Cyperus esculentus is the scientific name for the plant that produces tiger nuts. A native of Southern Europe, this plant’s natural range has expanded to include Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria, where it goes by the names nut grass and yellow nutsedge.
Due to their incredible health benefits, tiger nuts are now widely cultivated across Africa. They are tasty whether eaten fresh, dried or even partially dried. In addition, tiger nut milk and oil are common preparations for tuts. Although tiger nuts enjoyed brief popularity in the ’50s and ’60s, it wasn’t until recently that researchers realized how beneficial they could be for your health.
Those on the list below should make tiger nuts a regular part of their diet.
1. Those who are Overweight.
Fiber is an essential part of our daily diets. Facilitates bowel movements, reduces the likelihood of high cholesterol and aids in digestion (like heart disease).
There are about 10 grams of fiber in a serving of tiger nuts. In addition, fiber aids in weight loss. Reduces hunger because it keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
2. Those who are diabetic
Your blood sugar can be maintained with the help of tiger nuts. The high fiber content of tiger nuts moderates the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the body. The high arginine content of tiger nuts promotes insulin production, which in turn aids in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
3. Those with weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients.
The antioxidant properties of tiger nuts help them protect against disease.
Tiger nuts are effective against bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus in a widely publicized experiment.
4. High-cholesterol individuals
Tiger nuts contain mostly monounsaturated fat (85%), with some polyunsaturated fat (15%). Saturated fats, a toxic fat linked to heart disease, are noticeably absent. As a result of their plant-based origins, they are free of the health risks associated with cholesterol and trans fats.
