Tahini Holds Natural Collagen Support for Skin Health

Üsküdar University Rector's Advisor and Head of Molecular Biology Master's Programme Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk explained that tahini obtained from sesame seeds naturally supports collagen production, the most important building block of skin, thanks to its rich vitamins and minerals.

Noting that tahini is rich in minerals such as zinc, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated, "Zinc plays an important role in collagen production. Collagen is a fundamental protein that provides skin elasticity and firmness, which helps the skin appear stronger and smoother."

Prof. Dr. Konuk also noted that eating tahini on an empty stomach can accelerate metabolism, saying "Consuming a few tablespoons (15-20 grams) of tahini daily is quite effective for health. It can provide energy and balance blood sugar. Lemon, a rich source of vitamin C, combined with tahini increases the number of blood-forming substances in the body, helping you feel more energetic throughout the day."

Tahini plays a supportive role in skin health
Pointing out that tahini does not directly contain collagen but contains components critical for collagen synthesis, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated, "Tahini is a nutrient derived from sesame seeds and, thanks to the vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants it contains, can provide numerous benefits to skin health. These include amino acids, vitamin E, B vitamins (particularly B1 and B6), minerals (zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium) and fatty acids. These nutrients help skin cells regenerate and maintain overall skin health. Antioxidants called lignans found in tahini (such as sesamin and sesamol) help prevent skin damage caused by free radicals. This contributes to delaying signs of premature aging (fine lines, wrinkles) and keeps the skin looking younger and fresher."

Pointing out that tahini maintains skin moisture balance thanks to the healthy fatty acids it contains (linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid) and vitamin E, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated, "It prevents dryness and strengthens the skin barrier. This contributes to the skin becoming softer, smoother and more elastic."

Zinc in tahini plays an important role in collagen production
Noting that tahini is rich in minerals such as zinc, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk said, "Zinc plays an important role in collagen production. Collagen is a fundamental protein that provides skin elasticity and firmness, which helps the skin appear stronger and smoother. Moreover, sesame seeds contain compounds that help eliminate toxins from the body, which can indirectly make the skin appear healthier and more radiant. Thanks to antioxidants and vitamins, it can help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and even out skin tone."

What should the ideal consumption amount be?
Addressing the ideal consumption amount to support collagen production, Prof. Dr. Konuk stated, "Consuming a few tablespoons (15-20 grams) of tahini daily is quite effective for health. It can be preferred as a nutritious energising snack at breakfast or during the day. It can also be used as a sauce in salads and appetizers. As is well known, it is widely used in Mediterranean cuisines."

Consuming with lemon increases resistance
Prof. Dr. Konuk, noting that eating tahini on an empty stomach can accelerate metabolism, continued as follows:
"It can provide energy and balance blood sugar. Moreover, thanks to the healthy fats and proteins it contains, it can keep you full for a long time. Tahini consumed on an empty stomach in the morning provides your body with the nutrients it will need throughout the day. Tahini can be consumed on its own or used in many recipes. For example, it can be added to salad dressings. It can be preferred in the preparation of foods such as hummus. It can also be consumed at breakfast or mixed with molasses to satisfy sweet cravings. Lemon, a rich source of vitamin C, combined with tahini increases the number of blood-forming substances in the body, helping you feel more energetic throughout the day. By building resistance against diseases, it can minimise the risk of contracting many diseases. In addition, this effective mixture, which meets your body's daily vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly provides the body with substances such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper."

Tahini or collagen supplement?
Drawing attention to the difference between ready-made collagen supplements and tahini consumption, Prof. Dr. Konuk made the following assessment:
"Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix of the skin, which gives most of the general structure of the skin and is largely responsible for the smooth, youthful appearance that skin has when younger. Since collagen is a protein, it is very similar to other proteins in the body. Because it is in constant turnover and needs to be replaced. Since collagen supplementation has been shown to increase the body's collagen production, studies have shown that collagen supplementation can improve skin quality and appearance. Collagen supplementation is recommended to be taken with vitamin C and E support, as is the case with tahini.

If collagen supplement is being taken for skin health, this supplement should be supported with vitamins to increase its effectiveness. On the other hand, tahini not only naturally provides this support required for collagen production but also provides multifaceted benefits such as skin cell renewal, antioxidant protection, skin moisturising, tightening and evening out skin tone. Considering this holistic approach, the choice should be made according to personal needs."

Sesame oil is also a natural moisturiser
Stating that tahini generally provides these benefits when consumed through diet, Prof. Dr. Konuk said, "However, the moisturising and restorative effects can also be benefited from by applying sesame oil directly to the skin in oil form. Sesame oil can also be used as a natural moisturiser and sun protectant, but it is important to consult a specialist before direct sun exposure. Also, if you have any allergies or specific skin conditions, it is recommended that you consult a specialist before using tahini or sesame products on your skin."