Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, noting that tahini is rich in minerals like zinc, said, “Zinc plays an important role in collagen production. Collagen is a fundamental protein that provides skin elasticity and firmness, which helps the skin look stronger and smoother.” Prof. Dr. Konuk also stated that eating tahini on an empty stomach can speed up metabolism, adding, “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, and tahini increase the number of blood-forming substances in the body, making you feel more energetic throughout the day.”
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Rector's Advisor at Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Head of the Molecular Biology Master's Program, explained that tahini, derived from sesame, naturally supports collagen production, the most important building block of the skin, thanks to its rich vitamins and minerals.
Tahini plays a supportive role in skin health
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated that while tahini does not directly contain collagen, it harbors components critically important for collagen synthesis. He said, “Tahini, a food product derived from sesame seeds, can provide many benefits for skin health thanks to its contained vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. These include amino acids, Vitamin E, B vitamins (especially B1 and B6), minerals (zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium), and fatty acids. These nutrients help with skin cell renewal and maintaining overall skin health. Antioxidants called lignans (such as sesamin and sesamol) found in tahini help prevent skin damage caused by free radicals. This contributes to delaying the signs of premature aging (fine lines, wrinkles) and keeps the skin looking younger and fresher.”
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated that tahini helps maintain the skin's moisture balance thanks to its healthy fatty acids (linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid) and Vitamin E. He added, “It prevents dryness and strengthens the skin barrier. This contributes to the skin being softer, smoother, and more flexible.”
Zinc in tahini plays an important role in collagen production
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk noted that tahini is rich in minerals such as zinc, stating, “Zinc plays an important role in collagen production. Collagen is a fundamental protein that provides skin elasticity and firmness, which helps the skin look stronger and smoother. Furthermore, sesame seeds contain compounds that help eliminate toxins from the body, which can indirectly lead to healthier and more vibrant-looking skin. Thanks to antioxidants and vitamins, it can help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and even out skin tone.”
What should be the ideal consumption amount?
Addressing the ideal consumption amount to support collagen production, Prof. Dr. Konuk said, “Consuming a few tablespoons (15-20 grams) of tahini daily is quite effective for health. It can be preferred at breakfast or as a healthy, energy-boosting snack 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.”
Increases resistance when consumed with lemon
Prof. Dr. Konuk, who also stated that eating tahini on an empty stomach can speed up metabolism, continued:
“It can provide energy and balance blood sugar. Furthermore, thanks to its healthy fats and proteins, it can keep you feeling full for a long time. Tahini consumed on an empty stomach in the morning provides your body with the nutrients it needs throughout the day. Tahini can be consumed alone or used in many recipes. For example, it can be added to salad dressings. It can be preferred in the preparation of foods like hummus. It can also be mixed with molasses and eaten for breakfast or to satisfy a sweet craving. Lemon, a rich source of Vitamin C, and tahini increase the number of blood-forming substances in the body, making you feel more energetic throughout the day. By building resistance against diseases, it can minimize the risk of contracting many illnesses. Moreover, this effective mixture, which addresses our body's daily vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly supplies substances such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper to the body.”
Tahini or collagen supplement?
Highlighting the difference between ready-made collagen supplements and tahini consumption, Prof. Dr. Konuk made the following assessment:
“Collagen is the most abundant protein in a component of the skin known as the extracellular matrix, which gives much of the skin's overall structure and is largely responsible for the smooth, youthful appearance the skin has when younger. As collagen is a protein, it is very similar to other proteins in the body because it is in a constant state of turnover and needs to be replaced. Since collagen supplementation has been shown to increase the body's collagen production, studies have demonstrated that collagen supplements can improve skin quality and appearance. It is recommended that collagen supplements, like tahini, be taken with Vitamin C and E support.
If collagen supplements are taken for skin health, they should be supported with vitamins to increase their effectiveness. On the other hand, tahini not only naturally provides this necessary support for collagen production but also offers versatile benefits such as regenerating skin cells, providing antioxidant protection, moisturizing, firming, and evening out skin tone. Given this holistic approach, the choice should be made according to personal needs.”
Sesame oil is also a natural moisturizer
Prof. Dr. Konuk stated that tahini generally provides these benefits when consumed nutritionally. He concluded, “However, its moisturizing and restorative effects can also be utilized by applying it directly to the skin in the form of sesame oil. Sesame oil can also be used as a natural moisturizer and sunscreen, but it is crucial to consult a specialist before direct sun exposure. Furthermore, if you have any allergies or a specific skin condition, it is advisable to consult a specialist before using tahini or sesame products on your skin.”