Tiger Nuts : Facts and its Health Benefits

This very small seed/fruit is way too much underrated by the eyes at a gaze compared to the strength of the 'tiger' that dwells in it, especially when unleashed in the body system.

MEET THE TIGER NUT:

First of all, before anything, tiger nut, contrary to its name isn't nut at all! Surprised?, don't be. They are actually tubers, and they grow on the ground just like every other tuber.

Cyperus esculentus lativum, as it is scientifically called, also has a variety of other names like Chufa sedge, Nut grass, Yellow nutsedge, Earth almond, Zulu nuts, Horchata (Spain), Aki Hausa or Ofio (Nigeria), Atadwe (Ghana) and so on. It is a crop of the sedge family widespread across much of the world.
There are two types of tiger nuts; the light brown type (or yellowish) and the black type (or dark brown).

HEALTH BENEFITS:

There are lots of misconception about tiger nut; it is widely believed to be an agent that triggers cough, a weed (yes, to an extent), some even take it to be a thing for the kids. Not so! After this read up, I bet you'll have a rethink. Tiger nuts have a vast scope in terms of health benefits, one could even possibly say, more than the number of stripes you can count on a tiger. Some of these are:

* Tiger nut is a rich store of essential minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron and copper. These mineral nutrients helps in strengthening the bones, repairing of tissues and muscles.

* Tiger nuts contain good percentages of carbohydrate, fats, fibre, and are very good source of protein. Tiger nut fibre helps in proper digestion and keeps the whole body system healthy.

* Tiger nut milk (also known as Horchata de Chufas) is a great substitute for cow’s milk, and this milk has been discovered to help in diabetes control.

* Tiger nut is a pack of Vitamins, highly rich in Vitamins B1, E and C. Vitamin B1 assists in balancing the central nervous system and puts the body system in good order. Vitamin E and C makes it very good for diabetic patients. Vitamin E is very essential for fertility in both men and women.

* Due to its high potassium content, it helps in balancing out the negative effects of salts, thereby lowering blood pressure, preventing heart attacks, thrombosis and activate proper blood circulation.

* Owing to the fact that it contains high level of soluble glucose, it can also help to prevent cancer, reduce the risk of suffering colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases

* In some countries, it is made into juice which is used as a liver tonic, heart stimulant, to heal serious stomach pain, to promote normal menstruation, to heal mouth and gum ulcers.

*Tiger nut oil rivals olive oil for “heart healthy oils". Tiger nut oil is used in the cosmetic industry. As it is antidioxide (because of its high content in vitamin E) it helps slow down the aging of the body cells. It favours the elasticity of the skin and reduces skin wrinkles.

* The black specie of the tiger nut is an excellent medicine for bosom lumps and cancer (any type of internal canceration and inflammations). * In some ancient traditional medical practices, tiger nuts are used for the treatment of colitis, flatulence, constipation, indigestion, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, debility and excessive thirst.

* Tiger nut promotes the production of urine, this is why it is a preventive measure for cyst, prostrate, hernia, rectum deformation and prolapse, and to prevent endometriosis or fibrosis as well as blockage of the tip of the fallopiantube.

OTHER USES:

* They are often used as bait to catch fishes, especially in the U.S. Hmm! Fishes recognize its beauty more than us humans don't you think?

* They are also used in the production of soaps.

CAUTION: Tiger nuts have been found to harbour a lot of microorganisms and aflatoxins in cases where they are not properly washed before eating. So before feasting on your tiger nuts, do yourself good by doing thorough washing.

If you've been consuming tiger nuts just for the fun of it, I guess it's time to take the buddy real serious. Tiger nuts are very healthy, nutritious, and delicious. Unleash the tiger in you.