African Velvet Tamarind is one fruit that really looks too small in the mouth, yet it is loaded with benefits.
Sometimes, people kind of avoid eating this fruit because of the process of opening it up before they find the fruit.
But if you know the health benefits it offers, you will see the true meaning of the statement: ‘Good things don’t come easy’.
Interestingly, in Africa, our great-grand parents ate this fruit a lot.
We believe these natural fruits and food they ate gave them an amazing life, free from some modern diseases we see.
Among the benefits of African Velvet Tamarind are its ability to boost fertility and libido (1).
These are some of the interesting things about this fruit.
Men will find it most helpful in boosting their sexual health.
In fact, a little thinking around how many married people in the older generation that had no children will reveal to you how these natural plants offer benefits.
There are hardly married women in the past without children.
This fruit right here could play a role in boosting fertility.
Local Names Of African Velvet Tamarind
The popular names for African velvet tamarind in Nigeria are – Awin in Yoruba, Tsamiyan Biri in Hausa and Icheku in Igbo.
If you have seen this fruit before but know nothing about it, here are some health benefits it offers.
1. African Velvet Tamarind Can Treat Malaria.
First, we will talk about the leaf of the tree.
According to research, the leaf extract inhibits the growth of plasmodium falciparum which causes malaria (2).
Taking a concentrated liquor resulting from heating or boiling of this leaf can cure malaria.
2. African Velvet Tamarind Can Treat Ulcer
According to studies, the leaf extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion (3).
Therefore, preparing the leaf as stated above could be a remedy for gastric ulcer.
3. It Can Help Prevent Hypertension
Furthermore, the leaves are also highly diuretic and they promote the production of urine, making it easier for the heart to pump blood hence.
This in turn reduces the risk of hypertension.
4. Contains Anti-inflammatory And Anti-microbial Properties
If you have ever thrown the fruit of African Velvet Tamarind into your mouth and you had also tasted Vitamin C tablet, the orange colour brand, you would notice that both had same taste.
A study says African Velvet Tamarind, the fruit pulp, contains abundant vitamin C (4).
A good look at it will show how much it looks like vitamin C tablet.
This makes this fruit a great defence against microbial infections.
Also, the stem bark has the ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis (5).
5. It Improves Oral Hygiene And Cures Tooth Ache
You see, since it was discovered, the plant has served as an oral cleaning agent.
The stem of the Velvet Tamarind used as chewing stick contains saponin which adds cleaning effect to the teeth (6).
If you have plaques and caries be sure that the stem of this great plant can help remove it and make your teeth white.
The stem bark decoction is also used to treat other ailments earlier mentioned.
6. African Velvet Tamarind Reliefs Menstrual Cramp And Stops Diarrhoea
Furthermore, research has also shown that the stem bark extract of African Velvet Tamarind has significant analgesic property.
For this reason, you can use it in addressing menstrual pain.
You can take it along with papaya leaf, salt and water to work effectively.
It can also stop diarrhoea.
7. Jaundice And Diabetes Management
A decoction of velvet tamarind leaves is used in preparing medicinal solution for curing jaundice.
Also, it lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity hence, can be used to treat diabetes.
8. Pile or Hemorrhoids
Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal that often cause so much discomfort for sufferers when they want to pass feces.
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One of the reasons people have pile is too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas.
While not life threatening, these veins can be very painful.
A study of ethanolic leaves extract of Velvet Tamarind reports that it is beneficial for pile treatment (7).
9. Addresses Oxidative Damage
Most importantly, African Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body and this addresses oxidative damage.
This damage which involves free radicals – highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons – is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases.
The abundance of antioxidants in the body protects you from damage caused by these by free radicals.
10. Infections
African Tamarind helps improve lactation in women that are breastfeeding and checks private part infections.
Also, a review of several studies has concluded that chewing the fruit pulp increases secretion of milk as well as check infections.
11. Wounds
Furthermore, African Velvet Tamarind leaf is one of the leaves that have been used in the past for the treatment of Scurvy and Wounds.
The fruit pulp has high ascorbic acid content which is an anti-scurvy vitamin. This is why people use it as food supplement.
Tender leaves of velvet tamarind, when squeezed and applied on wounds, stimulates the growth of healthy skin and protects the wounds against germs and moisture.
Once in a while, get this fruit and snack on it now that you know it adds so much value to your health.
Tell us what you call this in your place.
Great stuff
Wow the benefits are awesome
I never knew it had so many benefits
😮😮😮