Contains high fiber, good for lactose intolerant people, good source of magnesium, rich in vitamin c and e and protects from cardiovascular diseases are some of the health benefits of tiger nuts during pregnancy.
Tiger Nuts? Heard of them? Well, these are a native of Ghana or Nigeria and contrary of what the name says, they are not nuts. They are tubers like groundnuts that grow under the ground and are loaded with a number of benefits. Popular by the name of atadwe in African region it is mostly used as a substitute to milk. You can also find tiger nuts dried and roasted in honey or as flour. They are not so famous in the eastern region, but their benefits has amazed people everywhere. Here is something for all the pregnant ladies, the benefits of tiger nuts. Let’s have a look at them.
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts During Pregnancy
High fiber
Every 30 gm of tiger nuts contains around 10 gm of fibers along with their outer skin. And without the skin every 30 gm of tiger nuts contain 3 gm of dietary fibres. Fibers are essential during pregnancy as they help in maintaining the pregnancy weight and reduces the risk of constipation during pregnancy. So, the high fibers content of tiger nuts checks the digestive health.
For lactose intolerant people
Milk is an essential part of the diet during pregnancy, but in case you are intolerant to lactose, here is the apt solution for you. Tiger nut milk is rich in calcium and supports bone building, strong tissue, and growth of the baby in the womb. So, pregnant women who can’t drink cow milk can drink tiger nut milk and get all these benefits.
Good source of magnesium
Magnesium eases muscle cramps, spasms & aches, eases nausea and reduces the risk of premature labor, so it is considered as one of the essential nutrients during pregnancy. 300 gm of tiger nut flour contain 13 to 17 percent of magnesium as per several studies. So, there it is, another benefit of tiger nuts. In take of tiger nuts can provide you all these benefits of magnesium.
Rich in vitamin C and E
Tiger nuts are loaded with nutrients and one of the most abundant nutrients are vitamin E and C. They contain 15% of the daily value of vitamin E and 8% of the daily value of vitamin C in every ounce. The vitamin E present in tiger nuts helps in the formation of RBCs, maintains the structure of fats, prevents blood clots and provides many more benefits during pregnancy. And the vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen which is an essential component of cartilage, tendons, bones, and skin.
Protects from cardiovascular diseases
I’m sure you don’t want to discover any cardiovascular disease in your pregnancy or in your baby. Tiger nuts help in the avoiding cardiovascular diseases. The vitamin E present in them are a great help in avoiding cardiovascular problems. So, go grab your packet of tiger nuts milk or tiger nuts flour as soon as possible.
Rich source of protein
Well, protein is one of the essential nutrients during pregnancy as it helps in growth and repair of new and damaged tissues,making hormones and enzymes and making antibodies for their immune system. So, if you are not a non-vegetarian person, tiger nuts can provide you with the required amount of protein.
Diabetes control
Diabetes during pregnancy can turn out to be very fatal for the child and the mother. It can lead to conditions such as jaundice, macrosomia and hypoglycemia. Moreover, most of the time diabetes goes undiagnosed during the first few months of pregnancy and turns out to be fatal later on. But, if you want to control diabetes, eating tiger nuts can help you out. The highly insoluble dietary fibers in tiger nuts regulates the blood pressure level and keeps the mother and baby safe.
Helps in digestion
Owing to its high nutritional value, great fiber content and other healthy characteristics, tiger nuts excel in treating stomach disorders. They are generally used to treat irritable bowels, upset stomach, and many such digestion related issues. So, rest assured to have a healthy digestion process if you regularly eat tiger nuts.
Reduces blood sugar level
The abundance of amino acids arginine in tiger nuts helps to increase the insulin production and sensitivity in the body, which is essential for the control over blood sugar level. The presence of fiber slows down the absorption of sugar in the gut. Also, they are said to contain compounds which reduce the level of sugar absorbed by the gut after a carb-rich meal.
Improves immunity
Tiger nuts provide you with a stronger immune system. They play an important role in fighting infections. Tiger nut milk is also a source of probiotics. Probiotics which are usually found in curd, are gut-healthy bacteria that ease digestion. It is also non-inflammatory unlike many other nuts.Thus, giving you a strong immunity system.
Anti-bacterial
The Ancient Science of Life found extracts of Cyperus esculentus showed antibacterial properties towards several bacteria such as salmonella and E coli. Cyperus esculentus is the larger plant which bears tubers which is known as tiger nuts to us. Thus, the antibacterial properties of tiger nuts will keep you and your baby safe from bacterial infections.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the amazing benefits of tiger nuts. But, along with it there are some side effects as well, which should be kept in mind. Just so they grow under the ground, much like peanuts they have the threat contamination by mycotoxins which is not safe for pregnant women. They also, contain lots of fiber, so if you are intolerant to high fiber, you must peel the tiger nuts before eating. High fiber can cause flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation. Moreover, check with your doctor if you are allergic to these nuts. Apart from these small risks they are absolutely safe. Happy Parenting!
Reference
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/health-benefits-of-tiger-nuts/#gref
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tiger-nuts#section6
