Argan Oil
- Argan Oil Facts & History
Natural pure argan oil is very scarce and expensive which is why it is considered a real treasure for it requires a lot of handling to get to extraction. It costs much higher than any other oil.
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels housed in the fruit of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa). This amazing tree with crooked trunks and small oval leaves covered with spines, grows only in a semi-arid region of southwestern Morocco. The Argan forests cover about 8,280 km², and are designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The argan tree still grows naturally, but unfortunately its species has declined by half since a century. The miraculous Argan tree spread its roots to water at over thirty meters depth. Argan trees were God-sent in South West Morocco to hinder soil erosion and desert encroachment. Several attempt plantations were undertaken in other parts of the world without success… the benefits of Moroccan Argan oil can never be replicated elsewhere. Every aspect in the production process of Argan oil is a source of income and production is source of livelihood and sustenance to the local people. A social life reconciling farming, culinary and cosmetic practices have emerged around Argan oil.
Its fruit called “afiash” has the shape of a large olive. A pulp containing a hard kernel; in this shell fits a fragile fruit full of oil. Traditionally for centuries, women in this region are reaping these fruits to be dried in the sun and then husked by hand. Then with a pebble and a flat stone they break the shell and gently separate the shell of the kernel. With 30 kg of fruits picked we obtain around 2 kg of kernels which when mechanically cold-pressed and filtered will release a litre of “liquid gold”. It’s a laborious job that requires a lot of discipline and time. For centuries Argan oil has been handcraftly extracted by Moroccan women. Apart from eating it with bread as one of the healthiest super foods around the world, Berber women smear the hair and skin of this miraculous oil to protect themselves from the effects of sun, wind and sand. They massaged their children to offer them a natural shield. Its texture is not viscous but fluid and light, quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving a thin film that does not stick. Today these women are grouped in cooperatives. They are responsible for the collection, hulling and crushing. Extracting this delicate oil with subtle fragrance and taste is now done using mechanical pressing units.
Argan Oil for culinary purpose:
Tazdat® Raosted Argan Oil can be used freely to season dishes, as a dressing for salads or adding flavour to tagines, couscous, grilled vegetables and desserts. Great chefs around the world are using the smooth qualities of Argan oil to add depth and warmth to their dishes. However, aside from its exquisite taste, Argan oil contains rare sterol molecules and phytochemicals that cannot be found in other plant-derived oils. Moreover, modern research is suggesting that Argan oil has some unparalleled health advantages when consumed as a whole food:
- Preventing cardiovascular disease
Due to its abundance of nutrients, including unsaturated fatty acids, argan oil has been shown to help regulate blood cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that argan oil helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, therefore decreasing cardiovascular risk.
- Protection against cancer
Argan oil’s high antioxidant content helps repair cellular damage, thereby reducing the risk of cancer cells’ ability to grow. Recent studies have shown that argan oil was able to decrease the rate of cell division of prostate cancer.
- Help for those with diabetes
In a recent study, argan oil was shown to decrease insulin resistance in individuals. This is important, since insulin resistance is usually the first step to diabetes. Argan oil was also shown to help combat diabetes by reversing metabolic changes in those individuals who consumed a high-sugar diet.
- Boosting immunity
Argan oil has been proved to strengthen the immune system. This is due to argan oil’s powerful antioxidants that work to stimulate proper immune function.
- Aiding digestion
This one of a kind oil has been shown to increase the concentration of pepsin in the gastric juice within one’s stomach. Pepsin is an important enzyme in gastric juice that digests proteins found in meat, eggs and dairy products.
In addition, Argan oil consumed as food can help:
- Stimulate the nervous system and build brain capacity
- Reduce joint and rheumatism pain
- Calm hypertensive tendencies
Active natural ingredients of Tazdat® Extra Virgin Argan Oil for skin care:
The liquid gold effectively fights against signs of ageing as it repairs and reinvigorates tired-looking skin, improving elasticity, leaving skin smooth, firm and radiant. It is suitable for all skin types.
- Argan is composed almost completely of fatty acids, of which over 80% are unsaturated fatty acids which naturally restore and stabilise the skin’s hydro-lipid layer.
