Ways in which tiger nuts are beneficial to your health.
Tiger nuts, also known as chufa, yellow nutsedge, and earth almonds, are not, in fact, nuts. They are actually edible tubers that resemble nuts. They are roughly the size of chickpeas, are wrinkly and chewy, and taste sweet and nutty, similar to coconut. One of the earliest plants to be cultivated in Egypt was the tiger nut, which was both a food and a medicine. They have a lot of good nutrients and have been linked to health benefits like better digestion and a lower chance of getting heart disease.
Benefits of tiger nuts.
- Rich in nutrients
Tiger nuts contain many beneficial nutrients and plant compounds. The nutrients they contain differ depending on the species.There are three primary varieties of tiger nuts: black, brown, and yellow. Tiger nuts are tubers that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds. If you germinate or roast tiger nuts prior to consuming them, the antioxidants will be more potent, and your body will be better able to utilize the nutrients. They prevent your body from aging and becoming ill with diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Tiger nuts also have antinutrients like phytates, oxalates, saponins, and tannins that can make it hard for the body to absorb nutrients.
- It may aid in digestion.
In various ways, tiger nuts may aid digestion. They contain a high amount of insoluble fiber, which can prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion. Add them to your diet gradually to avoid gas and bloating. Tiger nuts are also believed to contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and makes digestion more efficient.
- Could reduce blood glucose
Tiger nuts may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Tiger nuts are rich in fiber and the amino acid arginine, both of which can assist in lowering blood sugar levels. In addition, they contain chemicals that may cause your body to absorb less sugar after a carbohydrate-rich meal. Animal studies suggest that tiger nut extract may help reduce blood sugar levels. This may be due to the high fiber content of the tubers, which may slow the rate at which the body absorbs sugar. The protein in tiger nuts is also rich in the amino acid arginine, which may enhance insulin production and sensitivity. Both of these factors are essential for blood sugar control.
- May be beneficial to the heart.
Tiger nuts may also be beneficial for the heart. The fats in tiger nuts are heart-healthy. They could make your veins and arteries more flexible and increase blood flow, thereby decreasing your risk of heart disease. Researchers have also discovered a connection between tiger nuts and improved blood flow and a decreased risk of blood clots. Both of these can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Could strengthen your immune system and aid you in fighting infections.
The immune system might get stronger if you eat tiger nuts. Tiger nuts may assist the body in developing a stronger immune response to infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Still, additional research is required. Additionally, the researchers suggested that tiger nut extracts could help combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
- It may function as an aphrodisiac.
Tiger nuts have been used for centuries to increase libido. In some regions, they are utilized as a natural aphrodisiac. However, additional research on humans is required to confirm that they increase libido. These are used as aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic medicine. Also, for many years, men in Nigeria have used tiger nuts to treat erectile dysfunction, boost libido, and increase sperm count.
Tiger nuts can be consumed raw or roasted, and soaking or boiling them in water makes them easier to chew. They can also be used as a topping for cereal, smoothies, salads, and yogurt. Additionally, they can be combined with nuts and dried fruit to create a different type of trail mix. They can also be ground into a powder for use in bread and other baked goods. Ground tiger nuts are a great gluten-free replacement for flour or binder in veggie burgers.
In Conclusion
Tiger nuts are an intriguing addition to a healthy diet, despite not technically being nuts. They are rich in nutrients, aid digestion, and may prevent infections and diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Keep in mind that these tubers are high in fiber, so if you want to avoid bloating and gas, add them to your diet slowly.
