Functional foods: top-notch tahini
By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT
Tahini is a totally addictive nutritious super food that deserves more love. Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It is a Middle Eastern condiment, but also found in other countries cuisines. Luckily tahini is gaining more attention in North America thanks to a growing number of plant-based eaters. Its smooth texture and savoury taste make it a delightful dip for raw veggies. Tahini is also a super star sidekick ingredient found in hummus, baba ghanoush and halva. It’s a huge holistic stupendous swap for nut butters in recipes. Trust me and add to banana bread, cookies and make muffins magical. Tahini pairs perfectly with pumpkin, carrot and zucchini muffins. Tahini is a top-notch flavourful fat and combined with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and your favourite slew of spices, suddenly a sensational salad dressing. Tahini is a healthier helper on sandwiches. Use in lieu of mayonnaise and butter. Tahini is amazing mixed with tuna or its vegan version, smashed chick peas. Tahini tops rice, steamed veggies, quinoa and pasta noodles for unique food fare.
Tahini is a staple in many cultures and for good reason. Besides being inexpensive and tasty, tahini translates into heaps of health benefits. Tahini is a healthy fat, low in carbohydrates and high in fibre. One tablespoon contains 89 calories mimicking peanut butter. It’s high in healthy monosaturated fats, low in carbohydrates and high in belly-filling fibre. With only one net carbohydrate, tahini is a great choice for Keto Diet lovers. Due to over farming, soil is missing valuable trace minerals. Tahini is a go-to for copper, selenium and zinc. Copper aids in iron absorption, blood clot formation and helps regulate blood pressure. Selenium supports the immune system and helps maintain bone health. Tahini contains a natural compound called sesamol and is linked to anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Tahini is a bevy of thyroid supporting vitamins and minerals. In point of fact, sesame seeds have more phyto-sterols than other nuts and seeds, helping lowering cholesterol. Tahini is a source of non-heme iron. Plant-based diets can provide iron, too.
Nothing beats a boatload of vitamins and minerals to boost the body. Whether you eat tahini straight from the jar, bake a tahini chocolate cake or add cocoa and maple syrup to tahini for a homemade apple dip, tahini brings the exotic to jazz up family favourites. Look for tahini in your local grocery or health food store.
Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore.
mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com
https://mercedeskaygold.com/
