If you've never heard of Tiger Nuts, you're not alone at least not in this century. But believe it or not, our early human ancestors thrived on a diet primarily composed of Tiger Nuts - vegetable root tubers. Often confused for nuts, these tubers (according to Dr. Gabriele A. Macho, the visionary behind research on our ancestors' nutrition) served as the dietary bedrock for our forebears, offering the crucial calories and protein needed for survival.
How? Well, Tiger Nuts possess a low glycemic index and harbor Resistant Starch, akin to maize, making them a remarkable source of raw energy. It’s believed that our Paleolithic ancestors may have been consuming Resistant Starch while eating Tiger Nuts. In fact, Tiger Nuts stand as one of the earliest crops cultivated by humans, with roots stretching back to the 4th millennium BC in Egypt and persisting for centuries across Southern Europe.
Later, in the ancient city of Valencia, Spain, a prebiotic beverage named "Horchata de Chufa" emerged, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the contemporary "potato starch in water" diet championed by Tim Steele. The Horchata de Chufa derives from tiger nut tubers, sugar, and water. The process involves soaking the Tiger Nuts, grinding them to a pulp, pressing the mass, and finally blending it with sugar to create a rich starch beverage bursting with exceptional nutritional value.
Horchata de Chufa stands as a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and essential amino acids. The origins of Horchata de Chufa run deep into history. Introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages by the Arabs, it found its home in Mediterranean regions, with the Valencia Region being a particular hotspot. This ancestral drink was an early precursor to the modern "horchata" we love today.
Today, Tiger Nuts provides serious nutrition for today’s busy and often health-challenged consumer on-the-go. When we stack Tiger Nuts against red meat, the nutritional benefits are simply mind-blowing. These vegetable root tubers offer an array of nutrients that can rival even liver in terms of nutritional density. They likely served as an ideal staple in the Paleolithic diet, effortlessly meeting the daily nutritional requirements of our ancestors. Tiger Nuts also probably satisfied the human craving for sweetness with their naturally sweet taste.
Tiger Nuts serve as an excellent energy source, loaded with essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins E and C. They are gluten-free and, despite their misleading name, contain no nut allergens, making them a valuable addition to nearly anyone's diet. If you haven’t tried Tiger Nuts, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their slightly sweet, nutty flavor and the organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, paleo, AIP-friendly nature of these amazing vegetable tubers. Tiger Nuts USA has the most extensive line of Tiger Nuts products in the USA with Raw, Peeled, Sliced and Chopped Tiger Nuts varieties, finely ground Tiger Nuts Flour, Oil and Tiger Nuts Smoothie Mix. Visit www.TigerNutsUSA.com to shop and learn more about Tiger Nuts nutritional benefits.
