Cyperus esculentus is a crop of the sedge family widespread across much of the world. It is found in most of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Southern Europe, Africa, and Madagascar, as well as the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
Tiger nuts also called the yellow nutsedge may be eaten either raw freshly dug out of the ground or or roasted, boiled, or juiced. It has a sweet, almond-like flavor. Tiger nuts were a food staple eaten in ancient Egypt. Today they are most commonly eaten in parts of Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Common health food produced from tiger nuts includes tiger nut flour, which can be used for baking, and dried raw tiger nuts, which can be eaten as a crunchy snack.
In Spain for instance, tiger nuts are called chufas. They are the primary ingredient in tiger nut milk, a local beverage known as horchata de chufa, a cold, refreshing drink enjoyed by many during the summer months.
Tiger nuts are also grown in North and South America, where they are often used in animal feed.
Nutritional Value
Tiger nuts are a source of fatty acids, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals. One ounce of raw tiger nuts contains 120 Calories and 2 GRAMS OF Protein.
In both their raw and ground forms, tiger nuts contain vitamins C and B6, as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and calcium.
A quarter-cup of ground tiger nuts contains:
- Calories: 120.
- Protein: 2 grams.
- Fat: Less than 7 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 19 grams.
- Fiber: 10 grams.
- Sugar: 9 grams.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Tiger nuts contain a variety of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.
- May Boost Immune System and Help Fight Infections.
- May Improve Digestion.
- May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels.
- May Improve Heart Health.
- May Act as an Aphrodisiac.
Tiger nuts have a history of being used to boost libido. They’re used as aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, men in Nigeria have used tiger nuts for generations to treat erectile dysfunction, increase sperm count and boost libido.
Tiger nuts are a good source of fiber. Dietary fiber has been shown to improve digestion by increasing the frequency of stools and relieving constipation. Some people claim that tiger nuts positively affect the male sex drive.
Sperm abnormalities like sperm cells with twisted tails were examined. Conclusion: The administration of tiger nut significantly ameliorated the abnormalities and thus, restored the morphology of the sperm cells such that it can enhance fertility.
Benefits of tiger nuts during pregnancy and lactation. Tiger nuts are a natural source of calcium, that helps to build strong and healthy bones and teeth. Finally, tiger nuts provide glycine that contributes to the formation of neurotransmitters and to strengthen cell membranes.
Tiger nuts are also “high in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins C and E. Tiger nuts are super high in resistant starch fiber, which has been getting a lot of buzz for its weight loss benefits. It also benefits your gut by acting as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Tiger nut milk is a substitute for cow milk
Apart from the traditional cow or sheep milk, in recent years plant milks are increasing their popularity in comparison to traditional milk. For example soy milk is getting more and more adepts committed to a healthy and balanced diet.
The success has been so great that, at present, soy milk is present in supermarkets and has positioned itself as a high quality product to combat, for example, high cholesterol levels.
Currently, tiger nut are undergoing the same process as the soy milk. The tiger nut milk is seen as the best substitute for cow or sheep milk, because of its non – animal origin and 100% healthy fats.
Rich in vitamin E and C, tiger nut combat hypertension and cholesterol. In addition, being an easily digestible food, it’s completely suitable for lactose intolerant and prevents cardiovascular problems. In essence, no doubt that, over the next few years, tiger nut milk will be claimed as a great substitute for cow milk. Its chemical composition makes iteven healthier.
