A precious ally of the intestine, the sweet bunting, is the tuber of the herbaceous plant Cyperus esculentus and is an almost unknown superfood but with exciting properties. Also known as ground almond, this tuber is widespread in Spain, especially in the Valencia area, and resembles a walnut. Brown in color has a sweet taste that makes it perfect as a snack and is harvested between November and December.
Ground Almonds: Nutritional Characteristics Of A Superfood
As anticipated, the sweet hamper is the tuber of the herbaceous plant Cyperus esculentus of the Cyperaceae family. It is more commonly known as ground almond, tiger nut, Cipro or chufa. From a nutritional point of view, the characteristics of the bunting are:
- 26% water
- 9% fiber
- 25% fat
- 30% starch
- 1.7% protein
- Minerals: potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, zinc.
- Vitamins: C, B1, E.
“Many antioxidants, mostly beta-carotene, amino acids and fatty acids: oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid”, while from the point of view of caloric intake, about 100 grams of sweet bunting contain 400 kcal.
Sweethammer: Properties For The Gastrointestinal System
A large amount of fiber also helps to appease the appetite and increase satiety, thus making it useful in weight loss diets. “Always at the gastrointestinal level – adds the interviewee – the bunting is supportive in case of meteorism and abdominal swelling as it acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the intestinal flora.” Fiber is also supportive in high cholesterol and diabetes cases, as it can regulate both LDL and blood sugar levels.
Ground Almonds, Allies Of The Cardio-Circulatory System
The benefits of the chufa are also significant at the level of the cardio-circulatory system. “Thanks to the presence of unsaturated fats, whose profile closely resembles that of olive oil, it can prevent various heart diseases”. But not only do the excellent levels of arginine make the bunting a good regulator of blood pressure, but this amino acid promotes the synthesis of nitric oxide, a compound capable of stimulating the dilation and relaxation of blood vessels.
Against Aging
The high levels of vitamin E and oleic acid keep the skin healthy, promoting its elasticity and preventing the onset of wrinkles, dermatitis, and eczema. “Equally well known – explains the doctor – are also the antioxidant properties of the bunting, thanks to the presence of numerous antioxidant substances which, together with vitamins C and E, can counteract the action of free radicals and prevent aging”. Finally, the antibacterial properties should also be remembered: ground almonds are particularly effective against salmonella and E. coli; they are finally remineralizing and energizing.
How Are Ground Almonds Consumed?
The nutritionist biologist explains that the simplest way to consume ground almonds is to eat them raw as if they were nuts: they are excellent as a snack to break hunger. On the market, it is generally dried, but the doctor recommends rehydrating it before consumption by soaking it in water for about 12 hours.
Buntings are good eaten together with cereals and yogurt for a healthy breakfast. The gigolo can be ground and used to prepare flours that are well suited for making bread and biscuits. “It should be emphasized that the gigolo is gluten-free, so all the starchy products obtained from it are foods that can be used by celiacs and gluten intolerant”. The flour can also be added directly to yogurt, milk or vegetable drinks, and cooked foods such as soups and puddings, with which highly satiating creams are created, again by the fiber content.
Are There Any Contraindications?
“The bunting – concludes the interviewee – has no particular contraindications except for rare allergy cases. It is always good to consult your doctor if you are taking drugs, as it is preferable not to exceed the quantities given the caloric intake “.
Also Read: GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS: FLOURS FOR CELIACS, BENEFITS AND HOW TO USE THEM
