DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.3.4825

2025, 26 (3)   p. 733-748

Dominika LENICKÁ, Katarína FATRCOVÁ ŠRAMKOVÁ, Eva KOVÁČIKOVÁ, Branislav GÁLIK, Klaudia TOMÁŠOVÁ, Martyna BŁASZCZYK-ALTMAN, Martin PRČÍK, Vladimíra BELLA, Yuxiao HUAI, Peijian SUN, Zuzana Kňažická

Abstract

Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.), also known as chufa or earth almonds, are increasingly recognized not only as a health-promoting functional food but also for their sustainable agricultural benefits. Although their cultivation has a rich history, today they are considered a forgotten agricultural crop. The review particularly focuses on their nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, associated health-promoting activities, and diverse potential applications. Tiger nuts are a valuable source of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. These include cardiovascular and metabolic improvements, diabetes prevention, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as potential anti-carcinogenic and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, this review highlights their underutilized status, which could support the diversification of food sources and enhance food security. Currently, tiger nuts are regarded as a valuable component of a health-promoting and balanced diet, deserving of greater scientific attention, interest from consumers, and engagement by the food industry. The sustainable cultivation of tiger nuts should be encouraged, along with clinical investigations into their experimentally proven biological activities, to establish safe and effective dosage levels for their potential use in the prevention and treatment of civilization diseases. This paper underscores the importance of further research and promotion of tiger nuts as a valuable resource for the global population.

Keywords

Cyperus esculentus L., nutrition, health benefits, applications, disease prevention, sustainable agriculture

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