Tiger nuts, popularly known as “aya” in Northern Nigeria. The Yorubas
call it “Ofio”. Tiger nuts are one of nature’s super foods. They are
high in fibre, nutritious, and are believed to contain ingredients that
help prevent heart attacks and improve blood circulation in people.
It
is has high energy content (starch, fats, sugars, and protein). These
small round tubers (either fresh or dried) are rich in minerals such as
phosphorous, potassium, and vitamin E and C.
Benefits of Tiger Nuts include the following:
1. High Fibre: Tiger nuts are very rich in dietary
fibre. Over 30% of a tiger nut is made of fibre and that is more than
oats, bran and most vegetables and fruits. We all need to keep our
digestive system in good working order with fibre. It could also be an
aid to weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer.
2. High amin0 acids: Another wonderful health
benefit of tiger nut is that the nut is high in amino acids, especially
one called arginine, which is beneficial to those suffering with high
blood pressure. Arginine has been clinically proven to reduce blood
pressure.
3. Magnesium: They are a good source of magnesium.
It is needed by the body to help the muscle and nerves function and for
the proper function of the immune system. Magnesium also helps to
regulate heart beat and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
4. Rich in protein: Protein is a vital ingredient
used in building of muscle, skin and bone, and tiger nuts are in fact
one of the best, non-meat, source of protein that there is.
5. Regulates blood sugar: Another one great health
benefit of tiger nuts is that they are helpful in regulating blood sugar
levels. The insoluble fibre found in the tiger nut can be of great help
to diabetics because, unlike other carbohydrates, it does not cause
peaks and troughs in the blood sugar levels.
6. Tiger nut milk can be used as cow milk substitues:
Tiger nut milk contains no lactose but plenty of calcium, so it makes a
great alternative to cow’s milk, for people who are lactose intolerant.
7. Tiger nut is a good source of vitamin E: Tiger
nuts are also a good source of the antioxidant, vitamin E, which helps
to protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Vitamin E can help prevent both cancer and coronary disease, as well as
slow down the onset of the sign of ageing.
8. They contain healthy fats: Another health benefit
of tiger nut is that it contains the healthy oils that are very similar
to olive oil. The oil extracted from tiger nuts consist of around 80%
unsaturated fats and only 18% of the cholesterol causing saturated fat.
9. Tiger nuts are a good source of vitamins: Recent
studies revealed that tiger nuts are brimming with vitamins and
minerals. They are a super source of vitamin C and E and minerals such
as potassium and phosphorous. Some yoghurts now contain tiger nut milk
to boost their nutritional content.
10. Tiger nuts help fight malnutrition: Tiger nuts
are packed with nutritional goodness that they are being considered as
an alternative staple food in some developing countries. A study in
Egypt found that tiger nuts are more nutritious and less expensive than
some other staple food.
Source : Taravoices
