Tiger Nuts: The Ancient Superfood Everyone Should Try

For a Flat Stomach and Boosted Libido: Why You Should Add Tiger Nuts

Tiger nuts are the freshest superfood on the shelf right now, even though they are not actually a nut.
What health benefits do they hide, and how can you include them in your diet, even reducing sugar in recipes by half or more?

Although they are not new in the world, tiger nuts, also called chufa or by their botanical name Cyperus esculentus, are currently the freshest superfood on the shelf.
These small “nuts” were used for food and medicine even in ancient Egypt, and the fact that they were found in many Egyptian tombs attests to their importance at the time.
Here are some health benefits you can enjoy today.

1. Anti-aging
Tiger nuts are rich in antioxidants (mainly polyphenols) and also contain potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E
nutrients considered helpful in slowing the aging process.

2. Flatter stomach
They contain soluble fibers that prevent and treat constipation and provide a habitat for beneficial bacteria, contributing to healthy bowel function and balanced digestion.
They also contain enzymes like amylase, lipase and catalase, essential for optimal food digestion, which may reduce abdominal bloating.

4. Boosted libido
As mentioned, tiger nuts contain arginine, which increases nitric oxide levels in the blood and tissues, enhancing blood flow necessary for sexual arousal. They also contain zinc that contribute to increased sperm quantity, quality and motility.

5. Healthier heart
These small tubers can also support heart health as they contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which increase HDL (“good cholesterol”) and reduce LDL (“bad cholesterol”).
The arginine they contain dilates blood vessels, helping to balance blood pressure.

6. Fighting pathogens
In a study comparing antibiotics with compounds found in tiger nuts against various pathogens, tiger nut components were more effective, particularly against E. coli, streptococci, and Salmonella.
The studied compounds include phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and terpenes powerful antioxidants present in tiger nuts.

How to Include Tiger Nuts in Your Diet

As flour: Ground tiger nut flour (available in health stores) can be used in desserts.
Its natural sweetness allows reducing added sweeteners by half or more.

As a spread: Health stores sell tiger nut based spreads, like caramel or chocolate flavors.
The tiger nuts provide creamy texture and natural sweetness without added sugars.
Use on sandwiches or in cakes.

As a butter substitute: Replace melted butter or oil in recipes with an equal amount of tiger nut butter to make recipes healthier.
Reduce sweeteners accordingly.

As a snack or topping: Eat them whole or add to desserts, smoothies, soups, salads, or granola.

As milk: Grind the nuts thoroughly, strain through a cloth, and squeeze out liquids.
Use the milk in ice creams, smoothies, granola, or coffee.

Tiger Nut Recipe: Vegan Cream Ice Cream with Tiger Nut Butter

Ingredients (for 8 servings):
1 cup coconut cream (17% fat) or 2 tbsp melted cocoa butter + 1 cup water 1 cup cashews, soaked for 4+ hours 1 tbsp cashew or almond butter 1 tbsp maca powder Pinch of vanilla beans
Optional: 1 tbsp tiger nut butter for decoration

Instructions:
Blend all ingredients except tiger nut butter until thick like cake batter.
Add water if needed.
Pour into molds and add tiger nut butter.
Insert sticks and freeze. Remove from molds and enjoy.