TIGERNUT MILK, THE HEALTHIEST SOFT DRINK

Typical drink of the Spanish east, the tigernut was known till now for its great refreshing power in the summer months. But its properties reach much further than that. An elaborated study elaborated by the Universitat Politècnica de València reveals a lot of benefits for the health, emphasizing the reduction of “bad” cholesterol level. So now, you already know it, this summer have a glass of tigernut milk.

The study - managed by the Doctor Enrique Hernández, professor of Microbiology in this University in Valencia - emphasizes the curative and antioxidant properties of the tigernut milk, which its high content in vitamin E reduces the LDL cholesterol level, which is harmful to health. The secret of its healthy success is in its high percentage of oleic acid which is “rather higher than the olive oil’s one”. But there is even more. According to this study, due to its nutritional values, even higher than the chocolate ones, it is ideal for children, old people and sportsmen. It is also especially recommendable for diabetic people due to the presence of sucrose between its contents.

The tigernut milk is a drink produced from the tigernut (Cyperus Sculentus), a dry and brown fruit, with some creases on the surface which is cultivated during 7 or 8 months (it is sown in April and picked in November). Its origin is in Egypt, and its cultivation was introduced in our country by the Arabic people, especially in the East coast, as a product of delicate smell and taste, and as the base of the drink obtained from its maceration. Nowadays, the only area of Europe where it is cultivated is L’Horta Nord in Valencia (specially in 16 towns), where the lands have an ideal weather and ground conditions for that singular tuber. Tigernuts, sugar, water and a bit of cinnamon or lemon peel are the basic ingredients of this refreshing drink which wonderful virtues.

The more abundant nutrient in its composition is the carbohydrates. Proteins, vitamins E and C, minerals like magnesium, iron ore and calcium, and small amounts of fats, mainly no saturated are also found in its composition. The tigernut milk also contains enzymes and substances which make the digestion easier, but does not contain any cholesterol. It is rated as one of the healthiest options to refresh oneself in summer.

A FONT OF HEALTH

Table of nutritive composition of the tiger nut milk (each 100 ml)

By Fernando Belda
Magazine Esporta Health and Fitness