- 43% oleic acid (omega-9), 36% linoleic acid (omega-6) and the remainder is their mono-glyceric form: Oleic and linoleic acids have anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-free radical properties which help reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Tocopherols (vitamin E), squalene, sterols and polyphenols make the skin fuller and firmer, smooth and revitalized. Complexion is more balanced, clear and healthy. Hair and nails benefit from improved micro-circulation. Moisture is locked-in, not lost.
- Between 0.34% and 0.79% of unsaponifiable compounds which are formed of carotenes (antioxidants) and tocopherols which moisturise and condition hair and nails, adding vitamins and texture. Unsaponifiables also act as an anti-inflammatory element, thereby regenerating and healing the skin.
Beauty Tips from Tazdat® Extra Virgin Argan Oil:
Face
Apply a few drops of oil at night on your face and neck, after washing it. Massage gently until absorbed completely and insist particularly on the eye contours and expression lines. This will tremendously nourish your skin and activate cell regeneration while restoring the qualities of the hydrolipidic film. We recommend regular use for a better result to prevent and mitigate the effects caused by pollution, stress, tobacco, change of seasons …etc.
Body
Warm the oil in the palm of your hands and perform a massage with round gestures. Beyond the sensation of wellbeing, it hydrates and tones the skin. We recommend repeating the process 2 to 3 times per week after bath or shower, emphasizing on the driest parts of your body. As a strong moisturizer, Argan oil will help reduce stretch marks, cellulite and varicose veins.
Body Massage
Combine the sensual pleasure of massage to the benefits of vitamin E. The revitalizing Argan oil is five times richer in vitamin E than olive oil. Tackles muscle and joint pain, rheumatism and arthritis, after a hot shower, by gently massaging in order to facilitate deep penetration of the oil into the pores. Warm the oil in the palm of your hand to facilitate sliding movement then spread it on the entire body. If you want to lightly perfume your oil, you can add a few drops of rose water.
Nail Care
Nourish your nails, once a week, by mixing in a bowl some Argan oil with fresh lemon juice in equal parts. For a strengthening treatment of your nails thoroughly, you can warm the mixture in a bain-marie. Dip in your washed and unpolished nails for about 20 minutes, then wash them with mild soap. If your nails are brittle or laminated, repeat the operation daily. You can reuse the same mixtures for a week by keeping it in a clean, dry bottle.
Hair Treatment
Vitamin E abundant in Argan oil promotes the growth of healthy hair because it contains antioxidants, which help to stimulate the cells and encourage them to produce healthy hair. It’s been even used in re-growing hair. Spread the Argan oil on your hair from root to tip. Gently massage the scalp and gently brush your hair to evenly distribute the oil on the whole hair. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and let it sit for about 20 minutes. If you don’t have enough time, you can warm your hair mass with a dryer through the towel. Then wash with your favorite shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water. Finally, place a few drops of Argan oil on your fingers and gently massage the points. Your hair will appear silky, shimmering and voluminous. For very dry hair, do not hesitate to directly apply a few drops of oil and leave it for several hours.
Other tips
- Apply as an after shave for men and women for it prevents irritation.
- Sooth your sunburns due to the moisturizing effects of Argan on the upper layers of the epidermis.
- Extend your tan with an added golden color for a much longer time.
- Curb sea mountain effects because it hydrates and softens hands and face mistreated by the cold, wind and salt.
- Treat chapping and certain dermatoses such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, thanks to the high content of Omega 6 in Argan oil.
*Important Notice: Tazdat® Extra Virgin Argan Oil is not a drug, nor a certified cosmetic. For any significant injury, and for real skin care please consult your doctor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The health benefits of olive oil are unrivalled, and research reveals more benefits nearly every day. In fact, we are only just beginning to understand the countless ways olive oil can improve our health, and our lives. Olive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet — an essential nutritional mainstay for the world’s longest-living cultures.
REDUCES RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Traditionally a low-fat diet has been prescribed to prevent various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While studies have shown that high fat diets may increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes, it appears that it is the type of fat that counts rather than the amount of fat. We now know that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts and seeds actually protects from many of these chronic diseases.
A study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care showed that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat diet. Type II diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes.
HELP PREVENT STROKES
Older individuals who consume olive oil daily may be able to protect themselves from a stroke, according to a new study from France published in the online issue of Neurology.
