Sometimes called chufa or earth almonds, tiger nuts are the roots of the African plant yellow nutsedge. They’re often used in Spain and Mexico as a main ingredient in the sweet drink horchata de chufa. They can be used in many other forms, from tiger nut milk to tiger nut flour.
Raw tiger nuts are packed with various nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. One ounce of raw tiger nuts contains:
There are also high levels of zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron in tiger nuts, all of which provide essential health benefits. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and fatty acids have been found in ground tiger nuts as well.
Though tiger nuts contain many essential nutrients that support general health, there haven’t been many human studies on the direct effects of this particular food on your sex life.
Research on Tiger Nuts Benefits Sexually
For instance, animal research suggests tiger nuts increase nitric oxide in penile tissues, which may improve erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms. However, it’s unclear if these same results would happen in human males.
Another animal study found that tiger nuts were useful in restoring sperm count, testicular health, and antioxidant enzymes in alcohol-exposed rats. But again, more human research is needed to confirm these findings.
The truth is, no single food is a magical cure-all for sexual issues. But a good diet full of nutritious and varied foods may help boost sexual libido by helping your body function properly.
On the other hand, unhealthy eating can contribute to numerous medical conditions, which could negatively impact sexual activity. For example, erectile dysfunction is often linked to obesity and diabetes, which can be caused by a poor diet.
Making healthier food choices can help with weight loss and indirectly improve erectile function by supporting overall health.
Keep reading to learn more about tiger nuts benefits sexually (and non-sexually) and why you might want to add this snack food to your diet.
Some of the top benefits of tiger nuts are that they:
Not all of these benefits may seem relevant to your sexual health, but we beg to differ. Keep reading to see what we mean.
1. Tiger Nuts May Improve Digestion
Tiger nuts are a rich source of resistant starch, a type of fiber that feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, helping your digestion run smoothly.
One small study found that the resistant starch in tiger nut milk drinks improved gut microbes in just three days.
Tiger nuts are also a good source of fiber, with high amounts of dietary (or insoluble) fiber. Insoluble fiber passes through the gut without being digested, adding bulk to your stools and helping food move through your stomach more easily to reduce the chance of constipation.
Why does this matter for your sexual health? Resistant starch helps you stay fuller longer, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Since being overweight or obese is linked to sexual dysfunctions like low libido and erectile dysfunction, tiger nuts may have a positive effect on your waistline and your sex life.
2. Tiger Nuts Could Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
One reason tiger nuts may help keep blood sugar levels in check is that the tubers have such high fiber content. This may slow down the absorption of sugar (glucose) in the gut.
Tiger nuts also contain lots of arginine. This essential amino acid might help increase insulin production, which could be important for blood sugar management.
Some research shows that arginine supplementation increases sexual satisfaction, orgasmic function, and erectile function in patients with ED.
3. Tiger Nuts May Improve Heart Health
Tiger nuts may help your heart, thanks to the monounsaturated fats in them. Their fat profile is similar to olive oil, which has been shown to help improve heart health.
Diets high in monounsaturated fats are linked to lower levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) and higher levels of “good” (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) cholesterol. This type of fat is also associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Additionally, research links tiger nuts to better blood circulation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Erections are all about blood flow, and erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of heart disease in men. By supporting healthy circulation, tiger nuts may support better erectile function too.
4. Tiger Nuts Could Be a Natural Aphrodisiac
One of the most touted benefits of tiger nuts sexually is a higher libido (increased sex drive).
However, while tiger nuts have long been used for their aphrodisiac properties, few studies have investigated this.
Like other studies on the sexual benefits of tiger nuts, most research is based on laboratory animals, not humans.
Healthy testosterone levels are crucial for a well-functioning libido, though. One study on rats found that eating a large number of tiger nuts for 30 days increased testosterone levels, boosted sexual activity, and increased the frequency of mating sessions.
Still, a clinical trial with humans using tiger nuts as an aphrodisiac is needed.
Are there downsides to consuming tiger nuts?
The high fiber content of tiger nuts may cause gas or bloating when you first start eating them. So start with small portions and gradually increase your intake (preferably not right before a big date).
There have also been reports of tiger nuts contaminated with bacteria and parasites. This could cause gastrointestinal infections (food-borne illness). Be sure to purchase tiger nuts from safe sources.
Tiger nuts are edible tuber snacks that provide essential nutrients, like healthy fats, zinc, and vitamins C and E. But what are tiger nuts benefits sexually to a man?
Here’s what we know:
Tiger nuts have plenty of whole-body health benefits. In subtle ways, they might help improve blood flow, control blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eating nuts can help you maintain a healthy weight. This may benefit sexual function, as erectile dysfunction is often linked to obesity and overweight.
Unfortunately, research on how tiger nuts improve sexual function in humans is lacking. Still, the other benefits of tiger nuts can help support overall wellness and potentially reduce sexual dysfunctions like ED and low libido.
If you’re struggling with ED or low sex drive, better treatments are available. The most common treatments are ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), avanafil (Stendra®), and vardenafil (Levitra®). There are also chewable ED meds like Hims hard mints.
Living healthier can help too. You can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating more nutritious foods (which may include tiger nuts!), to help improve your sexual performance and overall well-being.
If you’re struggling with low libido, talk to a healthcare provider to find out if an underlying cause, like low testosterone, is messing with your sex drive.
Schedule an online consultation with a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s right for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
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Erectile Dysfunction
Premature Ejaculation
Low Testosterone
Retrograde Ejaculation
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Anorgasmia