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Tiger Nuts Are the Vitamin-Packed Superfoods Missing From Your Midday Snack

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Tiger nuts are one of the latest superfoods causing a stir among health enthusiasts. And when you hear about all the wonderful benefits of tiger nuts, you’ll definitely want a taste of them.

What are tiger nuts?

Ironically enough, tiger nuts (also known as chufa) actually have nothing to do with tigers or nuts. Instead, tiger nuts are tiny root vegetables that come from a plant cultivated in China, Spain, and West Africa. The origin of tiger nuts is not completely understood, but it was historically an important crop in ancient Egypt, according to Iowa State University’s Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Although many new uses of tiger nuts now focus on the Mediterranean region, this superfood is now growing in popularity all over the world, including the United States. Considering the many health benefits that tiger nuts have to offer, it’s not surprising at all.

According to Nuts.com, tiger nuts boasts antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C, which can help keep your body healthy and ward off some diseases. Tiger nuts are also high in iron, magnesium, and phosphorous, which can be beneficial for your body’s energy and healthy functioning. Perhaps most importantly, tiger nuts are also chock-full of protein and healthy fats, which can help fight off hunger pangs and even stabilize blood sugar.

How to Use Tiger Nuts

As if the benefits of tiger nuts weren’t good enough already, an added bonus is the many uses of tiger nuts. According to the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, one of the most traditional uses is tiger nut milk. A popular beverage in countries like Spain and Nigeria, tiger nut milk ($10.15, Amazon) is so vitamin-rich that it actually includes more iron and magnesium than cow’s milk. It’s also super refreshing when it gets hot outside.

Tiger nuts have also been used to make tiger nut oil ($16.99, Amazon), which can be used for cooking or dressing salads. Tiger nut flour ($12.99, Amazon) is another popular option for many folks out there, especially when it comes to gluten-free baking. Finally, you can also try raw tiger nuts ($13.99, Amazon) as a snack to see if you like the flavor and if it might be something you’d want to add to your signature recipes at home. Who knows? It may become a new staple for you!

Next, see some of the tastiest superfoods that can help you live longer in the video below:

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