7 Unique Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts

• Tiger nuts are a small, round root vegetable that is native to North Africa and the Mediterranean region.

• Promote digestive health: Tiger nuts are high in fiber, which can help you stay regular and fuller for longer. 

• Aphrodisiac properties: Tiger nuts have a long history of being used as a natural aphrodisiac. They are high in zinc, which is a mineral that is known to boost reproductive health and libido.

• Heart health: Tiger nuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and magnesium. 

Usually, there is a fresh superfood vying for attention. Tiger nuts are one such superfood that is gaining popularity due to their outstanding health benefits. 

These days, many Americans include tiger nuts on their shopping lists for health reasons rather than just to increase sales. 

Tiger nuts have distinctive qualities, are rich in essential nutrients, and offer a range of health benefits that improve your well-being in many ways. 

This article explores the unique health benefits of tiger nuts and explains why you should think about including them in your diet, from promoting heart health to acting as a potential aphrodisiac.

What Are Tiger Nuts? 

Tiger nuts, also known as chufa nuts, are small root vegetables with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. 

They are tuber-like, making them an excellent alternative for those with nut allergies. 

Tiger nuts are currently grown in many different nations, such as Spain, China, and the United States, despite their origins in North Africa and the Mediterranean region. 

Tiger Nuts Nutritional Value

On average, one ounce (28 grams) provides (1)

Calories: 103–121

Fiber: 2–7 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Protein: 1 gram

Fat: 7–9 grams

Vitamin E: 278% of the daily value (DV)

Iron: 13–40% of the DV

Phosphorus: 9–11% of the DV

Vitamin C: 2–8% of the DV

Magnesium: 7% of the DV

Zinc: 5–7% of the DV

Potassium: 3–5% of the DV

Calcium: 1% of the DV

How to Eat Tiger Nuts

Given their versatility, tiger nuts are simple to add to your diet. Tiger nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or mixed into flour, milk, and oil, among other things.

Munch Away: Enjoy them as a standalone snack for a quick energy boost.

Tiger Nut Milk: Blend tiger nuts with water to create a creamy, dairy-free milk alternative.

Smooth Operator: Elevate your smoothies by adding tiger nuts for an extra dose of nutrients.

Baking Brilliance: Experiment with tiger nut flour in your baking recipes for a wholesome twist.

Top Your Treats: Sprinkle sliced tiger nuts over yogurt or oatmeal for a satisfying crunch.

7 Unique Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts

1. Promote digestive health

Due to their high fiber content, tiger nuts can help you stay regular and fuller for longer. 

Similarly, fiber aids in feeding the beneficial microorganisms in your stomach, which can strengthen your immune system and enhance your general health.

A study recently published in nutrition research discovered that eating tiger nuts for 12 weeks improved gut health and reduced constipation in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Aphrodisiac properties

Tiger nuts have a longstanding reputation as a natural aphrodisiac. Loaded with nutrients like zinc – known to enhance reproductive health and libido lift – these tubers may contribute to an improved libido and heightened sexual wellness.

3. Heart health

The importance of heart health is highlighted, and tiger nuts shine as a heart health champion. 

Monounsaturated fats, fiber, and magnesium are abundant. These tubers create a formidable shield against heart risks when combined with dietary fiber, the kind that loves your heart back. 

Tiger nuts offer a firm foundation for a robust and resilient heart by actively working to decrease cholesterol levels and maintain blood pressure within the ideal range. 

Adding these little wonders to your diet is a tasty way to ensure the health and function of your most critical organ.

4. Improved blood sugar control

The resistant starch found in tiger nuts is a form of fiber that is not broken down in the small intestine. 

When resistant starch reaches the large intestine, gut bacteria digest it there to create short-chain fatty acids. 

These fatty acids aid in controlling blood sugar levels, among their many other advantageous benefits. 

According to a study, type 2 diabetics’ blood sugar management improved after eating tiger nuts for 12 weeks.

5. Cholesterol crusader

The health of your heart may be threatened by high cholesterol levels. Tiger nuts’ combination of fiber and good fats lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, protecting your heart.

6. Antioxidant-rich

Tiger nuts don’t just stop at basic nutrition – they elevate the game with their antioxidant-rich profile. Think of them as your body’s loyal defenders against oxidative stress. 

Packed with a diverse array of antioxidants, these tubers stand as a shield, safeguarding your cells from harm and bolstering your natural defense mechanisms. 

In a world brimming with environmental toxins and daily stressors, incorporating tiger nuts into your diet is like fortifying your body’s armor, ensuring it’s primed to combat the challenges that come its way.

7. Skin and hair elixir

Vitamins and minerals residing in tiger nuts – vitamin E and iron, for instance contain antioxidants that can help protect skin elasticity, hydration, and vibrant hair, enhancing your outer glow.

Conclusion

Tiger nuts are a satisfying, adaptable meal that may be consumed in a number of ways. In addition to encouraging digestive health, controlling blood sugar levels, fostering heart health, enhancing immunity, and perhaps even aiding in weight loss, they also enhance skin and hair health.