It is an ultra-popular east cream as an aperitif. Except that its use raises questions. Is it yes or no good for health, despite its richness in fat? We asked Alexandra Retion, dietician-nutritionist and here is her answer.
A single tablespoon contains approximately 89 calories
The Tahini, also called Tahina or Tahiné, is a paste made from finely crushed sesame seeds, widely used in the Middle East kitchen. A creamy sauce especially used in the famous Houmous, the Baba Garoush, or as a condiment in various preparations (salads salads, dressings and seasonings …).
However, its calorie intake is relatively high, with around 89 calories per tablespoon. This is explained by its richness in lipids, which constitute around 50 to 60 % of its composition.
Tahini is indeed particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, in particular in mono-insaturated (such as oleic acid) and polyunsaturated (especially omega-6 acids, such as linoleic acid)-fat generally considered to be health.
However, can we eat tahini at will without fear for its arteries? Here is what Alexandra Retion, dietician-nutritionist thinks, thinks.
Good beneficial fats
Despite certain misconceptions, Tahini is a food with multiple virtues.
“This sesame paste is a real nutritional treasure: it is rich in good unsaturated fats (omega 9 as olive oil and omega 6) which nourish our cells, our brain and regulate satiety. But it is also a source of vegetable proteins, therefore ideal in addition to a vegetable dish, and source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus – particularly interesting nutrients vegetarian food “, confirms Alexandra Retion.
But that’s not all! “”Tahini also contains antioxidants, who play an essential role in the fight against inflammation and protect our cells from cell aging “, reports the expert.
Moreover, the specialist seems to integrate it into many of its recipes. “”I use it in a tartine, in a salad sauce or to coat roasted vegetables, it gives taste, creamy and pleasure “, she recognizes. Because, yes, it is important not to see fat as a problem and “to reconcile pleasure and health by giving a real place to quality fat. “
You have therefore understood: fats are not (always) our enemies. “They are part of a healthy, durable and satisfying diet. There is no point in demonizing them … nor weighing Tahini’s spoon! I rather recommend trusting and listening to your sensations “, concludes Alexandra Retion.