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Tiger nut is an edible tuber, loaded with numerous nutrients that are responsible for many bodily functions.
Many people see it as chufa, yellow nutsedge and earth almonds, though it belongs to Cyprus esculentus plant.
Tiger nut is native to Egypt, and has gained massive adoption across the global due to its prominence in human body.
However, this food and medicinal plant, has a sweet nutty flavor similar to almond and coconut.
Research has proven tiger nut as a rich source of antioxidant which is attributed to it pivotal role in the maintenance of heart health, aphrodisiac, hypertension, among others.
Nutritional value
Calories 120% of DV
Carb 9g
Fiber 7g
Fat 9grams
Vitamin E 278gram
Iron 40
Vitamin 8
Magnesium 7%
Vitamin K 5
Calcium 1%
Health benefits of Tiger Nut
1. Promote Heart Health
Consumption of tiger nut is very advantageous as it is a rich source of monoundaturated fat. In our body, Monounsaturated fat helps lower blood levels of ”bad” LDL cholesterol and tactically increase ”good” HDL cholesterol, which reduce risk of heart- related diseases (2) . Presence of arginine in tiger nut helps our body regenerate nitric oxide which promote arteries and vein dilation, thus optimizing your blood pressure.
2. May Regulate Blood Sugar
Tiger nut may help regulate your blood sugar levels. Science has proven that tiger nut extract may contributes in reduction of blood sugar levels. However, it is an established fact that tiger nut is packed with arginine, amino acids which may enhance insulin synthesis and sensitivity. Importantly, low insulin production and insensitivity in the body are primary causes of high blood sugar levels- a leading factor of diabetes. Dietary fiber and arginine are found in tiger nut, these help lower your blood sugar levels. Tiger nut is thought to decrease how much sugar is absorbed in your blood stream after eating, as well as reviving your insulin sensitivity.
3. May Improve Digestion
It has been considered as an excellent source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber can pass through your gut without being digested, especially insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is noted for it potential at adding bulk to your stools as well as contributes in facilitating movement of food through your gut smoothly, preventing symptoms linked to indigestion ( 1) . Additionally, it consumption enable our body to produce significant enzymes such as amylase, catalase, lipases which enhance break down of foods in your gut. Therefore, to promote overall well-being of the gastrointestinal track, opt for adequate amount of tiger nut daily.
4. Boost Your Immune system
The whitish juice can help boost your immune system. As mentioned earlier, it contains vitamin E, iron, zinc, monounsaturated fat, fiber and antioxidant. These components are very vital in increase proper functions of the immune system. Antioxidant helps the immune system to fight against harmful substance by neutralizing free radicals, which is responsible for certain diseases.
5. May Improve Sex Drive
Tiger nut has been used to boost sex drive in different parts of the word, especially Nigeria. Being a rich source of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds help it increase blood flow to the genital and accelerate a healthy sex life. Moreover, studies conducted with animal revealed that it can improve libidos, though research is needed to ascertain it potential in human sex drive or libidos.
6. Skin & Hair Care
The edible tuber contains vitamin E, iron and antioxidant. You obtained these nutrients via intake of adequate amount of it. Vitamin E helps fight against hair and skin disorder such as wrinkles, and premature aging. Equally, antioxidant is a free radicals neutralizer, meaning it inhibit formation of harmful substance capable of skin infection. Vitamin C and iron enhance synthesis of collagen which help in new cell regeneration.
7. Source Of Dietary Fiber
Fiber is very valuable in human body, it helps regulate bowel actions, gauard against colon and rectal cancer, as well as making you feel full, thereby reducing weight loss and keeps you healthy. It can be chewed or juiced, to obtain all these benefits.
8. May inhibit cancer Growth
It also help our body fight off cancer owing to the bioactive compounds and amazing percent of dietary fiber in tiger nut. Adequate intake of tiger nut is said to aid elimination of cancerous cells.
