Chapter one

Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) is an edible spherical rhizome plant that can be eaten either fresh, dried, or in other forms of processing (Bazine and Arslanoğlu, 2020). It is not a nut; it is also called by many names, such as nutsedge, nutgrass, earth almond, etc. (Samuel, 2016). Its origins lie in most parts of tropical and temperate climates across the world (Rubert et al., 2017; Bazine and Arslanoğlu, 2020). It is mostly cultivated in Africa, Madagascar, the Middle East, Southern Europe, and India; some of the leading countries cultivating it include Nigeria, Niger, Togo, Benin, the US, Iran, Iraq, and Morocco.It may sprout several times throughout its life cycle. Its leaves have a very tough texture. One plant may produce up to 2420 seeds (Ihenetu et al., 2021). The diameter of the tubers is between 0.3-1.9 cm (Ihenetu et al., 2021). The plant grows in huge amounts in some West African countries such as Spain (Rosell, 2020). The physical properties of the tubers change due to heat stress, which means that tigernuts can adapt to many environmental conditions and live successfully there (Rubert et al., 2018). There are three cultivars of tigernuts: yellow, brown, and black. There was a difference between the properties of these varieties (Nina et al., 2019; Ismaila et al., 2020).The main causes of variation in the chemical characteristics of tigernuts include the production site and genetics (Duman, 2019). The tigernut is oval, ovoid, or oblong (Asare et al., 2020). The moisture content influences the rheological, functional (Gasparre and Rosell, 2019), and thermophysical characteristics of tigernut (Usman et al., 2019). The morphology, porosity, density, and mechanical strength of the tigernut are influenced by freshness and moisture content (Emurigho et al., 2020).The geometry, porosity, density and mechanical strength of the tuber are affected by freshness and moisture content (Emurigho et al., 2020). Physical characteristics like thickness, geometric mean diameter, length, width, bulk density, tuber density and surface area of the tigernut are also influenced by the moisture content of the tigernut (İnce et al., 2017). An increase in moisture content results in an increase in thermal conductivity, diffusivity, specific heat, bulk density and surface area but leads to a decrease in tuber porosity (Usman et al., 2019). The black variety had high loose and bulk density, swelling ability and water absorption ability (Ayo et al., 2016). Unprocessed tigernut resulted in nutty-sweet flavor during chewing (Maduka and Ire, 2018). Sweetness is attributed to the activity of enzymes inside the tigernut acting on the starch (Owuama and Owuama, 2020).

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

With the increase in the number of lifestyle diseases among the youths, there is a growing concern over the dietary practices that might lead to these problems. Tigernuts, which are rich sources of nutrients and minerals, have become popular due to their positive effects on health, such as boosting digestive function, improving energy levels, and contributing to overall wellness. Nevertheless, despite their advantages, there is a lack of information on the degree of influence that these nuts can exert on the well-being of the youth.In essence, research into the health benefits of tigernuts among the youth population becomes crucial to encourage better eating practices as well as counter the emerging health threats to their wellbeing. The knowledge about the health benefits of tigernuts can go further to increase the intake of nutritious foods thereby creating a health-aware society amongst the younger generation. It is with this view that the current study is undertaken.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this research is to investigate the health benefits of tigernuts among youths. Specific objectives include:

(i) Investigate the effect of processing on nutritional qualities of tigernut flour

(ii) Highlight the nutritional and health benefits of tigernuts among youths in Nigeria

(iii) Investigate the effects of processing of tigernuts on nutritional qualities of tigernut milk

(iv) Highlight some potential products from tigernut that can provide health benefits.

1.4 Research Questions

(i) What is the effect of processing on nutritional qualities of tigernut flour?

(ii) What are the nutritional and health benefits of tigernuts among youths in Nigeria?

(iii) What is the effect of processing of tigernuts on nutritional qualities of tigernut milk?

(iv) What are the potential products from tigernut that can provide health benefits?