Researchers gathered information from the medical records of 7,625 individuals over the age of 65 from three cities in France: Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier. None of the participants had a history of stroke. They then categorized the individuals into three groups based on their olive oil consumption. The researchers noted that the participants used mostly extra virgin olive oil, as that is what is usually available in France.
After 5 years there were 148 strokes. The results showed that the “intensive” users of olive oil, those that used for both cooking and dressings had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those that did not use olive oil at all. These results were noted even after considering weight, diet, physical activity and other risk factors.
KEEPS THE HEART YOUNG
A diet rich in olive oil may actually be able to slow down the aging of the heart.
It is a known fact that as we grow older the heart also goes through a normal aging process. The arteries may not function as well as they did and this can lead to a number of health problems. However, in a recent study, Spanish researchers discovered that a diet rich in olive oil or other monounsaturated fats could improve the arterial function of elderly individuals.
FIGHTS OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass, which in turn causes the architecture of bone tissue to become fragile. This can then increase the possibly of fractures, making even the slightest of knocks potentially fatal for sufferers.
Olive oil supplementation was found to positively affect the thickness of bones. Olive oil will not be the only solution in the continuing fight against postmenopausal osteoporosis, however scientists have concluded that it is a very promising candidate for future treatments of the disease.
MAY PROTECT FROM DEPRESSION
It is common knowledge that olive oil and the Mediterranean diet confer a multitude of health benefits. But what about emotional health benefits?
According to Spanish researchers from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a diet rich in olive oil can protect from mental illness.
Researchers recently discovered that a higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish and vegetable oils was associated with a lower risk of depression.
The findings suggested that cardiovascular disease and depression may share some common mechanisms related to one’s diet.
HELP PREVENT SKIN CANCER
Another recent study found that olive oil, along with other components of a Mediterranean diet, may contribute to the prevention of malignant melanoma. The most dangerous type of skin cancer may be slowed down by consumption of olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants, the researchers found.
The use of sunscreen remains the best way to prevent sunburn and shield the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. However, “Going Greek” and consuming olive oil and other Mediterranean food staples, could help counter the oxidizing effect of the sun.
Only three in every 100,000 residents of countries in the Mediterranean develop any form of skin cancer. The figure is low, especially when considering the warm climate in the region. In Australia, the figure is 50 in every 100,000 residents.
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND METABOLIC SYNDROME
The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been cited in numerous studies, and now with a new large study confirming that it protects from metabolic syndrome we have yet another reason to adopt this style of eating.
The metabolic syndrome is a combination of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood sugar. “Metabolic syndrome is connected to the obesity epidemic of our time, a big belly poisons our metabolism and a poisoned metabolism can result in type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, or sudden death,” a leading researcher noted.
The new study found that a Mediterranean-style diet — which includes olive oil, daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and low-fat dairy products, weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes, and a relatively low consumption of red meat — can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.
PROTECTS AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Western countries. While a diet rich in fats is directly related to a higher incidence of cancer, some types of fats can actually play a protective role against the development of these tumors. Such is the case of virgin olive oil which is rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid, and contains several bioactive compounds such as antioxidants.
A moderate and regular intake of virgin olive oil, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, is associated with a low incidence of specific types of cancer, including breast cancer, as well as with having a protective role against coronary diseases and other health problems.
MAY KILL CANCER CELLS
A new study has proven that an ingredient in extra virgin olive oil can kill cancer cells.
The results of the study, which will be published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Oncology, were made public on January 23, 2015.
The researchers, nutritional scientist Paul Breslin (Rutgers University), biologist David Foster (Hunter College) and chemist Onica LeGendre (Hunter College) discovered in a lab study that the ingredient, called oleocanthal, causes a rupture of a part of the cancerous cell which releases enzymes and causes cell death, without harming healthy cells. In this way, cancer cells are killed by their own enzymes.
“Oleocanthal is a name for a chemical in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that means ‘Stinging Oil Aldehyde’,” Paul Breslin told Olive Oil Times. “It is made by the olive when it is crushed to make the pulp from which the oil is pressed.”
