Tigernuts and it’s Health Benefit

I am into tigernuts at the moment. My Sunday routine on my way back from church is to stop over at the man with the wheelbarrow of tigernuts and purchase 200 Naira (less than $1) worth for making my tigernut milk which last me for a week and the shaft I use as flour. (See recipes for all you tiger nuts)

Tiger nuts are primarily found in West Africa. In Nigeria, the Hausas call it “Aya”, Yorubas “imumu”, the igbos “ofio”, the Hausa “aki ”. Tigernuts are referred to as nut, but it is actually a small tuber (like a potato), it is treated as weed in many places. In Recent times research has been put together to echo the potential health benefits of tigernut.

Tiger nut Nutrient and it’s benefit.

Tigernuts are high in fiber. It has a higher fibre content than oat bran, rice bran, peaches, cabbage, pears, apple, carrots and chia seeds. Fiber helps your body by providing simple relief of constipation and also keeps you fuller, helps with lowering cholesterol, aids in weight loss and weight maintenance( I can testify to that )

Tigernut milk is a great milk alternative, like a dear friend of mine who suffers with lactose intolerance, has swapped her conventional milk to drinking tigernut milk instead. Tigernuts do not contain lactose, meaning people with lactose intolerance can also use or drink the milk from tigernut. It is high in calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin E which our normal milk lack. As a great tea lover I use tigernut milk for my tea (Try warm Tiger nut Milk with 100% cocoa powder and Black strapped molasses. Yummy)

Tigernuts are a Solid Source of Magnesium which keeps our whole body ticking. Magnesium helps promote normal muscle and nerve function, keep the heart beat steady, support our immune functions that keep us from getting sick, regulate blood sugar, strengthen bones, keep blood pressure at healthy levels, and help us process protein.

Tigernuts are high in amino acids which can Help Control Your Blood Pressure. Although there are various types of amino acids present in tiger nuts, arginine higher. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research names arginine as a precursor to nitric oxide, which keeps our blood vessels wide enough to keep blood flow normal. Arginine has been shown to aid in conditions that are caused or made worse by restricted blood vessels, such as chest pain, clogged arteries, heart failure or disease, erectile dysfunction, muscle cramps, artery diseases not affecting the heart or the brain (peripheral vascular disease) and headaches induced by swollen blood vessels.

Tigernuts are rich in Vitamin E. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institute of Health, “Vitamin E” actually is a catch-all reference to a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants help the body protect itself from free radicals, molecules that have an unshared electron. The unshared electron can react with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species, which are damaging to our bodies. Vitamin E protects us by inhibiting the creation of these reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E combined with high levels of oleic acid, two components of tiger nuts, has also been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Tigernuts are high in potassium, and potassium is one of the minerals that contributes to proper cell and organ function, especially heart function. It also regulates muscle contractions, meaning it aids in digestive functions and has even been said to lower blood pressure. Potassium has also been shown to be integral in bone health. Adding tiger nuts into your daily diet can help stave off bone degeneration and keep the rest of the body functioning well at the same time.

Tigernuts are said to Cure Erectile Dysfunction-Tigernuts have been found effective in maintaining the flow of blood and controlling blood pressure. For this reason, they are indirectly effective in improving erectile dysfunction

Tigernuts Are a Good Non-meat Source of Protein especially for those who are staying off animal protein.

Tigernut can be made in flour which I personally make after milking the nuts. These are high insoluble dietary fiber which can also help diabetics stay healthy and regulate their blood sugar. A study done in collaboration with Harvard mentions insoluble dietary fiber as an important tool in helping diabetics regulate their blood sugar. Fiber does not raise blood sugar levels (as opposed to other types of carbohydrates) because it cannot be digested.

Now you know some of the benefit of Tigernuts and it’s different forms. Why not introduce tigernuts into your diet to maximise it’s benefit.

See Recipe on how to make Tigernut Milk and Flour and Tigernut Pancake