Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste – Unsweetened)
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. This entry focuses on unsweetened, natural tahini, typically made from just sesame seeds (and sometimes salt). It’s a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines, known for its distinctive, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor. It provides healthy fats, protein, fiber, and is a particularly good source of certain minerals
Benefits
- Provides Essential Nutrients: A good source of healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
- Supports Heart Health: The healthy fats and minerals may contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.
- Supports Bone Health: a surprisingly good source of calcium, especially if made from unhulled sesame seeds.
- Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response and Immune Function: Contains antioxidants that can help manage inflammation.
- Supports Muscle Health: Contains protein
- May Support Joint Health: Contains antioxidant compounds.
Considerations
- Sesame Allergy: Sesame is a significant allergen. Not suitable for individuals with sesame allergies.
- Bitterness: Tahini can have a slightly bitter taste, which some people may not enjoy.
- High Calorie: Like all nut/seed butters, tahini is calorie-dense due to its fat content.
- Phytic Acid: Sesame seeds contain phytic acid.
- Separation: Natural tahini tends to separate, with the oil rising to the top. This is normal; simply stir well before using.
Taste Profile
Nutty, slightly bitter, and savory flavor. The texture is typically smooth and creamy.
Usage Tips
- A key ingredient in hummus and baba ghanoush. Used in salad dressings, sauces, dips, and as a spread. Can also be added to smoothies or used in baking. Stir well before each use, as the oil tends to separate.
Wellness Alignment
By Goal:
- Digestive & Gut Health: Contains fiber.
- Energy & Vitality: Healthy fats and protein provide sustained energy.
- Immune & Detox Support: Antioxidant properties.
- Bone, Joint & Muscle Health: Protein for muscle maintenance; calcium.
- Daily Foundational Nutrition: Nutrient-dense food, providing healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
By Condition/Insight:
- General Cardiovascular Support: May promote heart health due to healthy fats and minerals.
- Healthy Inflammatory Response Support: Contains antioxidants.
- Gut Comfort & Function Support: Contains fiber.
- General Digestive Support: Source of fiber.
- Calcium & Magnesium Deficiency: Good source of calcium (especially from unhulled sesame seeds).
- General Bone & Joint Support: Good source of calcium and protein
- Arthritis Support: Contains antioxidants.
Dietary & Lifestyle Tags:
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Sugar-Free, Caffeine-Free, Organic (Check Label), Non-GMO (Check Label), Keto-Friendly, Low Carb, Allergen-Friendly
- Natural, unsweetened tahini is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and caffeine-free. Organic and non-GMO status depend on the specific product. It is NOT allergen-friendly due to sesame allergies.
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