“There are many compounds in EVOO that have a 6-carbon ring structure on them and collectively they are known as phenolics,” Breslin added. “These compounds are collectively good anti-oxidants preventing oxygen pore-radicals from forming and they also tend to be anti-inflammatory. Oleocanthal has been shown to interfere with processes associated with many types of inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer formation and growth.”
The researchers discovered that oleocanthal caused cancer cells to break down and die very quickly; within 30 minutes, instead of the 16 to 24 hours it takes for programmed cell death, known as apoptosis.
Though the scientists already suspected that oleocanthal can kill cancer cells, this is the first time a study examined how this occurs.
“There are many studies that show that oleocanthal can interfere with cancer processes and growth pathways. It has also been shown in live animals that oleocanthal can shrink tumors in mice,” explained Breslin. “What is not known is whether these are all separate effects of oleocanthal on cancer or whether there is perhaps an upstream event that triggers them. We have what may be an upstream event that is a novel phenomenon to be described in that we are opening up the lysosome with oleocanthal inside the cell and releasing toxic enzymes that kill the cell. This phenomenon is called Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization or LMP.”
“We wish to look at whether this is why tumors are shrinking in mice in the presence of oleocanthal. In our study, David Foster and Onica LeGendre focused on breast, pancreatic, and prostate tumor cells and showed they could be killed by LMP but we did not kill three kinds of healthy non-cancerous cells,” Breslin said.
Researchers would like to take the study outside the lab and investigate the effectiveness of oleocanthal to kill cancer cells and tumors in living animals.
REDUCE THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Numerous studies, including one recently published in the journal Chemical Neuroscience, showed that the oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil has the potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and the cognitive decline that comes with aging.
Olive oil polyphenols are known to be powerful antioxidants which may help to reverse oxidative damage that occurs in the aging process.
Dates
All Dates
Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It’s also a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc can be found in them. They also contain vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K. The health benefits of dates are the following:
Relieve Constipation
Dates are often categorized as a laxative food. This is why they are so frequently eaten by people suffering from constipation. In order to achieve the desired laxative effect of dates, you should soak some of them in water over night, then consume it in the morning when it becomes like a syrup, to get the most optimal results. They have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.
Strengthen Bones
The significant amounts of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Date contains selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. So eat your dates and give a boost to your bones!
Treat Intestinal Disorders
The nicotine content in dates is thought to be beneficial for curing many kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake helps to inhibit the growth of the pathological organisms and thus, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. In terms of digestive issues, they contain insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as many beneficial amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food and make it more efficient, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract and enter your body for proper usage.
Treat Anemia
Dates have a high mineral content, which is beneficial for many different health conditions, but their impressive levels of iron make them a perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from anemia. The high level of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anemic patients, increasing energy and strength while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
Cure Allergies
One of the most interesting facets of dates is the presence of organic sulfur in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. According to a study done in 2002, organic sulfur compounds can have a positive impact on the amount of suffering people experience from SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis), which affects approximately 23 million people in the United States alone. They are a great way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies through its contributions of sulfur to the diet.
Promote Weight Gain
Dates should be included as a part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. If dates are consumed with cucumber paste, you can keep your weight at a normal, balanced level, rather than over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories, and the calories in them are sufficient to meet the daily requirements for a human body. Of course, you should not eat just dates throughout the day. If you are thin and slim and want to increase your weight, or if you are trying to build your muscles to impress some girl, or you have become weak due to a serious medical problem – you need to eat dates!
Boost Energy
Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy. Many people around the world eat dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish. Often when you exercise in a gym, outside or even on a stretching machine at home, you feel exhausted, chewing few dates at such times helps you regain your energy immediately.
Maintain Nervous System Health
The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. Therefore, they are a wonderful food source for people as they begin to age and their nervous system becomes sluggish or unsupported, as well as for people who want to keep their mind sharp.
Promote Heart Health
Dates are quite helpful in keeping your heart healthy. When they are soaked over night, crushed in the morning and then consumed, they have been shown to have a positive effect on weak hearts. They are also a rich source of potassium, which studies have shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases. Furthermore, they are suggested as a healthy and delicious way to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a major contributing factor of heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, when taken twice a week, dates can seriously improve the overall health of the heart.
