although some individuals enjoy eating raw sesame seeds, getting these nutrients in the form of tahini has many advantages. This is especially helpful for anyone who has digestion problems, for example, very elderly individuals or patients recovering from surgery. When sesame seeds are ground into tahini, even those with the weakest digestive systems have no trouble digesting them. There is some evidence that tahini also helps the body digest harder foodstuffs.

Could help to relieve rheumatic pain

Copper is another of the key minerals that tahini possesses in generous quantities. Research has uncovered the importance of copper in pain relief and the reduction of swelling. Some research suggests that the anti-inflammatory qualities of copper are valuable in several kinds of treatments. It helps to ease the suffering of severe rheumatic pains. Asthmatics also benefits because it helps to widen the body’s airways and thus reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks. In addition to copper, the magnesium found in tahini helps to relieve asthma symptoms.

Reduces risks of cardiovascular problems

The heart health advantages tahini brings are not restricted to people with diabetes. Although this group of people is one of the higher risk groups for cardiovascular issues, the statistics show that even seemingly young and healthy people get strokes and heart attacks. Although a tablespoon of tahini contains 8 grams of fat, four-fifths of this is the unsaturated fat that not only helps lower cholesterol, but it also reduces the inflammation that heart disease causes. Studies show how tahini provides a tenth of the recommended daily intake of Omega-3 unsaturated fat.

Might be useful in preventing and treating degenerative diseases

The increasing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and comparable conditions motivates research into ways of preventing or at least slowing down the deterioration. Studies indicate how omega-3 and omega-6 fats in tahini are good for mental and emotional health. Brain functioning is optimized, and the person’s mood improves. Advocates of the healing powers of natural foodstuffs believe that adding tahini to the diet could hold back the spread of Alzheimer’s disease. There are hopes that this is more than a theory but a step closer to developing an effective treatment plan.

An ally in the fight against obesity

All the media attention on obesity issues over the last decade is connected with a growing realization of the serious health risks this condition poses. The medical opinion recognizes the advantages of the Mediterranean diet keeping weight down while still supplying the nutrients healthy people require. The high amount of alkaline in tahini makes it easy to digest, and this same mineral content also happens to be very beneficial to anyone trying to lose weight. Tahini fits well into dieting plans since in addition to promoting weight reduction it is rich in protein.

Use tahini to improve the complexion

Skin and hair care is one of the health areas where you would least expect tahini to prove useful, so it comes as a surprise to find out how it is successfully employed. To begin with, the range of vitamin B types tahini provides strengthens red blood cells. This connects directly with improved skin and hair quality. Even those who do not care for the taste of tahini might enhance their complexion by using this paste as a facemask

Helps to strengthen the immune system

The important role of the liver in removing poisons from the body cannot be underestimated. The high concentration of Omega-3 unsaturated fat improves liver functioning by detoxifying this organ. The rich deposits of copper in tahini assist the immune system to use its antioxidant capabilities more efficiently. Thus the body is better able to resist the attacks on cell tissue from free radical compounds and the infections this causes.