Tiger Nuts Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Tiger nuts, also known as chufa, yellow nutsedge or earth almonds, are not actually nuts, but rather edible tubers.They’re the size of a chickpea but wrinkly with a chewy texture and sweet nutty flavor similar to coconut.
Tiger nuts are rich in fiber, vitamins C and E, and minerals such as potassium and phosphorous.
They also contain some B vitamins, as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Nuts | 343.2mg | 512.6mg | 0.67 |
Tiger Nuts contains 343.2mg of Lysine and 512.6mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Tiger Nuts has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.67.
Because Tiger Nuts contains slightly more arginine than lysine, reducing its consumption may help people who suffer from herpes, as it may lower the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Tiger nuts are a good source of lysine, providing about 343.2mg per 100g.
Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function.
It's one of the nine amino acids that the body can't produce, so it must be included in our diet.
Lysine has multiple roles in the body, such as aiding in growth, healing, energy production, immune function, and the production of collagen.
Research indicates that lysine may have an impact on the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital sores.
Taking lysine supplements or using lysine cream could potentially prevent or treat these infections by inhibitnig the amino acid arginine, which the virus requires for growth.
Arginine Considerations
Tiger nuts contain more arginine than lysine, with 512.6mg of arginine per 100g.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including wound healing and immune function.
Arginine can improve your health and performance, such as lowering your blood pressure, healing your wounds, and boosting your exercise endurance.
Arginine can be made by the human body or obtained from foods like meat, dairy, nuts, and soy.
Unfortunately, the herpes virus is known to "feed" on arginine, and having a diet higher in arginine than lysine may increase the occurrence and severity of cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Tiger nuts contain more arginine than lysine. This can be undesirable by those who are prone to cold sores and herpes outbreaks.
This is however unlikely to have an effect on the overall lysine-arginine ratio in one’s diet, unless consumed in very large amounts.
The herpes simplex virus, which causes oral and genital herpes, needs arginine to multiply and infect cells.
Lysine, on the other hand, can interfere with the absorption of arginine in the intestine, and thus limit the availability of arginine for the virus.
By eating a diet higher in lysine than arginine, one may be able to prevent or treat herpes flare-ups.
Foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio include dairy, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can supply the body with sufficient lysine to compete with arginine and inhibit the virus from replicating and causing symptoms.
Dietary Considerations
Nuts are generally rich in arginine and not very high in lysine, which makes them unfavorable for people with herpes.
Arginine can stimulate the replication of the herpes virus, while lysine can inhibit it.
Nuts that have the highest arginine to lysine ratio include peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
These nuts should be avoided or consumed in moderation by people with herpes.
For instance:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation.
This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Drinking enough water to keep yourself hydrated and remove toxins from your body.
Water can also help prevent dryness and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, which can result in fewer outbreaks.
L-lysine supplementscan help you prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it develops by depriving the virus of arginine, which it needs to form a cold sore.
Other food supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants, can help you boost your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress.
To prevent outbreaks, avoid foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish.
These foods can harm your immune system and make inflammation worse.
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