Treat Sexual Weakness
Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk overnight, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders. The science behind this phenomenon is largely due to traditional usage which stimulated formal research. In 2006, Bahmanpour studied the effects of date palms and their oil on sexual functioning and found that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components of dates are what increase sperm count and motility, as well as promoting increased testes size and weight. So, if you are looking for a masculine boost, eat some dates, because they are a great natural aphrodisiac!
Prevent Night Blindness
The benefits of dates are extensive and are commonly employed to fight off various conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. When the leaves of the date palm are ground into a paste and rubbed on and around the eyes, or when dates are ingested orally, it has been shown to reduce the frequency of night blindness, and this solution is commonly used in rural areas where dates grow as an alternative medicine.
Relieve Intoxication
Dates are commonly used as a remedy for alcoholic intoxication. They provide quick relief and have a sobering effect in case you feel as though have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. They can also be used the following morning to prevent severe hangovers. Again, they should be rubbed and soaked overnight for the best results.
Treat Diarrhea
Ripe dates contain potassium, which is known as an effective way of controlling diarrhea. They are also easy to digest, which further helps alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea. The soluble fiber in them can also help relieve diarrhea, by providing bulk to the bowel movements and promoting normal, healthy functioning of the excretory system.
Prevent Abdominal Cancer
Research has pointed towards dates being a legitimate way to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all age groups, and in some cases, they work better than traditional medicines and are natural, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the human body. They can be quickly and easily digested for a quick boost of energy.
Date Syrup
A recent study suggests that date syrup could exhibit health benefits through its antibacterial activities, similar or sometimes stronger than honey! Date syrup actually contained a number of phenolic compounds that form naturally in the date fruit as it matures. These compounds can influence the flavour, colour and texture of the syrup, and are known for their antioxidant potential; but now they’re being shown to have antibacterial activity, too.
When the syrup was mixed with a range of disease-causing bacteria – including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – it inhibited their growth in about six hours, which researchers say is faster than manuka honey, which is known for its antibacterial and wound healing properties.
Medjool Dates
Medjool Dates
- Multiple Nutrients
Medjool dates are loaded with calories, carbohydrates, proteins and no fat. The sugar in them is usually glucose, fructose and traces of sucrose and maltose.
- Fiber Rich
Medjool dates have a great amount of dietary fiber, supplying you with 27% of the recommended daily allowance. Their soluble fiber is important in regulation of blood sugar as well as levels of cholesterol. Notably, the beta-D-glucan in Medjool dates aids in water absorption hence adding bulk to stool. This prevents constipation.
- Source of Potassium
Medjool dates contain more potassium than other known mineral to man. Potassium assists in balancing body pH, maintaining intercellular fluid balance as well as blood sugar regulation. Deficiency in this mineral could cause elevated blood pressure hence the 20% RDA comes handy.
- Rich in Copper
With 18 percent of the recommended daily allowance of copper mineral, medjool dates are useful in the body for absorption of iron, formation of collagen, red blood cells formation, healthy nervous system as well as energy generation.
- Provides Satiety
Medjool dates are great foods to control addiction for sweet foods. Their high fiber content keeps you full for long hence curbing the cravings. It also aids in keeping a healthy digestive system, hanks to loads of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre and plenty of amino acids. Additionally, it helps in dealing with irritable bowel and constipation.
- Healthy Snack
You do not have to worry about weight gain when you eat Medjool dates; they are bereft of any fats and have absolutely no sodium or cholesterol. So, go ahead and indulge in eating this healthy fruit snack!
- Energy Powerhouse
The high natural sugar levels in Medjool dates as well as potassium keep you invigorated with energy. Potassium in Medjool dates (by the way they contain more potassium than bananas) builds muscles tone, enhancing you physically.
- Regulation of Blood Pressure
Maintenance of normal blood pressure requires potassium and magnesium as they both ward off cardiovascular attacks such as coronary heart disease. Medjool dates will provide sufficient amounts of both of these minerals. They also assist in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
- Combats Arteriosclerosis
The anti-oxidants in Medjool dates play an important role in ridding from the body bad fats as well as reducing the risk cancers. Their high fiber content also plays an important role in fighting deposition of plaque, mostly associated with development of arteriosclerosis.
