Summary
Tahini, a butter made from sesame seeds, offers several notable health benefits beyond being a simple peanut butter alternative. It contains meaningful amounts of copper and the lesser-known vitamin T, making it a nutrient-dense addition to the diet. Dr. Berg highlights its shelf stability and versatility as practical advantages for everyday use.
Key Takeaways
- Tahini is made from sesame seeds and is widely available at most grocery stores.
- It has excellent shelf stability — unlike many nut and seed butters, tahini does not go rancid quickly, making it easy to store long-term.
- Tahini is a significant source of copper, a mineral important for collagen production, hair pigmentation, and joint health.
- Copper may help with rheumatoid arthritis, sagging skin, and premature graying of hair.
- Tahini contains vitamin T, a little-known nutrient found primarily in sesame seeds, grubworms, and termites.
- Vitamin T supports the immune system and nervous system, and has been researched in the context of leukemia.
- Tahini can be used as a high-quality alternative to peanut butter or blended with other nut butters for added nutritional variety.
Details
Copper Content and Collagen Support
Tahini is notably high in copper, a trace mineral that plays a key role in the body’s ability to produce and maintain collagen. Copper is described as part of the broader vitamin C complex. Its benefits include:
- Supporting skin firmness and reducing sagging
- Preventing or slowing premature gray hair
- Providing relief for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- Generally supporting connective tissue health
Vitamin T — A Forgotten Nutrient
Vitamin T is described as an often-overlooked nutrient with very few dietary sources:
- Primary food sources: sesame seeds (tahini), grubworms, and termites
- Minor amounts are also found in egg yolks and pumpkin seeds
- It supports immune system and nervous system function
- Some research has explored its role in relation to leukemia, though this is noted only as a side reference
Practical Usage
Dr. Berg’s recommended way to incorporate tahini:
- Mix tahini with almond butter at a 50/50 ratio and eat with celery as a snack
- Use as an ingredient in dishes like hummus
- Treat it as a seed butter alternative to standard nut butters like peanut butter to diversify nutrient intake