Tigernut

Other Names : Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus tuberosus, Earth-almond, chufa sedge, nut grass, yellow nutsedge, tiger nut sedge, Tigernuts, Tiger nuts
Cyperus esculentus is a crop of the sedge family widespread across much of the world. It is native to most of the Western Hemisphere as well as southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. It has become naturalized in many other regions, including Ukraine, China, Hawaii, Indochina, New Guinea, Java, New South Wales and various oceanic islands. The tubers are edible, with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour, compared to the more bitter tasting tuber of the related Cyperus rotundus (Purple Nutsedge). They are quite hard and are generally soaked in water before they can be eaten. They have various uses, in particular they are used in Spain to make Horchata. They are sometimes known by their Spanish name, "chufa".
See also : Resistant Starch

Benefits and uses of Cyperus Articulatus are

According to the book, Domestication of Plants in the Old World, civilizations as early as the ancient Egyptians (6,000 B.C.) relied on tiger nut crops to sustain the population. Remarkably, these bite-size tubers have a nutrition profile similar to human breast milk, and this may explain why man is instinctively attracted to them. The carbohydrate, fat and protein ratio of tiger nuts mimics that of human breast milk, perhaps helping the body's genetics recall a sensation of nurturing. As a source of oils, the tubers were used in pharmacy under the Latin name bulbuli thrasi beginning no later than the end of 18th century. Tiger nuts are regarded as a digestive tonic, having a heating and drying effect on the digestive system and alleviating flatulence. They also promote urine production and menstruation. The tubers are said to be aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine they are used in the treatment of flatulence, indigestion, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, debility and excessive thirst.

• Prebiotic : Tiger nuts are comprised of 9 percent fiber, which comes as a rare form of prebiotic fiber, helping feed the trillions of good microbes in the gut. This prebiotic fiber enhances the human microbiome, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively, starting in the gut. Paleo diets that follow a strict protocol for healing autoimmune disorders, favor tiger nuts because of their prebiotic qualities. Tiger nuts can empower the body to heal from conditions that seem irreversible, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Resistant Starch : The starch in tiger nuts is called resistant starch. Its resiliency in the body serves a valuable purpose in the gut, bypassing the small intestine and stopping in the large intestine, where it is broken down slowly by beneficial microbes. The end result is a product called butyrate which is used as fuel for healthy human cells.
• In ayurvedic medicine tiger nuts are used in the treatment of flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, debility and indigestion
• as a calming agent (sedative).
• Tiger nuts are also a decent source of protein, providing 5 grams per ounce. They are more nutritious than beef in 10 out of 18 micro-nutrient categories. They also have a similar fatty acid composition to olive oil. They are 75 percent oleic and 10 percent linoleic acid. Comprised of 30 percent starch, 14.5 percent sugar and 24.5 percent fat, tiger nuts are a great source of all-round sustenance and energy.
• Tiger nut oil can be used in the cosmetic industry. As it is antidioxide (because of its high content in vitamin E) it helps slow down the ageing of the body cells. It favours the elasticity of the skin and reduces skin wrinkles