Five health benefits of tiger nuts
Tiger nuts — also known as chufa, yellow nutsedge, or earth almonds — are not even a type of nut.
They are small root vegetables grown primarily in Africa and Spain. Tiger nuts were one of the first plants cultivated in Egypt.
They were traditionally used as both food and medicine due to the following health benefits:
- Packed full of nutrients
Tiger nuts are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds.
You are guaranteed to get vitamins C and B6 as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, or calcium.
Tiger nuts also make a great addition to the dietary plan of a person working towards losing weight due to the fact that it’s a great source of dietary fibre.
- Aids digestion
Tiger nuts contain enzymes, such as catalases, lipases, and amylases, which help break down foods in your gut, relieving gas, indigestion, and diarrhea.
The resistant starch, a type of fiber, contained in it also helps feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, helping your digestion run smoothly.
So when you have constipation or difficulty with digestion, it makes for a good chew.
- Improves heart health
Tiger nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats which are heart-healthy fats.
If you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, take tiger nuts because they improve vein and artery flexibility as well as blood circulation.
In research, tiger nuts were found to improve blood circulation and a lower likelihood of blood clots, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Acts as an aphrodisiac
It can be eaten to boost libido, treat erectile dysfunction and also increase sperm count.
It is, however, important to note that this hasn’t been scientifically proven in human research.
- Helps the skin and hair too
Tiger nuts help promote flawless skin and silky hair due to their antioxidants and moisturising properties.
Rich in magnesium, tiger nuts are good for women suffering hair loss.
With all of these benefits, here are ways you can add tiger nuts to your diet:
- Enjoy its goodness raw as a snack
- Bake your confectionaries with tiger nut flour
- Use it as toppings for cereal
- Try taking it milk also