Choline

I include tahini in many of my meal plans for clients. One of the biggest reasons is its choline content. Choline is an essential nutrient that aids nerve impulse transmission, the process of learning, memory, sleep and helps form membranes between cells.

In the late 1930s, scientists discovered that pancreatic tissue contained a substance that could prevent fat accumulation in the liver. This substance was named choline, derived from the Greek word chole, which means bile. Since this initial discovery, researchers have found that choline is not only present in the pancreas and the liver, but is, in fact, a component of every human cell.

As a main nutrient component to bile, choline’s primary job is to emulsify fat so that it can be transported around the body in the blood, which is a water-based substance. Choline retains similar fat-modifying effects in the cellular membrane, allowing these membranes to operate with greater flexibility in handling both fat- and water-soluble compounds. In the absence of choline, many fat-based nutrients and metabolic waste products would not be able to pass in and out of the cells.

Mild choline deficiency has also been associated with neurological manifestations such as memory problems, nerve-muscle imbalances and insomnia, as well as fatigue and the reduced ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. As a result of choline’s impact on homocysteine metabolism and the liver’s ability to package and transport fats efficiently, choline deficiency can manifest in symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease.

Fat-like molecules account for an unusually high percentage of total solids in the brain; therefore, choline is particularly important for the health of the brain and has significant potential for therapeutic use in brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and depression.

Tahini is sesame seed butter. It contains all the essential amino acids, making it a high quality protein, plus it is rich in calcium, lecithin (converts to CHOLINE) and B vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15. B Vitamins play an essential part in the running of the body. Recent studies have also shown that Vitamin B can help protect against one of the most deadly forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer, but only when consumed in food.

Sesame seed are a rich source of the minerals zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, selenium and sodium. Sesame seeds help prevent intestinal worm infection and also eliminate worms from the intestines. The dietary fiber that they contain helps maintain good digestive health, prevents and cures constipation and other related disorders.

Sesame seeds contain beneficial fibers called sesamin and sesamolin, both of which belong to the lignan group. These substances help lower cholesterol and have been found to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E in animals. Sesamin also protects the liver from oxidative damage.

Tahini is easily digestible because its high alkaline mineral content neutralizes the acid end products of the protein. Because of its non-acid nature, tahini is an ideal protein source for people with weak digestive systems.

Food high in choline include: egg yolk, potatoes, cauliflower, organic tomatoes, banana, oranges, lentils, oats, barley, sesame seeds, flax seeds, raw ginger, hemp seeds, bee pollen and whole grain organic bread.