Tiger nuts, from the Cyperus family has been with us for over a millennium. It has many names like Zulu nut, yellow nutgrass, ground almond, chufa, edible rush and rush nut. In Nigeria, it is called Ofio in the Southwest, Aki Hausa in the Southeast and Aya in the North.
It is mostly found and naturalized in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leon
Most people eat it without knowing the health benefits it has, while others do not eat it at all due its appearance.
It is not actually nut, but small tuber
It is very high in proteins, natural sugars, delicious taste which makes them ideal for healthy eating.
Tiger nuts are very healthy, good source of energy, which help prevent heart attacks, and improve blood circulation. Due to the high contents of soluble glucose it can also help prevent cancer, colon cancer to be precise.
Its high fibre contents If chewed and thrown away, is lost. The fibre aids digestion and helps with weight loss.
It supplies the body with enough quantity of Vitamin E, very essential for fertility in both men and women.
It is a good source of vitamin B1 which assists in balancing the central nervous system and helps to encourage the body to adapt to stress.
It also prevents constipation.
- Helps control blood pressure
- Can help prevent heart diseases
- Good Source of non-animal protein
- Tiger nut substitutes animal milk
It contains the healthy fats
It fights malnutrition
It is a good source of magnesium for muscle and nerve function and for the proper functioning of the immune system.
It is economically rich as it can be used for oil, milk and flour
It is still a good food, snack for all.
