Tahini consumption improves metabolic and antioxidant status biomarkers in the postprandial state in healthy males

Sesame seeds ( Sesamum indicum L. ) are rich in unsaturated fats, and also contain tocopherols and lignans (sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol), which may exhibit antioxidant properties. Sesame paste, or tahini, a semi-solid product of sesame, has not been examined in detail. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of tahini consumption on oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk indices in healthy men. Twenty healthy men with mean age of 28 years and mean BMI of 25.81 kg/m 2 were included in the study. After a 12 h fast, baseline blood and urine samples were collected. After consumption of 50 g of tahini, blood and urine samples were collected at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h postprandially. Serum or plasma samples were used for the measurement of glucose, triglycerides, total phenolic content and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), while levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2a were measured in urine samples. Plasma glucose was significantly lower at 1, 3 and 4 h after tahini consumption compared to baseline ( p < 0.05). A trend of increase in total phenolic content ( p = 0.092) was observed 4 h postprandially. Alongside, significant increases in both serum triglyceride ( p < 0.001) and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2a levels ( p = 0.016) were reported at the end of the trial. No differences were reported in FRAP postprandially compared to baseline. Consumption of 50 g of tahini, either as part of a healthy breakfast or by replacing snacks with a less desirable lipid profile, could be a good practice for modern consumers.