- Anti-oxidant Properties
Manganese in Medjool dates serve as co-factor for a compound known as superoxide dismutase. This anti-oxidant is useful in the body for destroying free radicals which damage to cells. The other anti-oxidant, phenols, aids in lowering high levels blood triglycerides.
Tahini
- High in Healthy Fats and Amino Acids
Compared to other nuts and seeds, sesame seeds have one of the highest oil contents by weight — which is why tahini is exceptionally silky smooth compared to other nut butters (like peanut or almond butter). Sesame seeds contain up to 55 percent oil and 20 percent protein, exactly why they’re well-known for providing both healthy fats and certain essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
While it might be a high-calorie food based on volume, a small amount of tahini goes a long way. It has a rich, nutty flavor that comes through strongly in recipes, plus tahini can benefit your heart, hormonal and skin health even when you use just a small amount. Most of sesame seeds’ fat is polyunsaturated fat, while a small amount is monounsaturated and saturated. Roughly 50 percent to 60 percent of the fat within tahini is made up of two beneficial compounds: sesamin and sesamolin.
Tahini also contains phenolic compounds, linoleic acid, oleic acid, gamma-tocopherol, and amino acids including lysine, tryptophan and methionine. Sesame seeds are around about 20 percent protein by weight, making them a higher protein food than most other seeds or nuts.
- Great Source of Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Tahini is a great way to obtain B vitamins like thiamine, along with minerals, including magnesium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron and zinc. Adding tahini to recipes is a good way to get your daily copper — which is needed to maintain nerve, bone and metabolic health — and prevent copper deficiency. The iron in tahini helps prevent anemia, which is a disorder characterized by low red blood cell counts, iron deficiency and fatigue. And B vitamins within tahini are important for metabolic functions, dealing with stress and many cognitive processes.
Another important attribute of sesame seeds their plant lignans content. Lignans have been shown to have anticancer effects and heart-promoting abilities. Studies have found that precursors from sesame seeds are converted by the bacterial flora in the colon to mammalian lignans equivalent to those obtained from flaxseeds, which have always been thought of as the best lignan source.
- Helps Regulate Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Sesamolin and sesamin prevalent in sesame seeds have been found to have antithrombotic properties, meaning sesame might help prevent cardiovascular diseases tied to disruptive effects and legions within the arteries, such as acute coronary syndrome and cardiovascular death.
Phytosterols are a type of nutrient found in sesame seeds that have effects on hormonal levels, arterial health and cholesterol levels. The majority of the plantsterols in tahini are called beta-sitosterol. Sesame seeds rank highest in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols among 27 different nuts, seeds, legumes and grains tested (400 grams of phytosterols per every 200 grams of seeds)!
Although sesame seeds are high in fat and calories, this isn’t a bad thing when it comes to heart health. Research suggests that phytosterols can be used to treat arteriosclerosis, a disease characterized by fatty buildup within the arteries. Phytosterols are able to help regulate cholesterol in the body because they have a similar structure to cholesterol, which means they can help replace some of it and block its absorption within the intestinal tract. This decreases the amount of absorbable cholesterol within the bloodstream and is beneficial for people suffering from certain heart complications.
Sesame seeds used to make tahini are also high in plant lignans, which help improve blood lipid profiles and can normalize cholesterol and blood pressure. Research shows that lignans help lower cholesterol naturally, both serum blood cholesterol and liver cholesterol levels. This means they have positive effects on total cholesterol, lowering LDL cholesterol (the so called “bad kind”) and improving the LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio. (5)
If you suffer from high blood pressure, tahini can help with that too. Sesame seeds have antihypertensive properties according to studies investigating the effects of sesame taken by adults with high blood pressure. A 2006 study published in The Yale Journal of Biology And Medicine followed 32 hypertensive patients over the course of 45 days as they used sesame oil as their only form of dietary oil. Researchers found that over the 45 days sesame oil helped significantly lower blood pressure, decrease lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant status in the majority of patients. (6)
- Can Help Balance Hormones (Especially in Menopausal Women)
Phytoestrogens are a controversial topic, especially when it comes to their effects on hormones. Phytoestrogens both mimic estrogen and act as estrogen antagonists (meaning they behave in the opposite way of biological estrogen), which makes them a bit confusing to understand. They affect the body by attaching to estrogen receptors, which tricks your body into thinking you have more or less estrogen than you really do. It’s not so cut-and-dry as to say whether or not phytoestrogens are either good or bad, but studies show they do have their benefits.
