Disadvantages of tiger nuts

Health Complications and Health Importance of Tiger Nuts.

Disadvantages of tiger nuts; health complications and Health importance of tiger nuts; 

HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF TIGER NUT

Tiger Nuts are the original Paleo superfood. They are the most nutritionally dense tuber on the planet, believed to be the primary source of food and nutrition for our ancient ancestors. There is evidence from Oxford university that over a million years ago, Tiger Nuts were the staple food of our ancestors, the ‘nutcracker man,’ and that Tiger Nuts were eaten regularly as part of the stone age diet. Some scientists believe Tiger Nuts were an essential source of nutrition that helped our brains grow and develop as human beings. 

freshly cultivated tiger nuts

Tiger Nuts are an ancient super food, and 4,000 years ago, they had some genuinely excellent nutritional and health benefits. The ancient Egyptians believed that Tiger Nuts had healing and regenerative properties. Ayurvedic medicine has used Tiger Nuts to treat many health issues, and in Africa, they were used as a medicine and food. But importantly, the health properties and nutritional claims are backed by research and scientific evidence.

First cultivated in ancient Egypt, Tiger Nuts have played a vital part in diets in several cultures, including African and European. 

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF TIGERNIUT:

Tiger nut is not a natural nut; despite its name, tiger nut is a tuber. However, its chemical composition shares characteristics with tubers. The moisture content is lower than that reported for true tubers such as potato and yam.

 The principal components of tiger nuts are carbohydrates. The oil content is about 24.5%. Some authors have reported that the oil content of tiger nuts varies between 22.8 and 32.8 g/100 g. Tiger nut lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents (fiber and starch included) are higher than those in the tubers. 

Major fatty acids present in tiger nut oil are 14:0 (0.2%), 18:0 (3.2%), 20:0 (0.4%), 16:1 n − 7 (0.3%), 18:1 n − 9 (72.6%), 18:2 n − 6 (8.9%), and 18:3 n − 3 (0.4%). In contrast, oleic and linoleic acid is found in greater amounts at the 2-position. The three positions are not equivalent regarding bioavailability and human health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TIGER NUT:

Tigernut is not nuts; Rather, tiger nuts are tubers.

We cannot be talking about tiger nuts without adequately investigating this beautiful tuber’s numerous health benefits, medicinal properties, and nutritional value. Let’s look at some of them.

(1) It contains essential vitamins like vitamin B, C, and E, insoluble fiber, potassium, proteins, natural sugars, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, etc.

(2) It contains enzymes that help digestion, such as catalase, lipase, and amylase, and they are often recommended to those suffering from constipation or indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea.

(3) magnesium in tiger nuts helps fight against osteoporosis and tooth decay, prevent menstrual problems, and maintain a constant body pH.

(4) Due to the high potassium in tiger nuts, it helps to control activities of the heart and blood pressure.

(6) Due to the high fiber content, tiger nuts help prevent constipation.

(7) Gingernut is an aphrodisiac, very good for the libido in both males and females. It also contains arginine, which is suitable for sexual, arterial, and heart health.

(8) Its high vitamin E content makes it perfect to be used as a cosmetic product to help slow down skin aging.

(9) It is high in antioxidants, antibacterial and antispasmodic.

(10) Phytochemicals in tiger nuts are most beneficial to humans and have antimicrobial, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

SIDE EFFECTS AND HEALTH COMPLICATION OF CONSUMING TIGER NUT


There are no reported side effects or health complications of consuming tiger nuts other than the following:

1. Possible Allergies

There is no food or drink without the possible risk of allergies, and tiger nuts are not an exemption. There have been reports of allergies to tiger nuts and tiger nut juice.

2. Food poisoning

Tiger nuts juice can become contaminated, especially when prepared in unhygienic conditions. Dirty tiger nuts and tiger nuts fluid can cause food poisoning with symptoms like abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, bloody stools, etc

3. Weight gain

This is not a side effect in the real sense because people may take tiger nuts to gain weight. Tiger nuts are rich in calories and promote weight gain.

4. Cough

Swallowing the chaff of tiger nuts can irritate the airway and cause a cough. Tiger nuts have no severe side effects and disadvantages, especially if it is thoroughly washed before consumption or made into juice.

CONCLUTION

The Disadvantages of tiger nut are negligible, tiger nuts are one of the important food we should definitely have around. Although not technically a nut, tiger nuts is an interesting addition to a health-promoting diet. They’re rich in many nutrients, contribute to good digestion.

they also  protect against infections and health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Keep in mind that these tubers are rich in fiber, so those interested in adding them to their diet should do so gradually to avoid any potential and unpleasant bloating or gas.

You may also like to read our recent article, Strawberry, Blueberry and Redcurrant Smoothie Recipe

 

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