Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.3.4825
Potential of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) as a functional food: nutritional composition, health-promoting properties, utilization, and contributions to sustainable agriculture
Dominika LENICKÁ
; Institute of Plant Production, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Katarína FATRCOVÁ ŠRAMKOVÁ
; Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Eva KOVÁČIKOVÁ
; Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Branislav GÁLIK
; Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Klaudia TOMÁŠOVÁ
; Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Martyna BŁASZCZYK-ALTMAN
; Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of the National Education Commission, ul. Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Kraków, Poland
Martin PRČÍK
; Institute of Sustainable Regional and Local Development, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Vladimíra BELLA
; AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
Yuxiao HUAI
; Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health in Universities of Shandong, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, PR China
Peijian SUN
; Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health in Universities of Shandong, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, PR China
Zuzana KŇAŽICKÁ
; Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76, Nitra, Slovakia
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
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.
Ključne riječi
Cyperus esculentus L.; nutrition; health benefits; applications; disease prevention; sustainable agriculture
Hrčak ID:
335643
URI
Datum izdavanja:
17.9.2025.
Posjeta: 848 *