Estrogen-building foods usually get a bad reputation — and for good reason, considering the standard American diet tends to be high in foods that promote estrogen dominance, which is problematic. But not all of phytoestrogens’ effects are bad. For certain people, especially in post-menopausal women over 50 or women who are otherwise low in estrogen, phytoestrogen foods can actually be beneficial because they naturally balance hormones, help maintain strong bones, and lower the risk for various diseases like cancer and osteoporosis.
Dietary estrogens seem to be most protective for women during menopause, a time in which a woman transitions from her last menstrual cycle, ends fertility and experiences adjustments in hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. Purposefully increasing phytoestrogen intake isn’t a good idea for most people and might be harmful, but it can also help counteract the effects of hormonal imbalances that women begin to experience as they get older. Some studies have found that increased phytoestrogens help drastically reduce menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, bone loss, weakness, mood changes, low sex drive, etc.
There’s even some evidence that phytoestrogen foods are protective against cancers related to hormone production in some cases. Phytoestrogens have been studied in connection with breast and ovarian cancers, with many studies showing positive results.
- Helps Improve Skin Health
Sesame seeds are a good source of amino acids, vitamin E, B vitamins, trace minerals and fatty acids that all help with skin cell rejuvenation and preventing early signs of aging. While you might not want to go slathering tahini directly on your skin, even eating tahini can help improve the integrity of your skin by boosting your fat and nutrient intake.
Sesame oil has been used to treat skin wounds, burns, sensitivities and dryness for thousands of years, which is why it’s sometimes called “the queen of oils.” (8) It’s a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, meaning it kills bacteria that can clog pores. Healthy fats in general are key for skin health because fats are needed to lower inflammation and keep skin moist. Tahini also provides minerals like zinc, which are needed to repair damaged tissue and produce collagen that gives skin its youthful elasticity and firmness.
- Boosts Nutrient Absorption
Studies have found that sesame seeds help boost absorption of protective fat-soluble compounds like tocopherol, the major nutrients within vitamin E that play a role in the prevention of human aging-related diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. When researchers tested the effects of sesame seed consumption in humans over a five-day period, they found that sesame (but not walnuts or soy oil) significantly elevated serum gamma-tocopherol levels by an average of 19.1 percent in subjects. The fact that sesame leads to elevated plasma gamma-tocopherol and enhanced vitamin E bioactivity means it might be effective for preventing inflammation, oxidative stress and therefore chronic disease development.
Honey
- Prevent cancer and heart disease
It contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
- Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders
Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit.
- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal
“All honey is antibacterial because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
- Increase athletic performance
Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners.
- Reduces a cough and throat irritation
It helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 105 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.
- Balance the 5 elements honey
It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years and is considered to affect all three of the body’s primitive material imbalances positively. It is also said to be useful in improving eyesight, weight loss, curing impotence and premature ejaculation, urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, and nausea.
Honey is referred as “Yogavahi” since it has a quality of penetrating the deepest tissues of the body. When honey is used with other herbal preparations, it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues.
- Blood sugar regulation
Even though it contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some kinds of honey do have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar. Watch this video Sweetener Comparison where I compare stevia, brown rice syrup, honey, molasses, and agave, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Heal wounds and burns
External application of honey has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. It is speculated that the drying effect of the simple sugars and honey’s antibacterial nature combine to create this effect. Studies have shown it to be very successful in healing wounds.
- Probiotic
Some varieties possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria. This may explain many of the “mysterious therapeutic properties of honey.”
- Strengthen the immune system
Manuka Honey has been found to stimulate the production of immune cells according to a study at the School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK. Manuka is a favourite of mine.
“Buckwheat honey should be a part of every winter medicine cabinet and here is why—it’s high in antioxidants and it really has a lot of immune boosting properties. Ideally, the buckwheat honey has a darker, richer flavor, it’s a little bit like molasses…this particular honey can keep you healthy throughout the winter.” says Dr. Bhatia.