Tahini Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, which are the seeds of the sesame plant.It has a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty, bitter flavor.
Tahini is high in healthy fats, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, and selenium.
It may help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and support bone health.
It is also a staple ingredient in hummus, baba ganoush, and halva.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahini | 55mg | 253mg | 0.217 |
Tahini contains 55mg of Lysine and 253mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Tahini has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.217.
Because Tahini contains much higher levels of arginine than lysine, limiting its consumption is recommended by people who suffer from herpes, as it may trigger outbreaks.
Lysine Considerations
Tahini is a moderate source of lysine, an essential amino acid that plays a role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.
It's one of the nine amino acids that the body can't produce, so it must be included in our diet.
Lysine has many roles in the body, such as aiding in growth, healing, energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen.
Research indicates that lysine may have an impact on the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital sores.
Taking lysine supplements or using lysine cream could potentially prevent or treat these infections by stunting the amino acid arginine, which the virus requires for growth.
Arginine Considerations
Tahini is a high source of arginine, another essential amino acid that is involved in nitric oxide production, blood vessel dilation, and muscle growth.
Arginine has different benefits for our health and performance, such as lowering blood pressure, enhancing wound healing, and increasing exercise endurance.
Arginine can also affect the herpes virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.
Studies suggest that arginine may help the virus grow and cause outbreaks, so people with herpes may want to avoid foods that are high in arginine or take lysine supplements to block its effects.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Tahini has a low lysine-arginine ratio, which means it has more arginine than lysine.
This may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or erectile dysfunction, but it may be harmful for people with herpes virus infections, as arginine can trigger or worsen outbreaks.
Both lysine and arginine are important for protein synthesis and other bodily functions.
The two compounds can affect the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, in opposite ways.
Lysine can your body or stop the virus from reproducing, while arginine can help it propagate.
Eating foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio could help lower the appearance and severity of herpes flare-ups.
Some foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio are dairy, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can give the body enough lysine to prevent the virus from taking up arginine, and thus stop its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Seeds are edible kernels that are enclosed in a protective outer covering, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds.
Seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals.
That said, seeds also have high levels of arginine compared to lysine, which can be problematic for people with herpes.
Arginine can stimulate the replication of the herpes virus, leading to more frequent and severe outbreaks.
Lysine can counteract the effects of arginine, but it is not abundant in seeds.
Because of this, seeds should be consumed sparingly or with caution by people with herpes.
Some seeds that have very high amounts of arginine are sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
For example:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine which can overstimulate your body, leave you dehydrated, and compromise your immune system.Consider taking l-lysine supplements, which can help prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it emerges by limiting the availability of arginine for the virus, which it requires to produce a cold sore.
Taking other food supplements that can improve your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants.
Try eating foods that can enhance your immune system and reduce inflammation to avoid outbreaks.
Some of these foods are honey, yogurt, aloe vera, and chamomile.
They can also help you with your symptoms by easing pain, swelling, and itching, and accelerating your recovery.
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